Such a *hot* idea for libraries
The current issue of the Improper Bostonian includes their 13th annual “best of” lists for Boston. One of the most fabulous listings was for Newtonville Books in Newton, MA, where they have an even they call “Books and Brews“.
What is the “Books & Brews” author event series?
The Books & Brews series are events which are cohosted by Newtonville Books and a local restaurant. After the reading and signing at the bookstore, patrons are invited to stroll down the street to a local restaurant with the author to enjoy free appetizers and a free drink. It is a wonderful social event for mixing and mingling with writers, friends and other bibliophiles.
When I was at Wesleyan, my house (Alpha Delta Phi Literary Society) offered a similar programming called Faculty Fellows, where faculty would give a lecture or talk about their work, their research, recent publications, or current topics in their field. Then, we would retire to the eating club in our house to have dinner with the faculty. It was awesome for business, and all the lecture attendees had a positive experience in our house, and would return for other events.
Yes, I imagine some libraries would have a problem with promoting the consumption of alcohol. But really, how best to encourage young, hip, newly-minted taxpayers that the library is where it’s at than by promoting an event they would be really interested in attending? Have the book reading in the library, then patronize local establishments. Heck, if you wanted to include the non-drinking set, offer “Books and [Coffee] Brews”, or something like that. Or even have local eateries bring food to the library, and charge a small fee for a small, snack-sized buffet or something. Excellent for library traffice and local business, and it breeds the “libraries are cool places” feeling in patrons.
Tags: librarianship
