Brixton Brewery and Lambeth libraries have announced a pop up “LiBARary”, offering readers and beer enthusiasts a space to enjoy a book and a beer at the brewery’s taproom on Brixton Station Road.
They have also announced a week of associated literary events.
Research has found that 2.8 million Londoners have increased the amount of books they read over the past year and that increasing numbers are choosing pubs and bars to settle down with a book.
Running next week, the initiative will involve a cosy reading club, a fast fiction workshop and a poetry workshop, all hosted by It’s HardBack Out Here, a London literary community for 20-somethings.
There will also author Q&As and readings throughout the week. A poetry takeaway will serve bespoke poems for guests to carry out.
All events are either free or under £5.
Lambeth libraries will offer sign-ups for library membership, straight from the bar – offering the freedom to enjoy up to 20 books at any one time from 10 local libraries including Brixton and Carnegie – and there’s a free pint for anyone contributing a book to the LiBARary shelves.
The brewery says its research has found that almost half (46%) of the UK would consider visiting their local pub if it created a space for them to read while having a drink; Londoners (57%) are the most interested in a space like this.
The LiBARary celebrates communities that have developed up and down the UK through a shared love of reading, says the brewery, whether that be book clubs, libraries or social networks – with many turning to pubs and bars to enjoy bookish events and tuck into their favourite book with a beer.
Brixton BookJam will host a series of live readings and Q&As including a reading of Night Shift, the latest novel from Zelda Rhiando, BookJam founder and winner of the Kidwell e-book award.
The LiBARary will offer books for visitors to read with a drink courtesy of Book Stop Brixton, including a series of the latest releases from South London authors.
The LiBARary will pop up at the Brixton Brewery Taproom from 20 to 24 November, at Arch 548 Brixton Station Rd, SW9 8PF.
These are the events on offer:
Wednesday 20 November
Cosy Reading Club, 7-10pm (drop in), hosted by It’s Hardback Out Here. Bring your own book or borrow one from the Brixton Brewery LiBARary and read at your leisure. Conversation prompts/questions will be scattered on tables to encourage conversation between readers about what they are reading. Bookmarks will be made available for people to poke out of the top of their books to signal they are open to a conversation. No bookmark means do not disturb. Free (guests must register for a ticket).
Thursday 21 November
Lambeth libraries in residence 6–7.30pm. Brixton library will showcase what is available from our local library. There will be popular books to loan, and librarians will demonstrate how to access ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby, Borrowbox and Lambeth ;ibraries apps. Join Lambeth libraries online ahead of your visit and pick up your library card on the day. Free (walk-ins welcome).
Live readings and Q&A with authors, hosted by Brixton BookJam 7–9pm. Zelda Rhiando will read from her latest novel, Night Shift, which explores the boundaries of love and mortality.
Tony White will read from his novel The Fountain in the Forest, “A gripping police procedural” (Times Literary Supplement)
Andrew Grumbridge and Vincent Raison of the Deserter podcast will read from Shirk, Rest and Play: The Ultimate Slacker’s Bible. Free (guests must register for a ticket).
Friday 22 November
Lambeth libraries in residence. 6–7.30pm. (As above).
Saturday 23 November
Pints, Poems and Prose literature afternoon. Fast Fiction Workshop, hosted by It’s Hardback Out Here (11am-1pm) – A free drop-in session to encourage creative writing. Stimulating prompts for short story ideas will be scattered around the LiBARary with beer coasters provided to write your stories on, share and talk about with your fellow scribes. Free (guests must register for a free ticket).
Poetry workshop with special guests The Poetry Takeaway hosted by It’s Hardback Out Here. Session 1: 2–3pm. Session 2: 3.30-4.30pm – Two one-hour workshops for 15 people run by poet Laurie Bolger from Poetry Takeaway. Guests will be guided through the art of creating the perfect poem. £5 per workshop, which includes a pint of Brixton Brewery beer. Tickets.
Poetry Takeaway. 2–6pm. (“last orders” 5.45pm). Poetry Takeaway will serve personalised, quality poetry to visitors: performed and wrapped to take away. Free (drop by whenever).
Sunday 24 November
Beer & Books reading afternoon at the Taproom, hosted by Brixton Brewery. 1-4pm. The LiBARary will be open to anyone wanting to hunker down with a good book and a drink, in a chilled out environment. Enjoy soothing music, comfy seating and choose from a selection of books, courtesy of Book Stop Brixton, or bring your own! Free (drop by whenever).
The brewery’s research found that more than a third (39%) of Brits have been part of a book club or know someone who has.
Almost a quarter (24%) of people in the UK have increased the amount of reading they do outside the home in the past year, and almost a quarter (23%) have seen more people reading a book in pubs and bars.
The brewery plans launch more bookish offerings in the coming year.
“Brixton has always been a hub for a mix of the city’s best culture, music, art and food, and with so many people finding pubs and bars the perfect environment to settle down with a book, we want the LiBARary to celebrate both seasoned and new readers with a dedicated space to enjoy reading and a taste of the buzzing literary community that makes Brixton, and London, so special,” said Xochitl Benjamin, co-founder of Brixton Brewery.
“It’s clear that more and more of us are connecting with new people through a love of reading, and people have always done the same over a pint, so we’re sure that the LiBARary will make it that bit easier to do both – or simply relax alone with a book and a drink.”
More information on the LiBARary and how Brixton Brewery is supporting the city’s book lovers.
