How A Brewery Can Host A Successful Book Club
Imagine blending the richness of storytelling with the relaxed, social vibe of a brewery. Hosting a book club at a brewery can be a great way to build community, draw in new customers, and create a unique cultural space. For breweries interested in exploring this, here’s a guide to make it both engaging and easy to execute.
1. Define Your Book Club’s Vibe
Every book club has its own personality, and the brewery setting opens the door to a few distinct possibilities. Here are some angles to consider:
Beer-Lovers’ Book Club: Pair books related to brewing, beer history, or culinary themes with tastings and beer education. A couple we like are The Lager Queen of Minnesota and The Greatest Beer Run Ever
Genre-Specific: Choose a genre that complements the vibe of the brewery, like thrillers for a gritty, industrial brewery or romance for a cozier, pub-like space.
Author Spotlight: Feature books by local authors, who may even be willing to join for a Q&A.
Defining a theme can help you attract a consistent group, as people often return for more of what they love.
2. Create a Comfortable, Inviting Space
Setting the right atmosphere can make all the difference. Here are some things to consider:
Seating Arrangements: Keep seating flexible and comfortable, ideally arranged in a circle or small groups to facilitate discussion. High-top tables, couches, or community tables work well.
Lighting: Adjust lighting to ensure people can read and take notes but still feel like they’re in a relaxed, enjoyable space.
Acoustics: Some breweries can get loud. If possible, reserve a quieter section or hold the club on a slower night. Alternatively, look into sound-mitigating solutions like soft decor or dividers.
3. Offer Book Club Perks and Specials
Sweeten the deal by offering exclusive perks for book club members. A few ideas:
Discounted Flights or Pints: A percentage off beers during the book club meeting is a great way to incentivize attendance and create loyalty.
Exclusive Brews: If possible, offer a unique beer during each meeting, perhaps inspired by the book’s theme.
Snacks and Pairings: Consider offering a limited menu of light snacks that pair with the beers for book club attendees.
These touches make the experience feel exclusive and can create a ritual that keeps members coming back.
4. Collaborate with Local Bookstores or Libraries
Team up with nearby bookstores or libraries to strengthen the community feel of the club:
Discounted Books: A local bookstore may offer discounts for members if they’re reading the book club’s selection.
Guest Librarians or Bookstore Staff: Book experts can add depth to discussions and even lead parts of the event, which can be especially helpful if no one wants to lead the conversation every time.
Co-Promotion: Partnering also opens up the opportunity for mutual promotion—both the bookstore and brewery can reach new audiences through each other’s networks.
5. Curate Engaging and Varied Book Selections
The book choice itself is crucial. Consider the following approaches:
Survey the Members: Let members have input on selections by taking a vote or creating a reading list.
Mix It Up: Alternate between fiction and non-fiction, lighter and more intense reads, or even choose a theme for each season.
Invite Authors: If possible, feature a local author or invite one via video call for a Q&A after finishing their book. Many authors love engaging with readers directly!
By offering a diverse lineup, you’ll keep the experience fresh and broaden the appeal of the club.
6. Promote Effectively
Marketing the book club will be essential for gathering regular members. Here’s how to spread the word:
Social Media: Regularly post updates, photos from past meetings, and teasers about upcoming books.
In-Brewery Signage: Put up a chalkboard or sign advertising the club, including the next book and meeting date.
Email Newsletter: Include book club updates in your regular newsletters, or even start a dedicated mailing list for club members.
Regular promotion, combined with photos and testimonials from members, can help generate a buzz around the event.
7. Make It Regular, But Flexible
Consistency helps build momentum and encourages a core group of regulars to keep coming. Try to schedule meetings monthly, giving people plenty of time to read. Flexibility is also important—if turnout is low, experiment with changing dates or times, or even make it a bi-monthly event.
Final Thoughts
Book clubs at breweries offer a refreshing twist on traditional gatherings. They combine the pleasures of reading with the social experience of a brewery, creating a space where people can connect, discuss, and relax. With the right atmosphere, thoughtful planning, and a dash of creativity, your brewery’s book club can become a highly anticipated community event.
