‘Pub library’ launches in Brixton to meet demand for books in bars
A Brixton brewery has revealed a pop-up ‘LiBARary’ for bookworms and beer enthusiasts alike.
The LiBARary, from Brixton Brewery in Station Road, will host a pop-up mini library in the brewery’s taproom, alongside a programme of events hosted by some of the city’s best literary and bookish talent.
The South London brewery’s own research has found that more than half of Londoners would consider visiting their local pub if it created a space for them to read whilst having a drink.
Events coming up later this month at the LiBARary include a Pints, Poems and Prose Literature Afternoon on November 23, followed by a Poetry Workshop with special guests.
On November 24, the taproom will play host to a more lowkey Beer & Books reading afternoon.
The LiBARary will also house a selection of books for visitors to tuck into with a drink, anytime, courtesy of Book Stop Brixton- with anyone donating a book to the LiBARary eligible for a free pint.
Throughout the week, Lambeth Libraries will be on hand to make it easy to sign up for a Library membership, straight from the bar- with the membership offering the freedom to enjoy up to 20 books at any given time from 10 libraries including Brixton Library and Carnegie Library.
Xochitl Benjamin, co-founder of Brixton Brewery, said: “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 so special.
“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.”
The concept was conjured up after research from Brixton Brewery found that almost a third of people in the UK increased the amount of books they read in the past year, with well over a third joining a book club or knowing someone who has.
Brixton Brewery hopes that the pop-up will quench the nation’s new reading habits, with a view to launch more bookish offerings in the coming year.
More information on the LiBARary and how Brixton Brewery is supporting the city’s book lovers can be found here.
(Picture: Brixton Brewery)