Stouts & Stories, Ales and Tales is a six-week celebration of Jefferson County beer and books with special events, tap parties, contests, prizes and a passport beer tour. The idea for the beer program originated during a staff “Shark Tank” proposal to re-attract adults to the library. The impetus for the effort came from the community’s love of craft beer, the desire to take the library into the community in an unexpected way, and a desire to support economic development by connecting library patrons with Jeffco small businesses.
Jeffco Passport Beer Tour | October 1 - November 15 - Residents can pick up Beer Tour Passports from any Jeffco Library beginning Oct. 1. As they visit brewery partners in the county, they’ll receive discounts and prizes.
Craft Beer Talk and Tap Event | Wednesday, Oct. 11 | 6 - 9 p.m. - Celebrate Jeffco beer and books at this 21+ talk and beer tasting event hosted at the Lamar Street Center in Arvada, 5889 Lamar Street in Arvada. The event is free, but registration is required at bit.ly/jeffcobeer. Attendees must be 21+ with a valid photo ID to register and taste some of Jefferson County’s best craft beers while listening to short, TED-style talks from Colorado’s best brewers. Speakers include Tim Matthew, Oskar Blues, Head of Brewing Operations; Tamar Banner, New Belguim, Brewing Supervisor; and Travis Rupp, The Beer Archeologist, CU Boulder; and Karen Hertz, founder of Holidaily Brewing Co. Music is provided by Half Pint and the Growlers.
Tap Parties - In addition to the beer tour and talk event, the library is hosting four Tap Parties at area brewers where a special library beer will be tapped and guests can enjoy beer trivia with prizes.
- Wednesday, Oct. 25| 4- 8 p.m. at Green Mountain Beer Co. (2585 S. Lewis Way in Lakewood)
- Friday, Oct. 27 | 4 – 8 p.m. at Someplace Else Brewery (6425 W. 52nd Ave.in Arvada)
- Wednesday, Nov. 8 | 4 – 8 p.m. at Westfax Brewing (6733 W. Colfax Ave. in Lakewood)
- Wednesday, Nov. 15 | 7 – 10 p.m.at Lariat Lodge Brewing Co. (27618 Fireweed Drive in Evergreen)
Other library events include The Story of Beer (dates and locations) where people can learn the origins and history of beer in Jefferson County, how it’s made, different types of beer and stories of the rise of several great American brewers and beer families. Trends in micro brewing and craft beers, and their strong Colorado connections, will be featured.
People can get crafty and customize their own beer pint glass at one of the library’s glass etching classes where all supplies and materials are provided. Participants can enter fun contests and win weekly prizes throughout the six weeks on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram and a grand prize at the end of the program. People will earn an entry each time they play using the #stoutsandstories. The grand prize includes an annual Colorado State Parks pass.
This program was made possible in part thanks to our sponsors and partners, including On Tap Credit Union; Oskar Blues Brewery; New Belgium; Avery Brewing Co.; Holidaily Brewing; Caution: Brewing Co.; Colorado Plus Brew Pub & Taphouse; Evergreen Tap House; Golden City Brewery; Green Mountain Beer Co.; Ironworks Brewery & Pub; Joyride Brewing Co.; Kokopelli Beer Co.; Landlocked Ales Taproom & Brewery; Kline’s Beer Hall; Lariat Lodge Brewing Co.; Mountain Toad Brewing; Someplace Else Brewery; Westfax Brewing; and Active Minds.
Check out all the beer-related programs the library has planned at jeffcolibrary.org/beer.
