BOOZY BOOK FAIR - Potent Mix of Rock Island Public House and Bookies

Tapping a national trend, Rock Island Public House’s “Boozy Book Fair” Saturday, November 11 is a binding of grown-ups seeking the latest in great literature while also sipping an adult beverage late afternoon.

Partnering with Bookies, the popular independent bookstore in Beverly, Rock Island Public House owners will host the exclusive book fair from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 13328 Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island, Illinois.

“Ours is just the right vibe for a book fair,” said Rock Island Public House owner Jennifer Brown. “Imagine a day getaway at a speakeasy set in a library with no kids around, chores, sports or worries – just the great potential of the next book you’ll bring home or to your book club.”

With room for a hundred bookworms, “the least sports-oriented drinking establishment on Western” will be ready with its great selection of craft brews found around the Midwest, mixed drinks such as an Old Fashioned and wine choice.

A surprise cocktail (yet to be named) will be unveiled in the spirit of the great “GET LIT”erature campaign of the same ilk as independent bookstores around the nation mixing up grown-up fun with a love of literature.

The layout in the Public House will be similar to most book fairs, with displays of showcased, market-style, best-sellers for purchase, complementary literature games for grown-ups, specialty writing tools for authors and even picture books for the nostalgic, such as the series of Golden Books featuring pop culture icons like Dolly Parton.

“You won’t be able to leave without a book,” said Nancy Beach of Bookies.

According to organizers, the literary selections will span genres, but not be overwhelming.

Bookies’ Carrie Bertz expects “communing” to be the theme of the day.

"You will be surrounded by like-minded book enthusiasts," said Bertz. "Independent booksellers provide the kind of knowledge that you can't get if you only shop online. We encourage everyone to shop locally to get that specialized experience."

Bizarro & Son will be on hand with its specialty house dishes delivered directly to tables. The “Mexican Scratch Kitchen” prepares healthy dishes made only with fresh ingredients – nothing processed.

“This is nostalgic for many who returned to books during the pandemic,” said Brown. “Our friends at Bookies can order any book not on site during the fair. We expect the interaction between our guests to be full of recommendations for books, support for authors and questions such as ‘Do you think I’d like this book?’.”

Location

Rock Island Public House

13328 Old Western Ave, Blue Island, IL 60406, USA

Get directions

Dates

Saturday, November 11, 2023, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm CDT