Grab a Book and a Drink

Books & Bars creates informal social events for book lovers.
Host Jeff Kamin is enthusiastic about Books & Bars.

If you’re a bookworm searching for a fun and informal book club, look no further than Books & Bars. Twice a month—once at The Happy Gnome in Saint Paul and once at Indeed Brewery in Minneapolis—book lovers gather for an engaging conversation about new fiction reads. According to Jeff Kamin, senior producer at Minnesota Public Radio and discussion leader, some people love it so much they attend both events.

The all-ages book club is sponsored by the Friends of the St. Paul Library and SubText Books in Saint Paul. Kamin, who has a background in improv and comedy, often tries to get authors involved via book signings, video chat or on Twitter. People who aren’t able to attend in person can chime in on Twitter using the hashtag #booksandbars during the event.

The book club will meet in Saint Paul on November 1 from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m., with a social at 5 p.m., to discuss Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal. The December 6 book club will focus on Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff.