Weekly Newsletter ~ August 27, 2014

Enthusiasts of ales and lagers should take note: an opportunity to learn all about brewing is coming September 22.

The Heyworth Public Library is hosting Kyle Karraker, owner and brewer of Twin City Homebrewing for a presentation about his company and the finer points of beer-making.

Librarian Beth Porter said the program came about when the library staff was trying to come up with programs that would appeal to men. “We usually have a lot of things for kids and teens, and we get good turnout with women, but it’s hard to get men into the library for a program,” Porter said. “Craft beer is very on trend in restaurants, and there is quite an organization of home brewers in  Bloomington/Normal with many living in the Heyworth area.  Also nearly every guy I’ve talked to said it sounds pretty cool.”

Talking to coworkers, friends and other men, Porter said there seemed to be a growing interest in craft breweries, as well as people interested in making their own beer.  Craft-brewing is a growing hobby, she said, and as such, the timing seemed ripe for hosting a program about it.

Porter said that the library is not able to provide any beer tasting during the program, but she believed that attendees should still find it interesting. Karraker said he would include samples of the ingredients and tools of the trade in his presentation. He has been brewing beer for over 20 years and has been a member of AbNormal Brewers since the early 1990s.

The “Home Brewing” program is set for 6:30 p.m. on September 22 in the library’s Community Room. Registration is requested to plan for space, and it is free to the public. For more information, call the library at (309) 473-2313.