Pickerington Public Library & Combustion Brewery & Taproom Launch a Monthly Short Story Discussion Group.
August 21, 2024
By Eve Copeland
The Pickerington Public Library, in collaboration with Combustion Brewery & Taproom (80 West Church Street), is excited to announce the launch of “Shorts & Stouts,” a monthly short story discussion group.
Inspired by the successful program at McCracken County Public Library in Paducah, KY, this initiative aims to bring the community together through literature and craft beer.
“Shorts & Stouts” is designed to be a relaxed and engaging event where participants can enjoy a good story and a great beverage. Each month, the discussion will focus on a pair of short stories by a single author, providing a deeper dive into the themes and styles of renowned writers.
The drop-in group will meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 pm. Attendees can arrive at Combustion, grab a beer (if they wish) and join the discussion.
“The conversation is guided by prepared discussion questions and a brief biography of the author, ensuring a rich and insightful dialogue,” said Library Information and Resource Manager Dalton Hardwick.
The reading selections are carefully chosen to feature widely recognized short story authors, often considered masters of their craft. The stories are tailored to fit the themes of the month. For instance, October’s selection will feature the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
Most of the selected stories are in the public domain, making them easily accessible online. Printed copies will also be available at the library and at the event for those who prefer a physical copy. The selections are short enough to be read at the event before the discussion begins.
“We’re excited to have Shorts & Stouts in the Barrel Room at Combustion,” said Combustion’s Director of Operations Andy Norris. “It’s definitely a fun name, but we won’t always have a stout on tap. Lots of other great beer styles pair well with short stories, though!”
“We love working with the library! We have collaborated with them in the past and we’re always thrilled to be able to coordinate with such an important part of the Pickerington community.”
The series kicks off on September 11 with two works by Ernest Hemingway, A Clean, Well-Lighted Place and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. The stories cover themes of loneliness, nihilism, bravery and redemption.
On that day, Combustion will also release “Fresh Hop Now We’re Talkin’,” featuring fresh hops from Zachrich Hop Yard in a “radiantly golden Double IPA, bursting with bright citrus, resiny pine, and tropical fruit character.”
On the second Thursday of each month, the library and Combustion also host the “First Drafts” book club from 7 pm to 8 pm in the Barrel Room. The novel for the September 12 meeting will be Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau.
