SYRACUSE, N.Y. — In downtown Syracuse, an unlikely gathering space has become home to a thriving community of readers who might never have crossed paths otherwise.
At Talking Cursive Brewery on Erie Boulevard, 15 to 30 members of the Salt City Books and Brew book club gather monthly to discuss literature over drinks. The group, which launched after a social media post by the brewery, has grown into a tight-knit community.
Patty Brooks, a club member, said she initially hesitated to join. But she was drawn in when a fellow member offered her an extra copy of last February’s selection, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel.
“I never read for pleasure. I’m too busy,” Brooks said. “I really haven’t read in forever. So I took it home and I read it and I loved it. I read it so fast I couldn’t wait to come back and talk about it.”
Despite the book club having its meetings at a brewery, founder Alexis Colton emphasizes that alcohol consumption is not a prerequisite for participation.
“It’s books and brews, and it’s kind of more of like a tongue in cheek play on words. But it’s really inclusive,” Colton said. “We have people that come and just drink a soda or water. We have people that come and they get a glass of wine, or we have some really fun seasonal cocktails, so you don’t have to drink beer.”
The club’s dedication extends beyond fair-weather gatherings, Colton noted that the attendance is higher in colder months. Up to this point, not even Syracuse’s notorious winter storms have forced the group to cancel a meeting.
“We find that the cold doesn’t keep people away,” Colton said. “We haven’t had to cancel a meeting because of adverse weather. People are looking for something to do and get out and socialize, even for an hour before they go home and cuddle up.”
Brooks, who works at Talking Cursive, said her commitment to the group transcends her employment at the venue.
“I would trudge through the snow and the ice to come and chat with this great group of girls that are now friends of mine to talk about the books,” she said.
For those unable to attend in person, the club maintains an online presence through BookClubs.com, where over 100 members participate in book selection and discussions.
Their presence on BookClubs.com has allowed book lovers from near and far to participate, even though they may not live in the Syracuse area.
In honor of Black History Month, the group selected “These Heathens” by Mia McKenzie as their February read. The club meets once monthly on Wednesdays, and for additional information, visit their BookClub.com page.