Kent District Library pours a third round for KD aLe
Josh Bernstein is pretty excited to be able to combine two of his passions: libraries and Michigan beers.
Bernstein, manager of KDL’s Grandville Branch, is part of a small group of library staffers who are helping to order up a third round of the library’s wildly popular KD aLe series.
The accolades the state is getting as craft beer-friendly are wonderful, Bernstein said, “but I would think all the new options would be overwhelming if you didn’t know much about craft beer.”
That’s where librarians come in, he said. “As always, we’re here to help you understand this new culture that’s all around us. That’s what we do. “
KD aLe features home brewing programs and brewery tours and tastings, as well as a beer-themed book club. This season will include those events with partners Rockford Brewing Company, Perrin Brewing Co., Osgood Brewing, RailTown Brewing Company, Cedars Springs Brewing Co., and EB Coffee and Pub. We will end the series with a wrap-up party and home brew release at Gravel Bottom Brewery. All KD aLe events are for adults 21 and older.
Rockford Brewing Company Tour:
Learn how they make their signature beers such as Rogue River Brown, Sheehan’s Irish Stout and Paradigm MPA. Tour and talk will be held at Rockford Brewing Company, 12 E. Bridge St., Rockford.
Tuesday, January 5, 6:30 p.m. and
Tuesday, February 2, 6:30 p.m.
Home Brewing Basics:
Jump into home brewing with expert advice from Chrissy Walker of Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery and Supply. Learn everything you need to know to get started brewing including ingredients and equipment. Tuesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Cascade Twp. Branch;
Thursday, January 28, 6:00 p.m., Grandville Branch;
Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m., Englehardt (Lowell) Branch;
Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m., Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch;
Thursday, February 11, 6:30 p.m., Plainfield Twp. Branch;
Tuesday, February 23, 6:00 p.m., Krause Memorial (Rockford) Branch.
Home Brewing: Advanced Class:
Matt Michiels of Gravel Bottom Craft Brewing and Supply presents methods for taking your home brew up a notch! Learn more about grains and hops, how to design your own recipe and cleaning tips. Thursday, January 14, 6:30 p.m., Byron Twp. Branch; Tuesday, January 19, 6:30 p.m., Cascade Twp. Branch.
Perrin Brewing Co. Tasting and Talk:
KD aLe welcomes new partner Perrin Brewing Company! Join us at 5910 Comstock Park Drive NW, Comstock Park to discuss how they make their signature beers such as Grapefruit IPA and Perrin Black and to taste what they have on tap. Thursday, January 14, 6:30 p.m.
KD aLe Book Club:
Combine your love of books and brews at the KD aLe Book Club. Enjoy some craft beer from Osgood Brewing while we talk about what we’ve been reading. Expert book recommendations from KDL librarians included. Book club held at Osgood Brewing, 4051 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville. Thursday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.
KD aLe Beer Release Party and Tour with RailTown Brewing Company:
Taste the newest KD aLe brewed exclusively for KDL by RailTown Brewing Company. Show your library card for a special deal on beer tasting. Tour and talk will be held at the RailTown Brewing Company, 3555 68th St SE, Caledonia. Wednesday, January 27, 6:30 p.m.
Cedar Springs Brewing Co. Tour:
Be one of the first to tour the new Cedar Springs Brewery. Taste their traditional German-style beer while touring the brand new facility. Located at 95 N Main, Cedar Springs, Wednesday, January 27, 6:30 p.m.
EB Coffee & Pub Tour:
Owner Justin Nichols will share information on the similarities between brewing coffee and beer. After the tour, show your library card to get a special deal on beer and coffee tasting. Tour and talk will be held at EB Coffee and Pub, 8980 N. Rodgers Court Suite D., Caledonia.
Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 p.m.
Osgood Brewing Tour:
Osgood Brewing is hosting a tour and a chance to learn about hops from Pilot Malt House’s Erik May. After the tour, show your library card to get a special deal on beer tasting. Osgood Brewing is at 4051 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville.
Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m.
KD aLe Wrap up Party and Winning Home Brew Release:
Join us at Gravel Bottom brewery as we celebrate another successful season of KD aLe. On tap will be the winning brew as developed by our KDL Home Brewing Competition winner as well as a re-release of the Scotch Ale Gravel Bottom brewed as KD aLe last year. Food, beer, music and door prizes and the chance to hang out with cool library people will make this an all-around wonderful evening. 418 Ada Dr SE, Ada. Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 PM
