A cast member from the Bedford County Players presents a story while guests enjoy courses from the book tasting benefit. Courtesy photo

The Bedford County library is taking three stories off the shelves and onto Woodhaven Brewing Co. tables starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 19, during the quarter-yearly book tasting benefit, offering participants a unique experience featuring favorite books paired with tasty food.

In partnership with the Federated Library System of Bedford County, this season’s “Beer and Pizza Book Tasting” benefit will feature various types of beer and pizza that coordinate with stories read by cast members of the Bedford County Players.

Both literature and food can provoke a conversation, according to Matt Godissart, director of the Bedford County library. More talking points can be created when mixing those two elements together.

Godissart first developed the book tasting benefit almost 10 years ago with Alex Preston, assistant director of the Bellwood-Antis Public Library, to entice residents to participate in a unique fundraising event.

Since then, Godissart said the library has produced more than 20 benefits, each with a special theme, menu and book list that coordinate with the event’s setting.

He recalled a Roaring ’20s-themed book tasting benefit from 2020, when actors read excerpts from period literature such as “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde and “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams, while the Golden Eagle Inn served margarita shrimp. Guests wore 1920s costumes, which ultimately contributed to the event’s spirit.

The library’s most recent book tasting event took place in November 2025 at the Union Hotel, celebrating “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens with the Union Smoking Bishop and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss with Grinch popcorn.

Christopher Diehl, cast member of the Bedford County Players, said tasting a meal or beverage included in a story is fun to experience, as he thought the Union Smoking Bishop at last year’s event was delicious.

Since the benefit’s inception, Diehl has been one of the entertainers, typically found reading book excerpts in various restaurants while guests taste their beverages and meals.

Book tasting events give readers an “alternative experience compared to reading and eating something,” Diehl said.

“Being read a story can excite a more visceral experience of that story, and sometimes it’ll trigger certain memories that are warm and uplifting,” he said.

And guests might hear a story that piques their interest, Godissart said, leading them to visit the library and check out the book. Or guests who enjoy the restaurant’s beverages and meals might find a new dinner spot.

Woodhaven Brewing in Bedford is designed to feel like an old library to feel a sense of “history, warmth and relaxation in our space,” according to owner and event planner Bryn Keller.

Woodhaven opened in November 2025, and Keller said the restaurant is looking forward to bringing a new audience to their space.

The book tasting benefit “presents something that’s a win-win-win,” Godissart said. While guests might try a new food and restaurants might receive more business, the library has the opportunity to “share what we love with people.”

“What could be better than being in a comfortable space with good food and drinks, surrounded by others who appreciate literature,” Keller said.

If you go

What: Beer and pizza book tasting benefit

When: 6 p.m. March 19

Where: Woodhaven Brewing Co.

Tickets: $30; stop at the Bedford County library or call 814-623-5010 to reserve tickets