In honor of Banned Books Week, an array of pubs across Redwood City have come together for a unique celebration. Not only does this event aim to raise awareness about the freedom to read, but it also serves as a fundraiser for the Redwood City Public Library. Spearheaded by the Redwood City Library Foundation (RCLF), a prominent fundraising organization in support of the library, the event promises a gastronomic experience for attendees.
The fundraiser will take place on Oct. 11, in downtown Redwood City. Tickets can be purchased here.
Last year, attendees enjoyed a discounted drink for participating in the pub crawl and learned about banned books from foundation representatives at each location. Currently, 16 local pubs and restaurants have signed up to feature special libations and small snacks. This includes Alhambra Irish House (a pub and restaurant paying homage to seasonal Irish pub cuisine), The Bottleshop (a wine bar that features a Michelin star-trained chef and over 250 wines), and the secret Banned Book Headquarters (a hidden spot open just for the pub crawl, serving a free glass of wine).
Each participating pub is set to lure literary and culinary enthusiasts with discounted beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—as well as special food items. While offerings vary across venues, with distinct specialties and pricing, the excitement is palpable. Among the highlights that many are eagerly anticipating are the Spiced Persimmon Mule and Pomegranate Margarita at Angelicas, priced at $12 each. Those looking for non-alcoholic delights can savor the Peach Lavender Punch from Little Green for just $3. Hidden Tap & Barrel offers a tantalizing cocktail named "The Lost Book", a blend of Four Roses Whiskey, blackberry puree, and housemade sour, for a mere $5.
For food enthusiasts, Vino Santo's fries—infused with flavors of pancetta, garlic, parmesan, parsley, and pesto aioli—are available at a special price of $8. Ghostwood tantalizes taste buds with cheese curds accompanied by marinara for $5, while Nighthawk raises the bar with a beef jerky flight priced at $10.
In addition to these delectable offerings, Banned Book Headquarters, hosted by Sound Union at 2625 Broadway, is set to provide complimentary wine to attendees. To aid patrons in navigating the culinary landscape of the event, a comprehensive program detailing drinks, food, and their respective pricing will be provided, ensuring that attendees can chart their flavorful journey with ease.
Banned Books Week (Oct. 1-7) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
Libraries in schools and communities nationwide are facing book bans and are being threatened with closure due to government de-funding. Pro-censorship groups are working to ban books targeted specifically to young readers, with bans focusing on race or books written by or discussing queer or trans people.
According to PEN America, 40% of books banned by schools last year featured characters of color, 20% dealt directly with race, and almost half of all banned books focused on LGBTQ+ themes. Over 90 pending bills center around how race and LGBTQ+ issues are taught.
To combat these challenges, activism from communities is crucial. Community members are encouraged to find more resources about banned books here on the Library Foundation website.
