Bale Breaker Brewing Company’s Book Swap Sundays: Combining Craft Beer with Literacy Efforts
Located in Yakima, Washington, Bale Breaker Brewing Company is leading a unique community initiative aimed at promoting literacy among locals of all ages. In collaboration with the Yakima Valley Libraries, the brewpub hosts a weekly book swap event every Sunday, offering residents an engaging and relaxing way to exchange books while sipping on beer.
The Book Swap Sundays Program
The book swap Sundays program invites patrons to bring their gently used books and swap them for new reads. This inclusive event welcomes individuals from various backgrounds and age groups, including book clubs, families, and avid readers. Lindsey Watkins, a friendly bartender at Bale Breaker, praised the growing popularity of the event since its inception two years ago.
“We’ve seen groups of book clubs come down together, drop off books, and browse through the selection,” Watkins shared. “We encourage people to swap books regardless of their genre, from children’s literature to cookbooks, ensuring a diverse collection for everyone to enjoy.”
Accessibility and Philanthropy
For attendees who don’t have a book to contribute, Bale Breaker offers an alternative to participate in the fun. A nominal fee of $5 allows them to take home a book, with all proceeds going to support local libraries. Additionally, any leftover books after the event season are donated to the Yakima Valley Libraries, thereby reinforcing the brewery’s commitment to enhancing community literacy.
“All the money raised during our book swaps is donated to the Yakima libraries along with any leftover books,” Watkins explained. “This initiative aims to provide our community with access to a wide variety of reading materials while fostering a love for literature.”
Winter Reading Retreat
The book swap Sundays at Bale Breaker Brewing Company were conceptualized based on the brewery’s own passion for reading, particularly during colder months when outdoor activities are limited. The event provides a cozy indoor setting where visitors can comfortably exchange and discover new books while enjoying their favorite beverages.
“Our staff and patrons are all big book lovers,” Watkins continued. “We noticed our reading habits spike in the winter when there’s not much to do outside. So our aim is to create a welcoming environment where people can come in, find new books, and enjoy them in a pleasant setting.”
Upcoming Fall Book Swap
The current book swap Sundays series is set to conclude with its final event on November 23, 2025. Organizers encourage the local community to join them for one last opportunity to swap, share, and enjoy their favorite brews while embracing the joy of reading.
Community Engagement Made Easy
Bale Breaker Brewing Company’s innovative approach to community engagement exemplifies the power of combining local businesses with social initiatives. By merging the appeal of craft beer with a love for literature, the brewpub not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also supports the growth of literacy within the Yakima community.
As the final book swap Sundays event approaches, residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in this delightful celebration of books and beverages. For more information on the event, visit the official Bale Breaker website, where they can learn about upcoming events and how to get involved.
Call to Action
We hope you’ll join us at Bale Breaker Brewing Company this Sunday for some quality time spent with books and good company. If you enjoyed this article, we invite you to share it on your social media platforms and leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts. Stay tuned for more updates from Yelp’s community spotlight series!