Several summers ago my kids and I spent an afternoon with my brother’s family canning and making pickles. They had a blast picking the cucumbers from the garden and putting them in the jars along with the dill, garlic and pickling spices.

The toughest parts, though, fell to my brother and sister-in-law: scrubbing of jars, measuring and boiling and cleaning up. It was a great experience, but like many hobbies I’d considered trying, I was glad I could experience it before I invested my own time or money.

While the library system is committed to bringing engaging programs to children and teens, there are plenty of new opportunities for adults. The library has a long standing tradition of author events, book groups and opera programs. This obviously doesn’t cover the interests of everyone in our service range so we love to bring other topics to interest a wider span of people.

I’ve always thought brewing my own beer would be fun to try. It’s on my to-do list along with canning, pickling and race car driving. For now I’m happy to have the job of sampling and naming beers. But if you’re up for learning about homebrewing, the Bellevue Library will host a program called Intro To Beermaking from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28.

The presenters, Mike Hausenfluck and Sean Drew, are homebrewers and members of the Impaling Alers Homebrew Club. They will discuss the process of brewing using malt extract, beer ingredients, equipment needed and the brewing process. Registration is required for this program. To register visit the program page for A Place At The Table, kcls.org/cooks.

For those of you brave enough to take on the challenge, I raise my glass to you. And please call it Library Ale.

Darcy Brixey is the teen services librarian at the Bellevue Library. She’d like to tell you she loves to read, but it’s an expectation of the job.