As we get older and busier, it's easy to forget the magic of libraries. As children, many of us remember scanning the shelves for covers that depicted exciting adventures, dragging our parents with us, piling books of interest into their larger and stronger arms. Remember curling up on bean bags, couches, or the mini tables at perfect kid-height and reading for hours? However, as a trip to the library became synonymous with homework, studying, and research, libraries lost their enchantment for many.

Well, Australia had something to say about that. Library Lover’s Day started in Australia in 2006, and by 2007 became a national holiday after the Australian Library and Information Association joined the effort to promote their passion for books. The unofficial book holiday grew in popularity around the globe, with each year providing an opportunity to focus on a new theme. For 2022, the theme of Library Lover's Day is "Show the Love," it's goal is to remind readers of all ages of the childlike joy that can come from getting lost in a great book. 

That's funny, we feel the same way about discovering a great wine. Wine, like books, provides an amazing opportunity to learn about places, people and even nature far away and across time. History, culture, science -- it's all just a sip away. Books and wine are a great pairing. But don't take or word for it. We reached out to Eric Cohen, the Assistant Division Manager of the Languages and Literature division at Brooklyn Public Library, which offers workshops, classes, and engaging programs for kids and teens. “The librarian world is much more than just books!” Cohen said. Here's what else he had to say:

“My absolute favorite book is one that was published by a tiny press and is unlikely to be known by much of anyone," Cohen said. "[Such as] This Is What You Want, This Is What You Get by Jim Scheers. It's probably the best-written book I have in my collection, and it's the one book I re-read every year.”

Along with his book of choice, Cohen enjoys red wines from the North Fork of Long Island. “Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,” he said. “A different varietal seems to stand out with each vintage.”

Taking a page from Cohen’s book, we paired up some of our favorite genres with wines:

LITERARY FICTION

Try RGNY Scielo NY Tinto 2018 from North Fork, with gorgeous notes of dark berries, vanilla, and baking spices. It’s the perfect wine to finish out the winter months, curled up on your couch with a book.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

If your guilty pleasure is YA, then you’ll enjoy Love on Mars, a 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Sauv from Sonoma County with notes of blueberry, black cherry, and graphite. Sipping on this will transport you to a world of fantasy and excitement. 

MEMOIR/CREATIVE NONFICTION

Tuthilltown Spirits Hudson Bright Lights, Big Bourbon 375ml is a fantastic pairing with this genre, as it is unflinching in its boldness. With bright notes of vanilla and lightly salted caramel, this will become a household staple.