Book Trust’s beer tasting and community fundraiser puts books of choice in students’ hands and debuts the Page Turner Award honoring a Fort Collins literacy champion
Book Trust, the national early reading nonprofit founded in Fort Collins, invites the Northern Colorado community to its Books on Tap fundraiser from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 at The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. Guests will fill their cups, their hearts and students’ bookshelves at an evening with local beer and community connections.
Every fall, Books on Tap gathers craft breweries and great people in support of something truly impactful: books and joyful reading experiences for students in Northern Colorado and beyond. Tickets are on sale now and include unlimited tastings from local breweries—including Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, Timnath Beerwerks, WeldWerks Brewing and Zwei Brewing—plus a drink ticket, cash bar, music, dinner and plenty of inspiration.
Ticket holders will also receive a special invitation to join a Book Trust Book Celebration at a local school on Oct. 21. Attendees will experience the excitement of students receiving their chosen books and have fun exploring new stories together.
Debut of the Page Turner Award
This year, Book Trust will present the inaugural Page Turner Award to Fort Collins resident Tommi Sue Cox. The award honors a member of the Colorado community who believes in the power of books and reading to change children’s lives, and who has turned that belief into action.
“Books on Tap is what happens when a community understands that reading changes everything for children. That understanding is sparking joyful reading experiences for thousands of students throughout Colorado,” says Patience Peabody, president and CEO of Book Trust. “Literacy champions like Tommi Sue make that possible. Her commitment to children and to this community is unparalleled. She’s a champion of education, a connector and, most importantly, someone who lives her values. We’re so grateful to her and to everyone in Northern Colorado who believes in the power of joyful reading.”
Cox dedicated 33 years to Title I schools as an educator and administrator. Today, she brings that same leadership, talent and passion to her volunteer work, advancing equitable educational experiences for all children.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Book Trust Page Turner Award. I truly love everything about Book Trust—its vital mission, its vibrant energy and the incredible people who drive it forward,” Cox says. “For the last three years, it has been a privilege to serve on the Northern Colorado Regional Advisory Board. I am blessed to work alongside a deeply dedicated, positive and caring group of leaders who consistently contribute their time, talents and networks. Together, we are ensuring that Book Trust continues to enrich the lives of children and their families.”
The impact behind the evening
During the 2025-26 school year, Book Trust partnered with 47 schools in Colorado, supporting more than 15,000 students in choosing and owning 91,760 books. Since 2001, Book Trust partnered with 162 Colorado schools, supporting more than 250,000 students and distributing more than 5,259,000 books. Since its inception, Book Trust has supported more than 600,000 students in choosing and owning more than 10 million books.
Funds raised at Books on Tap expand book access and joyful reading experiences for students. With the community’s continued engagement, Book Trust will grow its Northern Colorado network and raise additional funds this year. For sponsorship and ticket information, visit booktrust.org/event/books-on-tap.
