As of its sesquicentennial year, the St. Louis Public Library boasts 17 neighborhood branches and more than 2 million annual visitors.

To celebrate, the libray has launched a website of historic images, "SLPL — Then and Now" and visitors can receive commemorative library cards.

But to really mark its 150th anniversary, marketing director Cathy Heimberger said the literary institution wanted to get creative and show it's "not your grandparents' library." So it's partnering with three local eateries to create special, library-themed treats.

Launching Tuesday night is a limited edition "St. Louis Public Library Peated Scotch Ale," courtesy of Schlaflybrewmasters. The ale will be available through June. Up next will be a summer custard treat from Ted Drewes; Heimberger said the tentatively named "St. Louis Public Library Chocolate Soiree" will feature hot fudge, caramel and salted almonds. Pi Pizzeria will finish out the year with a special dish available from October to December.

Heimberger said she hopes these palatable partnerships help people rediscover the St. Louis Public Library for the community institution it is.

Courtesy St. Louis Public Library

"We believe in neighborhood, we believe in community, and we just thought it would be just a fun connection to kind of get the community involved in a unique way," she said. "It's kind of unexpected. You wouldn't expect a library to have its own beer."

Here are nine other unexpected facts about the St. Louis Public Library: