H.W Brands and Rick Perlstein @ Harold Washington Library

New York Times bestselling biographer H.W. Brands will be discussing his book, Reagan: The Life, tonight, along with noted author Rick Perlstein. Brands creates a detailed view of the former President and his unlikely rise to governmental power in his book, discussing Reagan's accomplishments and lesser known facts about the 40th President of the United States.

The event will begin at 6pm. Admission to the event is free; books will be available for purchase, and the author will be signing autographs. Seating is first come, first served in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium (Lower Level), which seats 385. The Library is located at 400 S. State St.

Between Bites @ Formento's

Between Bites is an event that connects communities and supports charities with food-inspired storytelling. The inspiration for Between Bites comes from the meaningful experiences we have "between the bites" as we discuss defining moments over meals. The theme for this installment of Between Bites is "Ripe/Rotten" and will feature Jason Hammel, the chef/founder of Lula Cafe and Nightwood; Sara Gasbarra, the owner/lead garden girl at Verdura; Mike Austin, a writer for Esquire, GQ, and the Trib; Molly Each, a writer and editor and co-founder of Between Bites; Melissa McEwen, the food and drink editor at Chicagoist; and Josh Kulp, the Co-Chef/Co-Owner of the Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Sunday Dinner Club.

Tickets cost $30 and include heavy appetizers, Dark Horse wines, and a signature seasonal cocktail created by Cocktail Courier. The proceeds of the event will benefit the charity of the hosting chef's choice. Formento's is located at 925 W. Randolph. Doors open at 6:30pm, readings begin at 7pm.

Get Real: Docs at the Box @ Music Box Theatre

Every Tuesday evening in June the Music Box Theatre is screening recent documentaries, with post-screening discussions with directors and experts. Tonight's film is The Russian Woodpecker, an investigation of the Chernobyl disaster by a Ukranian performance artist. The film screens tonight at 7:30pm; see the Music Box site for a complete schedule and advance tickets. Music Box: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.

Beers & Big Shoulders @ Hopleaf

Beers and Big Shoulders, a new monthly beer social, returns to the upstairs lounge at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St., at 7:30pm. This month the guests are Pipeworks' current brewer, Will Johnston, and former brewer, Scott Coffman. They'll talk with host Mark Bullock about Pipeworks' beers and Chicago's beer scene in general, and will be sampling the following beers Ninja Vs. Unicorn Double IPA, Sam Vs. Unicorn Imperial Red Ale, Da Fuzz Amarillo Pale Ale Brewed with Peaches, and Crimson Snapper Imperial IPA Brewed with Citra Hops and Blood Orange Juice. Tickets are $25 and include samples of those beers and snacks courtesy of the Hopleaf; stick around afterward to talk with the brewers and enjoy more beer. 21+

Two Cookie Minimum @ Comfort Station

The Two Cookie Minimum reading series is back at the Comfort Station in Logan Square, 2579 N Milwaukee Ave., tonight at 8pm. The lineup this month features writer/performer Annabel Lang, and comics artists Cathy Hannah and Jon Drawdoer. Johnny Misfit hosts. Free, and cookies will be served.