A novel idea for Valentine’s Day

Looking for love with open arms and a good book?

Single adults who have an affection for literature gathered at the Toronto Public Library’s Annette Street branch Tuesday night in hopes of finding love, or at a least their next good read.

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Annette Street Branch

Of the 32 book lovers who turned out to the branch’s Valentine’s Day inspired ‘speed dating’ event, most had high hopes of finding that special connection.

Participants brought their favourite authors or their current reads, with subjects ranging from books on rats in New York to the psyche of psychopaths or the personal life of Mao.

Pam Mountain, coordinator and head librarian, was excited about the evening, the branch’s first ‘speed-dating’ event. Mountain said it was like dating a book.

“I figured that literary speed dating would draw an eclectic crowd,” Mountain said. “That’s the intention.”

Carly, a first time speed dater, said she thought it would be extremely awkward.

“I thought it was going to be like going on a blind date with someone who you just met in the subway,” Carly said. “But it wasn’t at all.”

Although Carly made some new friends, she said one downside was that there was a dearth of attractive young men in their twenties.

“I ended up talking to a much older man first, who was quite nice, but also obviously 35 years my senior,” Carly said.

Meeting a new person every six minutes, participants moved around the room from chair to chair meeting a friendly face and their book of choice.

And the difference of personalities and ages was evident via the titles of the books participants were reading.

A school teacher brought in her copy of Roald Dhal’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory‘, while a man looking to find love, brought in a book about relationships.

“The ice beaker is that you share a book that you love,” Mountain said. “Whether or not you find someone you like or not, who knows, but your gonna hear about some great books.”

About this article

By: Erin Cassidy
Posted: Feb 13 2013 8:50 pm
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Filed under: News

1 Comment on "A novel idea for Valentine’s Day"

  1. Sounds like a wonderful idea from the librarians of this library. At least these couples won’t be bored reviewing all the books they have read.

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