Thanks to all who have written in so far on this month’s On-the-Ground question about their experience with childfree dating.  Some great stories and unique ideas coming in~keep ’em coming–Will report back at the end of the month! One idea relates to singles in general–get involved in groups or organizations that are up to things you are interested in to meet like minds.  Here is an example of this I came across that’s combined with speed dating:

Literary speed dating.  The San Francisco Library has recently started hosting free literary speed dating events, for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender), and straight groups, and they will be doing more of them. Librarian Donya Drummond says that “This is changing the image of the library, showing that it can be a social place and not just a studious place.”

But what’s it like? From what I can gather, fellow book lovers bring a book they like, ready to talk a bit about why they like it and ask why the person they are meeting why chose to bring the book they did..and whatever else they can talk about in five minutes.  Now likely you  won’t get the the kid question, but it seems it can be a way to start with a meeting of literary minds, and see where it takes you.

Speed dating may not be for everyone–often more shy and reserved types find this way of meeting folks to be nerve racking.  But this kind of event strikes as one that could draw more introverted types who love books.  Will you go home with some names and numbers of potential literary like minds?  Like one of the attendees said, you may not find love but maybe a good <co-ed> book club, and who knows who you’ll potentially meet there…

In any case, I like the idea. If I were single, I’d check it out. In fact, maybe even a “regular” speed dating event.  Is it too far fetched to get one’s childfree status out in the first couple of minutes?

Have you heard of literary speed dating in your area or other similar spins on the idea?