Libraries are all about connecting people to what’s important to them: learning, community resources, the world at our fingertips, technology, interests old and new, and of course other people. Why not love? The “Love Librarians” from Toronto Public Library share this fresh and exciting take on adult programming and how to spark romantic (and literary!) connections at your branch in a fun, inclusive, and diverse setting.
Outcomes:
– What is speed dating, why it’s popular, and why libraries can be a place for people to find love while preserving a literary connection. This will include a brief description of speed dating and why it has maintained its popularity in the age of online and convenience dating without losing its novelty. Session participants will also discover why speed dating can be relevant in a public library setting, and makes logical sense for people who value libraries and what they stand for—learning, community, and of course books and reading—to meet likeminded individuals with whom they have a strong chance of sharing a connection.
– How speed dating can be a gateway to connect with invisible or underserved demographics, and how to adapt a speed dating program to fit different groups, such as older adult, people with disabilities, or LGBTQ+.
– How to promote, structure, and facilitate a speed dating program at any library branch, big or small.
