Book Dating puts a unique spin on the singles night or speed dating session. Rather than sell yourself in some grim mini-interview, book dating lets you enthuse about a subject closest to your heart – your favourite book.

Here’s how it works:

You complete the form on our website and buy a ticket:

On the night, bring your book and give a 2–3-minute talk about why it’s your favourite. In so doing, you’ll be demonstrating your enthusiasm and personality without having to explicitly sell yourself (unlike traditional speed dating).

After the pitches are over, there’s another hour or so of mingling. This is your chance to get to know everyone with the books as your instant ice breaker. You may (through you need not) gift your book to someone special before the end of the night.

A gift recipient cannot refuse a book (unless it’s impossible to carry it). HOWEVER, taking a book does not imply attraction. Gifting is undertaken at participants’ own risk.

NB: It’s not necessarily in your best interest to give your book to someone who is already carrying an armful!

We will provide name badges where you can indicate sexual preference and bookmarks to score possible matches in the traditional speed-dating manner. Give these back to the organiser at the end of the night so that we can link you to any mutual matches.

We will attempt to ensure a decent spread of ages and an even split between sexes, but we cannot guarantee a wide range of compatible partners. We may get copies of the books in so you can buy one if you don’t receive it as a gift.

Etiquette:

• If you hate a book, perhaps it’s best not to say so. You never know – you may hate the book but adore the giver!

• Only refuse a book if you physically cannot carry it home. Bring a bag!

• Only include the contact information you feel safe to share. You may prefer to set up a unique email address for this event.

• Friendship is a possible outcome – don’t be disappointed if you don’t meet a life partner. At the very least you’ll come away with some great book recommendations.

• The Best of Times reserves the right to veto any book choices for the safety of our guests. Leave that copy of Mein Kampf at home!

• We are an including, welcoming space. Rude or abusive behaviour will result in immediate expulsion and barring from subsequent events.