How to Set up Speed Dating with a Book

Speed Dating with Books

Speed Dating with Books is one of my favorite activities! I did this in elementary school as well, but we called it Book Tasting. Whichever you want to call it, it is simple to set up. 

Gather the books 

I sort my tables by genre, so I start pulling about 10 - 15 books from each genre. I start by putting them on a cart. I try to gather popular titles, but also less loved books in hopes that they find a reader. 

Make table signs

If you are going to divide the tables by genre, you can make genre signs for the table. Mine are simple and just have the genre listed along with a clip art image. You can use my images, or use them as an idea to create your own. I suggest using Canvas to make the signs. 

Set up the Tables 

You can make this part as simple or extravagant as you'd like. Some people have menus for the students to fill out as they visit the tables and put placemats down. I do things simple and quick. I buy the cheap table cloths at Wal-Mart or Dollar Tree. We always do this activity in February so the theme is Valentines and Romance. I purchased some inexpensive decorations and put them in the middle of the tables.  

Next, the table signs are placed on the tables. And then I put the books in a circle around the table centerpiece. 

Most importantly, I put together a playlist songs for the event. I like to play Oldie Love Songs. The favorites from teachers and students have been:

•  Can't Take my Eyes off You by Frankie Valli 
• God Only Knows by The Beach Boys 
• Be My Baby by The Ronettes 
• My Girl by The Temptations 
• One Fine Day by The Chiffons 
• Earth Angel by The Penguins 
• These Arms of Mine by Otis Redding 
• Close to You by The Carpenters
• And I Love Her by The Beatles
• Sugar, Sugar by The Archies 
• Happy Together by The Turtles
• Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys 

Amazon has an already put together playlist of Oldies Love Songs if you have Amazon Music.

The Big Event

The students always get so excited when they enter the library and see the tables all decorated. I have them choose a table, limiting how many people can be at each table. I have these instructions on the big screen. 

• Choose a table. 
• When time starts, look through the books, but not reading yet. Be sure to not leave out any books at the table. 
• You will have about 3 - 4 mintues. Pick up a book that looks interesting. Read the summary on the book jacket or back. Read the first page. You have a short amount of time to get to know your book. 
• If you like your book "date", keep it with you. You are still going to explore the books at other tables. 
• If you decide later during the activity that you don't want that book "date", place it back on the table where you found it. 
• When the music stops, switch tables, and REPEAT!  

Even the teachers participate in the Book Speed Dating and usually find a book to check out. 

Benefits

No matter if you call this Book Tasting or Speed Dating with a book, or how much or little you decorate the tables, there are huge benefits. 

• You can do this activity with all grade levels, from elementary to high school. 
• Students are exposed to different genres that they may not typically read. 
• It is a great way to get books that don't get much love, but that you know are amazing, checked out and read. 
• Students are engaged and get exciting about reading!! 

Do you have any tips for conducting book tastings or speed dating with books in libraries? I would love to hear from you!