Housing Works

On the night before Valentine’s Day, a crowd of people gathered in the cramped Housing Works Bookstore Café for a bookish speed-dating event to find their perfect match–with literature preferences as an icebreaker. Speed daters connecting over books. Photo by Tiffany Lew. Couples were paired up based on their favorite book–or the book they were currently reading. Each person wore a “Hello, my name is…” sticker labeled with a character from their favorite book, also known as their “literary pen name.” The 94 participants rotated through 14 dates, with guys moving to their left on long rows of tables reminiscent of the ones in the Hogwarts dining hall. Four minutes per person–no more and no less. Strewn along these wooden tables were Pabst Blue Ribbon cans and Brooklyn Lagers, along with white placards with titles such as “Middle Earth,” “Walden Pond,” and “Swamp-landia!” all referencing participants’ favorite books. Many of the attendees said they appreciated that an interest in reading was a helpful common denominator because conversation would be eased. (via Finding true love (or not) in literary speed dating | Starring NYC)

We’re still hoping to do another speed dating event in the future based on the success of this one. Don’t fear, lonely bookworms, your time will come!

This week at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, our events look at Valentine’s Day from every angle! And then teach you how to be funny while writing, which is maybe something you need after Valentine’s Day week.

Tonight is the first night of The Recital, a new series in which writers and performers turn the bookstore into an old-fashioned red schoolhouse so they can recite by heart 1-3 minutes of poetry or prose they have memorized. Hosted by writer Rachel Syme and Slaughterhouse 90210’s Maris Kreizman. The theme for this week is Swoon!

Tomorrow join us for The Moth StorySLAM! This time the theme is Love Hurts. Tickets are $8.

Wednesday Coverspy helps you find your bookish mate with I Like Your Glasses: Literary Speed Dating. This event is sold out, but if you missed it this time be sure to sign up for the waitlist so you can hear about the next one!

On Friday, double the events and also fun as our weekly Slush Pile Happy Hour (4-8pm) is joined by funny lady country trio Ménage à Twang’s return to the bookstore for My Country Valentine: an Alt-Valentine Mixer at 7pm!(Notice: This event was previously ticketed but is now FREE.)

Sunday morning Gotham Writers’ Workshop presents a free humor writing workshop with Tor.com writer, playwright, and fiction writer Ryan Britt!