“It’s speed-dating, but in a new setting—with books,” said Van der Straeten. When participants arrive at the library, they write down the answer to a question like “What is your favorite book?” and then they introduce themselves to others in the group and mingle for 10 minutes. In a second interactive round, participants share thoughts about their favorite books with each other before switching partners every few minutes. At the end of the session, anyone can make plans to meet with another person later—“elsewhere in the library, by the letter ‘L’ for love maybe,” Van der Straeten said.
Frederika Van Wing, coordinator of youth projects for the Flemish Center for Public Libraries in Brussels, said that only 35% of residents of northern Belgium are members of public libraries, although a recent survey showed that libraries in Flanders are the third most popular recreational venue, after movies and sporting events. “Libraries are turning into cultural hubs,” she said. “They have a social role and are the only meeting place in some communities.”
Posted February 17, 2006.