In The Event That...

Your Juliet Turned Out to Be a Cheating Whore

by Monica Weymouth

Speed dating is not for the weak. The forced small talk and awkward silences last only a few minutes, but they just keep on coming. With literary speed dating, Phoenixville Public Library hopes to ease the jitters of romance-seeking bookworms.

While most speedy events rely on drink specials to break the ice, these dates are all about the books. Smarty-pants singles over 21 bring one book they lust after and one book they loathe to debate with well-read partners over wine and hors d' oeuvres. After eight minutes, the ladies rotate and profess their love for Pride and Prejudice to another learned loner. As if Tolstoy weren't sexy enough, actress Jennifer Lane Park (pictured) will host the event. Recently named one of Penthouse's "20 Hottest New Stars," she will discuss the importance of public libraries.

Wondering if your Steinbeck soul mate felt the love? The library will notify matches at a later date, gracefully avoiding harsh rejections and "lost numbers."

"This way, guys like me don't have to get hurt," jokes Dorian Wells, director of development. At least not on the spot.