Library staff in Victoria and Colwood are preparing to play cupid.
They're hoping to see romantic sparks fly among single adults and seniors during speed-dating events held for the first time at the Central and Juan de Fuca branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library.
Devon Tatton, Juan de Fuca children's librarian, initiated the speed-dating program after reading about U.S. libraries providing the service last year.
"I really liked (the idea) because I really enjoy reading the misconnections on (online classified websites) and there were a bunch I saw (of) people seeing each other in libraries," she said.
Single seniors, 60 and up, are invited to the Central branch in Victoria on Feb. 11, while singles, age 25 to 40, are invited to try and find their valentine at the Juan de Fuca branch in Colwood on Feb. 14.
Dimmed lighting, romantic tunes and homemade sweets at the events will help set the mood for participants looking to find that special someone. They will each have five minutes to sit down one-on-one before the chime sounds and it's time to switch partners.
Participants are encouraged to bring their favourite book to help break the ice.
"Just the connection of 'you like to read, I like to read,'" Tatton said.
Staff will provide contact information to participants who mutually hit it off.
The Central branch event happens Feb. 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and the Juan de Fuca branch hosts its session on Feb. 14, 7 to 8: 30 p.m.
Registration is required for the free event. Please visit www.gvpl.ca, call the Central branch at 250-382-7241 or the Juan de Fuca branch at 250-391-0653.
Given the calls the library has received from people age 41 to 59 wanting their own speed-dating session, one may be held in April or May.
"If we get these (sessions) off the ground and running, they're our next group, in a heartbeat," Tatton said.