Before leaving for mid-semester break and Valentine’s Day, make time for a blind date with a new book. Friday, Feb. 8, the Barista and ODY Library will be hosting a Blind Date with a Book event in the ODY 24 Hour Room from 5pm to 7pm. Participation in the event will include a free book, free hot chocolate, coffee, tea and individual bookmark making.
The Barista is described on the St. Lawrence website thusly: “This club, created by a current student, is a sober living community on campus. They host sober parties and activities and invite all students to join. They are also responsible for our newest theme house on campus, ‘The Lounge,’ a sober house to host events.” They are advertising this event on SLUWire by saying, “We’ve wrapped up some great books that we think you’ll enjoy. You can choose one to take on a blind date. What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than curled up with a good book? You might find a new favorite or even your one true literary love.”
“The Barista is really eager for this event because we are continually trying to find alternative events for students on the weekends. We have been working diligently to build our organization and offer great events like this one! The sole purpose of The Barista is to offer students the ability to have events and spaces on campus that don’t involve drinking. We do open coffeehouses, Safe Saturdays, movie nights, sip and paints, and now events for avid readers. We hope to have many more events with the library to provide students who have a passion for reading more free opportunities,” says Barista Theme House Coordinator Cheyenne McQuain ’19.
When asking “what’s next?” for future ODY collaborations, Interim Librarian for Special Collections & University Archives Paul Doty explained, “We have a Friends of the Libraries organization that helps support the work of the ODY and Launders and we hope people who come by for the ‘Blind Date’ will perhaps give us some ideas about how students could play a much greater role in this organization.” Paul Doty will be at the Blind Date with a Book event and would be happy to hear what students think about the event and gain feedback for future collaborations.