Turning the page on the traditional practice of picking out books, librarian Carmen Anderson at PLHS hosted a “Speed Dating with Books” event, where students got to choose a new book based solely on a three-word description. 

“As students walk by during passing period, they can take a quick look at the wrapped books and choose which one to take home based on their profiles,”  Anderson said.

This event encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and explore new stories and genres. Recognizing how packed students’ schedules can be, Anderson wanted to make reading more accessible.

“I feel like a lot of students want to get to the library but might not always have time with their busy schedule,” Anderson said. “So I thought why not take the library to them?”

With schoolwork and extracurricular activities piling up, reading can sometimes get pushed aside and forgotten. Events like this not only bring joy to the school community but also create a sense of excitement and connection.

“As a kid I just had a special thing for Valentine’s Day,” Anderson said. “So I thought this was a fun, festive thing to do to make our students feel loved”. 

More than just a creative display, the event served as a reminder that the library is a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

“They can benefit from this by just knowing the library is here for them,” Anderson said. “Students are always welcome to check out books, study, socialize, play games, and get to know new people.”

Overall, “Speed Dating with Books” proved that sometimes all it takes is a little creativity to spark a new love for reading. By bringing books directly to students, Carmen Anderson turned an ordinary library visit into an experience that felt personal and exciting. The school library plans on hosting many more fun events like this one, the next being an evening at the Rose Theater.