The Bibliotaph: On bookstore dates

Once you’ve discovered that your potential love interest is as bookish as you’d hoped, it’s time for the next level: going to a bookstore together. This can be a daunting (and serious) step to get to in a relationship and you’ll want to keep this as light and enjoyable as you can (no matter how much you’re freaking out inside. Here are a few ideas for how to turn a serious step in your relationship into a lighthearted date:

Pick each other’s books - This is one date that I’ve done a few times and it’s a really enjoyable way to get to know someone. Together, search the bookstore and pick out a book for your date with details of why you picked it and why you love that book. You each take your new book home, read it, and then talk about it on your next date.
Scavenger hunt - A scavenger hunt is a fun date that can require some planning, but is superfun. There are a couple different ways you can do this:

Find books that fit certain criteria that will help you get to know each other better.
Find things within the books and magazines at your store - i.e. favorite jokes in a jokebook, recipe you want to make with your date, etc. There are some ideas here and here.

Read children’s books out loud to each other - I’ve done this on tons of dates (with a few different folks) and it’s a lot of fun. Each person picks out a few books, shares why they chose that book to read, and then reads it to their date. It gives you a chance to get to know your date without having to constantly come up with new questions to ask - the conversation flows better as you hear stories about each other and learn little likes and dislikes that normally wouldn’t come to light. It’s also a silly way to connect and have fun.

For a variation on this, go to the children’s storytime with a date. These are absolutely ridiculous and hilarious. If you feel uncomfortable being the only adults, bring along one of your kids or borrow a child (with the parent’s permission, of course).

Making out in the back - This is a very silly and sweet thing you can do in just about any bookstore. All you have to do is find a spot where you won’t be disturbed for a few minutes and lock lips for a bit.