We can thank Pope Gelasius I for creating Valentine's Day - Feb. 14 - named after Christian martyr Saint Valentine. The romantic observance is a day of flowers, candy, greeting cards and of course, images of Cupid, the Roman god of affection.
Maybe you can use some of that info as part of your introductory line at the upcoming Sacramento Public Library's third annual speed-dating get-together. It's free and fills up fast.
"We bring together 20 men and 20 women, and we're hoping for a little romance," said Jessica Zaker, branch supervisor at the North Sacramento Library. "There definitely have been some matches, but beyond that it's a nice way to make friends and talk with people you wouldn't ordinarily strike up a conversation with."
Each participant should bring a book "as a way of tying the event into the library, and to have something to talk about (as an ice-breaker)," she said.
What kinds of books has she seen at past speed-dating soirees? "Philosophy, art, sometimes childhood favorites like 'Charlotte's Web.' It depends on their interest."
The speed-dating event will start at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Central Library, 828 I St., Sacramento. To register, go to tinyurl.com/76rhbkx.
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