Too many “how we met” stories start the same way. Imagine instead your story starting as you lock eyes over Vonnegut or your hands brush, reaching for the last copy of Infinite Jest. Slide off your barstool before you become a cliché and come to the Oak Park Public Library to meet your literate match. genre X, the library’s book discussion group for those in their 20s and 30s, is shaking up traditional speed dating in an after-hours event on Saturday, February 11 from 8 pm to 11 pm at the Main Library, 834 Lake Street, Oak Park.

This free event is for adults aged 21-39. Preregister at oppl.org/shaken-and-stirred-registration [1]. Confirmations will be sent out starting February 3. For more information visit genre-x.com [2].

At February 11’s Shaken and Stirred, fortify yourself with a cocktail on the house before diving into the mix. You’ll mingle with everybody during three series of short mini-dates, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Flirt with potential dates and stir up some new friendships. Cool off between heats with a trip to the cash bar stocked with wine and your favorite whiskey cocktails. After you’ve made the rounds, let us know who has piqued your curiosity, and we’ll let you know if they feel the same.

Shaken and Stirred is sponsored by genre X [2], a twenties and thirties book discussion group facilitated by the Oak Park Public Library. genre X meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 8 pm at “The Snug”, a small room inside Molly Malone’s, 7652 Madison Street in Forest Park.