6 Perfectly Bookish Date Ideas

     It's the month of love and romance, with Valentine's Day around the corner. Personally, I find Galentine's Day (February 13th) more fun. Depending on the year, we may not have a significant other, but there is always an excuse to get a few girl friends together.

     Last year, my roommate and I hosted a small Galentine's brunch and enjoyed the party planning, cooking, and dressing up aspects of it. But there is nothing quite like having someone else make plans for you.

     Without further adieu, here are six perfectly bookish date ideas for the loved one (romantic or not) in your life.

1. Go on a picnic with books.

     If the weather is nice, this is an any-time-of-year date. If the weather is looking like 25* plus wind chill where you are this February 14th, maybe opt for a living room floor picnic with the curtains open to give you a view of the snow and whatever wildlife may be outside.

     For your meal, anything that travels easily is best: fruit, lunch meat, cheese, chips and dip, etc. Bring napkins (cloth if you're feeling fancy) to wipe your fingers off before you open your books.

2. Browse a library, bookstore, or museum.

     A perfect solution for the cooler days of winter, browsing either books or art is any book lover's dream date. Your local library is probably open, or if you're in a new city, find a cute indie bookstore with your date. Their literary interest probably extends to history and art, so find a museum to walk through hand-in-hand once you've explored all the bookish establishments.

3. Read at a coffee shop together.

     This has long been one of my favorite things: sitting in the same room doing parallel activities and only glancing up every now and then to make a comment about what you're reading (or writing, for your more creatively-minded dates).

4. Walk through the park discussing books.

     Nothing gets the thoughts flowing like books, and nothing gets the blood pumping like a brisk walk in February. You can leave the books at home for this one and venture out to discuss what you've been reading lately and what ideas those tomes are stirring within you.

5. Get drinks at a book bar/speakeasy.

     This may be harder to find as they often fly under the radar, but take your next date to a bookish bar or speakeasy (often called a "library lounge") within a hotel or restaurant. The lovely surroundings of bookshelves and old furniture will transport you to more elegant times, so be sure to dress the part. Maybe the drinks will be literary themed too!

6. Watch a movie based on a book you have both read.

     This date comes with at-home and in-theaters options! I love watching movies based on books, especially if I get to watch them with someone else who has also read the book. I will do this with my mom or a friend to connect us while we're reading the book and then give us some quality time together watching the movie and discussing it. This is a frequent occurrence in local book clubs, but try it one-on-one with your date sometime. You may find you both have more margin for sharing your own thoughts.

     Just don't be that person who is constantly comparing the book and the movie while you're watching it. Stop it.

~

     For more date night tips, check out this post. I said it then, and I'll say it now: No matter your relationship status this Valentine's Day, you are loved, valued, beautiful, and seen.

~Madeline