Booklovers Ditch Dating Apps for Bookstore Meet-Cutes

Singles events at bookstores offer an alternative to online dating fatigue.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Booklovers in New York City are turning to in-person singles events at local bookstores to combat the frustrations of dating app culture. The events, organized by the group Bored of Dating Apps (BODA), provide a cozy, bookish atmosphere for singles to mingle, connect over shared literary interests, and potentially find a romantic match. The events have proven popular, with recent sessions selling out completely.

Why it matters

The rise of dating apps has led many singles, especially millennials and Gen Z, to feel burnt out by the impersonal, transactional nature of online dating. These bookstore events offer an alternative that taps into the nostalgia of the classic "meet-cute" scenario, allowing people to connect organically over a shared passion for reading.

The details

The events, held monthly at Book Club Bar in Manhattan's East Village, feature mingling, conversation starters about books, and even prizes for attendees who hit it off. Hosts facilitate interactions and provide a friendly face for newcomers. Participants say the bookish setting helps them feel more comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone to meet new people.

  • The latest events were held on February 9, 2026, with a 6 p.m. session and a 9 p.m. session.
  • BODA has been hosting these bookstore events in New York for over two years, after starting in London.

The players

Bored of Dating Apps (BODA)

An organization that hosts in-person singles events, including the popular bookstore mixers, as an alternative to online dating.

Grace Clark Delgado

One of the on-site hosts for the BODA events at Book Club Bar.

Jess Evans

The founder of BODA.

Ava Mattox

A 32-year-old attendee who was looking to connect with other readers, frustrated by the lack of reading for pleasure among Americans.

Konstantinos Karagiannis

A 53-year-old attendee who loves horror and sci-fi books and was hoping to meet a like-minded partner.

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What they’re saying

“We're about rom-com culture. Dating culture feels like we can't have that. But when you come to this, you absolutely can.”

— Grace Clark Delgado, On-site host

“I might be willing to try something newer, potentially out of my comfort zone in a place that already feels really familiar. I'm surrounded by books. These are great kick-off points, like icebreakers.”

— Grace Clark Delgado, On-site host

“How you gain empathy and learn about people outside of yourself is by reading fiction.”

— Ava Mattox

“Because this is Book Club Bar, I figured I'd have a better chance of meeting a smart woman.”

— Konstantinos Karagiannis

“Everyone's like, 'There's so many fish' and I'm like, it's a cesspool – not the fish you want on the dating apps. I do better when I meet people organically. I just don't do well on the apps. I don't think people get my humor. Or it's like pen pals and you just want to talk forever. I'm not your wife; you're not at sea at war. Why are we writing to each other for two weeks? We should just meet up.”

— Neha Nidamarti

What’s next

BODA plans to continue hosting monthly bookstore singles events in New York City, with the next one scheduled for March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

As dating app fatigue grows, especially among younger generations, these bookstore meet-up events offer a refreshing alternative that taps into the nostalgia and organic connection of the classic "meet-cute." The bookish setting provides a comfortable, familiar backdrop for singles to mingle and potentially find a literary-minded match.