The trouble with the London Review of Books’ singles evenings, building on the success of its personal columns for lonely literati, was the number of incognito hacks waiting to accost the vulnerable singletons, to judge by the number of pieces that appeared about brief encounters at the LRB bookshop. Will Whitechapel, Southwark and Chelsea libraries offer a safer sanctuary when they pioneer literary speed-dating (use your favourite book to pull) for the Get London Reading campaign? Only one way to find out.

Events during this year’s campaign (February 17 to March 7, taking in World Book Day on March 2) also include writing masterclasses at the London Book Fair (www.lbf-events.com). And www.getlondonreading.co.uk is a reminder of literary associations for every Greater London borough: for Sherlock Holmes think South Norwood rather than Baker Street.