'Bookmatch' pairs up writers and readers

It's a matchmaker program, of sorts, although instead of a true love, participants will end up (hopefully) with a book they love.

"Bookmatch," a new joint venture of Friends of the Hennepin County Library and the Loft Literary Center, is a sort of literary speed date between readers hungry for a new book and local writers (six of them) hungry for new readers.

Hosted by writer and Minnesota Public Radio personality Heather McElhatton, Bookmatch will be held twice a year and is meant to bring attention to recent works by notable local writers. The first one will take place Saturday at Minneapolis Central Library on the Nicollet Mall.

Upon arrival, each guest will fill out a quick questionnaire about his or her reading interests. These questionnaires will be used to find each author's "perfect reader."

McElhatton will interview six authors, who will then each read from their latest book. After each presentation, one reader will be chosen to receive a free copy of that author's book. (There will also be books for sale, for those who aren't chosen as the perfect reader.)

The six writers and their books are:

• Will Alexander, National Book Award-winning young adult writer; his newest book is "Ambassador."

• Memoirist Rachael Hanel, "We'll Be the Last Ones to Let You Down."

• Young adult writer Geoff Herbach, "Fat Boy vs. the Cheerleaders."

• Journalist Neal Karlen, "Augie's Secrets."

• Novelist Julie Schumacher, "Dear Committee Members."

The evening will also include music by Joe Hastings, door prizes, book signings and desserts.