“ Partial interests: alternative health, art, asian culture, books, chinese tea, green living, cooking, crafts, dance, economics, energy awareness, epigenetics, ethnic, human perception, kids, psychology, quantum touch, reiki, sculpture, travel, yoga ”

“ Hi all. I'm Rob, a manager at a major bookseller in the area. ”

“ I would be interested in meeting new people. I work a full time job and also own my own business (Pampered Chef) which keeps me pretty busy. I would be very happy to do recipe swap with anyone who is interested. Let me know: ouchalbany@aol.com ”

“ I want these local Meetups because I want to network. ”

“ Hi! I am a blogger, an amateur photographer, and a sometimes cook. I am married, the mother of 2, and a corporate training specialist. I have always been an avid reader. My favorite way to pass an afternoon is holed up with a book in my lap. ”

“ I want these local Meetups because I'm interested in meeting new people in my area who share the same interests as me. Our busy schedules with jobs and family obligations sometimes make it difficult to meet others with like interests here on LI. ”

“ I want these local Meetups because I am looking for some intellectual stimulation. ”

“ I read about BookCrossing in the newspaper several months back. Because I rarely read the same book twice and like sharing my books with others this sounds like fun to me. I read a little of everything from sci-fi to classics. ”

“ I want local Blues Meetups because I love singing and listening to the blues. Some of my favorite musicians are Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Lee Hooker, Etta James and Leadbelly. ”

“ contact me (Phish32@aol.com) if you want to meet-up, i didn't want to pay to be an organizer :( but i would love to be a part of a meetup, people still show up at bay park in east rockaway the 1st sunday of every month at 10am ”

“ I'm a single mom of 2 kids. Love to try out new adventures, expand my horizons and meet new people. ”

“ I'm a 31-year-old librarian and photographer and live in central CT with my husband and two furry children. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone! ”

“ Likes: My son, cooking, gardening, writing, reading, photography, soccer, hiking, traveling, loafing Dislikes: Work, debt ”

“ First time here. I love anything written by Neil Gaiman, but I wanted to join this group to read other books out there. With such a group of people with diverse interests, I'm sure I can find myself being a fan of another author! ”

“ Hi! I'm just your basic, everyday bibliophile always looking to hear about great writing and talk about books! ”

“ I produce the podcast, "Tourist In The City", short sound aural pieces about New York and Me. www.myspace.com/touristinthecity1 ”

“ Reading Murukami right now. Kafka on the Shore. Best book read last year was Cruddy, byt Lynda Barry (Erinie Pook's Comeek) ”

“ I want these local Meetups because I loved going to the NYC meetings! Now I need something a little closer. I love having the chance to exchange books in person! ”

“ Hi! I was an English major in college but have gotten away from the classics. Now I read mostly smut & sci/fi fantasy. I love to read anything and now I have an excuse to do so! ”

“ Hi! I'm a grad student at the U and am just interested in reading some good books with some cool people. I read a ton for school and now want to join a group to get back into reading for fun. ”

“ I have a 1 year old baby. I live in Bayside (Oakland Gardens) and am looking to get in contact with people who live nearby. ”

“ Beginning Hiker/walker from Manchester. Lost 62 pounds since November, still more to go, adding more physical activity to my life. Looking for Hiking info, tips, good locations, companions, etc. ”