Library renews blind dates with books

Queenstown librarian Annie Wilcox is surrounded by mystery Blind Date with a Book titles. The...
Queenstown librarian Annie Wilcox is surrounded by mystery Blind Date with a Book titles. The promotion aims to acquaint card holders with titles they might not otherwise read to celebrate Valentine's Day. Photo by Matt Stewart.
Queenstown librarians are playing matchmaker again this Valentine's Day as the library gets set to repeat last year's Blind Date with a Book literary liaisons.

Monday's event pairs borrowers with specially wrapped mystery books, chosen by library staff as being particularly deserving of a hook-up with a willing reader, Queenstown library manager Robyn Robertson said.

"We are choosing books we personally enjoyed or feel passionate about. The books are all gift-wrapped, with only a barcode on the outside, so it really is a blind date with a book and there's no telling what you might get.

"There's a cheeky mix of fiction and non-fiction, with a nod towards the day that inspired the whole initiative. There's bound to be some romance in there - it is Valentine's Day after all - but there's also a real mix of other genres.

"Like any date, there's an element of risk. But who knows; it could spark a lifelong love affair with a new author," Mrs Robertson said.

In the mix are librarians Annie Wilcox and Niki Mason's picks A Thousand Country Roads, by Robert James Waller, and The Dog & Lemon Guide to Buying Cars.

Those heading out from the library with a blind date are encouraged to share the experience.

"We'd like to hear from people about their date, whether it's a one-word review or a full critique," Mrs Robertson said.

Reviewers will get a DVD voucher. Reviews will be posted on the library website http://libraries.codc-qldc.govt.nz/.

• For further information, contact the library on (03) 441-0600.

 

 

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