Booth Library has Blind Date with a Book throughout February for students to enjoy mystery books.

Don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day? Look no further, because Booth Library has the perfect solution. Make a cup of coffee or tea, grab a warm blanket and curl up with one of their Blind Date with a Book selection to celebrate love, a love for books that is. 

Booth Library’s Blind Date With a Book promotion is going on the rest of this month. Come into the library and find the display on the third floor with the choices.

There are books neatly wrapped in paper with some hints as to what the book contains, whether that’s telling you it’s horror, romantic, has a main character who’s a vampire, etc.  

The Public Services Committee is responsible for this idea being brought to life. 

Through the hard work of Alyssa Marino, a junior English major and library writing intern this semester, who has been prepping the many book choices to go on display, the books have been prepped for students to enjoy them going in blind.

Kirstin Duffin, the research support librarian at Booth Library, said how this event came to be. 

“Our focus has been primarily on lighter, uplifting books as we find ourselves laboring through the middle of the semester and the waning weeks of winter,” Duffin said. 

There’s also a chance to win one of two certificates to Java Beanery and Bakery in the MLK Jr. Union donated by Housing and Dining Services for students who complete the “Rate your Date” submission after reading their book in order to enter.

“Each certificate is good for two free drinks and two baked goods, so winners can take a date to enjoy their prize,” Duffin said.  

The books have been a success leaving the display empty, and the anonymous feedback through Rate this Date has been overwhelmingly positive.  

“I loved this. I spend way too much time searching for the ‘perfect’ next book to read. I wish I could do this for every book,” one student said.

“It was so good. I find it so hard to make time for reading for leisure with school and everything. But this was so much fun, and it was a fast read. I read it before bed. I only planned to read a few pages, but I ended up finishing,” another student said.

“It was a book I didn’t expect myself to enjoy, the ending was especially a shock. I really like the Blind Date with a Book program and would definitely do it again.” 

Students can go to Booth Library now through Feb. 28 to take a chance on a new read. 

Maddi Walton can be reached at 581-2812 or at mrwalton@eiu.edu.