Book Lovers Find Their Match At Clayton Library

CLAYTON – This Valentine’s Day, Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is adding a little mystery to the season of romance by offering Blind Date with a Book, where readers can fall head over heels for a surprise read.

This unique display invites readers to take a chance on a hidden gem, selecting from a collection of carefully wrapped books that hide their titles, authors, and even plot summaries. Each book is covered in recycled brown paper with only a vague description and a genre label as clues.

Geared toward the library’s adult collection, Blind Date with a Book encourages readers to step outside their comfort zones and explore something unexpected. Once checked out using a library card and the barcode on the back, the book remains a mystery until it’s unwrapped at home. Whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a heartfelt romance, or a spine-tingling mystery, each selection offers a new literary experience, making it a perfect way to discover a book that might not have been chosen otherwise.

“There’s a great sense of intrigue in picking up a book without knowing exactly what’s inside,” said Library Manager Melissa Poole. “Blind Date with a Book challenges our usual reading habits. It’s a fun way to step beyond familiar genres and open the door to new experiences.”

With so many books and eBooks available in the library’s collection, the process of selecting a new read can sometimes feel overwhelming. Blind Date with a Book can help simplify that choice while adding an element of allure.

“The whole thing is a bit of a guessing game,” added Poole. “We’ve strategically included only a few cryptic clues to spark curiosity. It’s a reminder not to judge a book by its cover – sometimes, the best stories are the ones you never expected to love.”

The Blind Date with a Book display will be available at the library for a limited time this month.