Jerry Falwell Library offers ‘Blind Date with a Book’ and other surprising items for Valentine’s day

Mysterious. Romantic. Adventurous. The blind date everyone longs for. This is the blind date the campus library is prepared to offer you. Whether you’re looking for a good read, board games or cooking equipment, the Jerry Falwell Library (JFL) has exactly what you need this Valentine’s Day. 

Blind Dates

The JFL participates in an initiative called “Blind Date with a Book.” The program began at Elizabeth’s Bookshops in Australia and has spread to libraries and other academic institutions all across the world. JFL has participated in the program during the month of February for the past five years. 

“Students are able to pick out a book that has been hand-selected by the library staff,” outreach librarian Hannah Lowder said. “The books are then covered in purple wrapping and a short “pick-up line” is written on the cover to give students an idea of what they may be reading and a first impression to base their pick of book off of, just as one would on a date. 

The books include a variety of styles ranging from  mystery and romance to  science fiction.

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, picking up a book and spending the night in may be the perfect “blind date.” Books can be hand-selected at the front desk, on the second floor or in the Curriculum Library. 

“One thing that is unique about ‘Blind Date with a Book’ is that it causes readers to explore literary genres and books they may not have otherwise picked up,” Cindy Schmidt, head of the library’s communication, said. “It is a fun way to get students to explore literature.”

Hidden Gems

Aside from books, students have access to check out a large number of non-traditional items through the Curriculum Library: ukuleles, jumper cables, board games, a wagon and tools. And for those who like baking, cooking equipment such as cake pans and cookie cutters are available for baking Valentine’s goodies or any other special treats. 

“These items are always available, and students may not always know that they have access to these materials,” Lowder said. “You don’t need to be an education major to check out books or take advantage of what the Curriculum Library offers. All majors are welcome.”

Constant Updates

The Curriculum Library is constantly updated and launching new programs and initiatives.

“If students want the library to purchase something for them to use, they make suggestions for purchases on the library website under the suggestions tab,” Schmidt said. “We are always looking to update our inventory and take into account what the students suggest when purchasing new items.”

On Feb. 17, bookmarks containing instructions and activities will launch in the library, urging students to engage with their unique offers in order to win a prize. The special bookmarks feature different JFL-provided activities such as “check out a game and play it with some friends” listed on the back. If students post themselves completing three of the listed activities and tag @libertyulibrary on Facebook or Instagram, they will be entered to win a prize. 

“The bookmarks are essentially bucket lists for the new decade,” Lowder said. They not only educate students on what the library has to offer, but the activities are a lot of fun to complete as well.”

Lowder and others work diligently to update and design the wooden display across from the customer service desk on the first floor in the library. Students should check the JFL social media accounts for upcoming events, information and special offerings.

Drexel is a feature reporter. Follow her on Twitter.