In February of 2024, Instructional Technology Librarian Amy York set up a table with her daughter, unaware of how much traffic that table would get throughout the following three days. A table covered in red cloth, little conversation heart cutouts, and an assortment of books wrapped in brown packing paper with inconspicuous pink labels, James E. Walker Library’s first Blind Date with a Book display premiered.

York elaborates on her motivations for starting the display, I had seen the Blind Date with a Book concept at other libraries and at bookstores, and it seemed like a fun way for readers to interact with the collection.

Blind-date

Users may be familiar with the format. A book is covered so that all its identifying features—aesthetic, cover image, author name, and title—are hidden, and then a minimal label is placed on the wrapping. This label might have a quote, a review, or a catchy synopsis to draw a curious reader’s eye. The reader then gets the opportunity to be surprised when they open the wrapping.

Just like with people, you can’t always tell what a book is going to be like just from looking at the outside, and giving people little hints about the book and its content makes the whole reveal more exciting.

This clever marketing technique is a fun and engaging way to introduce readers to new genres, authors, and voices they might not have picked up otherwise.

In its initial year, the display was one of the most successful pop-up displays Walker Library had seen in the memory of several employees. York concludes, Last year, we checked out 66 books in three days, and it could have been more, but we kept running out and having to replenish the supply. This year, we plan to prepare a larger number of books ahead of time so that more people have a chance to check one out.

With Valentine’s Day well on the way, Walker Library patrons will see the expanded second iteration of the Blind Date with a Book display in the library atrium - . Decorated display carts will be replenished with new books in the mornings and afternoons. The supply of books is limited, so patrons are encouraged to take a look while they can—

And who knows? Maybe you’ll find your new favorite book in the process!