Romance novels are very popular with our library
patrons. A program designed to attract fans of this genre will undoubtedly be popular,
particularly if there is a prize included. Scheduling a ‘Blind Date with a Book’
program will not only highlight our romance collection, but readers may be introduced
to authors and romance novels presently unfamiliar to them.
Advertisement of this program will consist of
posters and signs with catchy phrases, such as ‘Make a Date with a Book’ or ‘Find
Romance at the Library’. A decorated display table will be filled with romance
novels chosen from the library’s collection which includes both old and new
titles. These novels will be wrapped in
brown paper with only a brief description of the book written on the front. No other details, such as the title or author
would be revealed. The patron will choose a book simply based on the short
description. The book’s barcode shall be placed on the cover to allow for
checkout. Several different bookmarks will be offered during the course of
the month that the ‘Blind Date with a Book’ program will be promoted. When patrons check out a romance novel, they will receive a bookmark that has
been designed specifically for romance enthusiasts and that lists romance read-alikes. Bookmarks that offer movie and gaming suggestions for romance novel enthusiasts will also be available. Readers will be invited to write a short review on a postcard left inside the book.
Patrons will receive a prize entry for every three
romance books that are checked out on their card. The prize will consist of a
basket filled with several new romance novels, a couple of DVD’s and
popcorn, an audio book, a paid yearly membership for the Friends of the Library,
and a few different kinds of chocolate. The prize will
be paid for by the Friends of the Library and local businesses. At the end of
the month, a winner will be chosen.
In addition to promoting general interest in the
library romance collection, readers will find, quite by chance, romance books and authors of this genre they
might not otherwise have discovered.
I think these "blind date" displays are always so fun! I like your idea to tie in a giveaway. Some patrons may not want to take a chance if they can't see what they're getting, so that could encourage participation. I don't see a lot of men going for it, but maybe if you found a way to suggest that they could win the prize basket as a potential Valentine's gift...they might participate as well!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea, especially the phrase, find romance at the library! Full points!
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