The Rossland Public Library is inviting people to drop in on Feb. 14 and have a blind date with a book. Librarians have made a selection of potential dates to seduce readers.
“We’re hoping that Rosslanders will come and take a chance on a blind date this Valentine’s Day,” said Katie Albright, the library director. “You won’t be able to Google the date and learn more before deciding if it’s worth your time. I think it’s refreshing to pick up something that is completely foreign and just take the plunge.”
The library will wrap the selected books and include a mini-personal ad to describe the type of date – or read – it offers, and a plea to keep the wrapping on until you get home and can focus on the date.
“So if you’re single or attached, come grab a date this Valentine’s,” said Albright. “Who knows, you might be matched with a great book to read alone or to your someone special.”
In other library news, Albright noted that it is now in a partnership with RBdigital from Recorded Books, which brings Zinio for Libraries to Rossland. The database was awarded Best New Database of 2012 by Library Journal, and Zinio is the world’s largest newsstand, offering multi-user access to thousands of publications.
Through the library website, patrons will have unlimited simultaneous access to thousands of complete digital magazines, which can easily be viewed on any internet-enabled device inside or outside of the library. Zinio’s unique technology digitally recreates a magazine page for page, including full colour pictures, intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive elements such as audio and video. Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, O, The Oprah Magazine and Readers Digest are just a few of the popular titles available.
“Zinio is a great way to access magazines free on-line,” said Maura Malone, a Rossland resident and Zinio user. “I love that I can chose from so many publications, read at my leisure and don’t have to worry about due dates. No more stacks of magazines collecting dust - online magazines are the way to go.”
“We have been growing the collection of magazines on offer since the launch of the service this summer,” said Albright. “To date there are over 300 titles to choose from, accessible 24/7 online with your library card.”
Please see staff at the Rossland Public Library for more information on how to access this service or go to rossland.bclibrary.ca.