The City of Cape Town’s libraries invited patrons to make a date and fall in love with books this Valentine’s Day.

A number of libraries, including Heideveld and Retreat, gave patrons the opportunity to have a ‘blind date’ with a book – by covering it in wrapping paper.

Retreat Library further offered a chocolate with every one of the books on display checked out and, if reviewed upon return, clients’ names went into a draw to win a prize.

“Going on a blind date is like opening a new book. You are not quite sure who or what to expect, but do not judge a book by its cover. By wrapping d a number of books on display. It is not until you have checked it out that you can unwrap it to see where your reading adventure will take you or who’ll you’ll meet.

“Even if it is not your usual fare, reading across genres will help you appreciate the diversity of literature, widen your reading taste and you’ll learn about a new place or people. You may even find a new love for a different category of books,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.