Revisiting Blind Date with a Book


In 2014 was the first time that I set up a display for Blind Date with a Book (BDWB). The kids loved it. When I set up the display the following year, I had students add some information about each book on the wrapping so that students could make an informed choice. This really improved the whole blind date experience. 
What will this new read be?

Then I said the heck with this, it is so difficult to wrap the books and keep wrapping additional books after the books get checked out that I stopped putting up the display. This year I have seen so many cute displays on social media, and Pinterest is filled with BDWB display ideas. I decided it was time to bring it back to my library.


She is a happy camper!
I needed to figure out a simpler way to package the books, list some qualities of the book, and be ready to add new books to the display as they get checked out. I made a nice design on Canva to print out, and you can find it here and feel free to copy and use. I glued the 8 1/2 by 11 sheets that I printed onto manila envelopes. Then I put the envelopes through the laminator. I carefully scored the envelopes at the opening to keep the lamination in tact. Then I printed out the hearts with the details about each book and cut those out. The details I did not laminate. I just carefully taped them to the back of the envelope. I figured once the book is checked out I would need to add a different one to  the display, and it will have different details. The tape comes off of the lamination very easily. The only downside is the envelope is open at the top, and the students could look in if they wanted.

Details of each book to put on the back

I trust my students not to peek. On the flip side, I do want them to find a book that they will enjoy, so I don't worry if they have taken a quick look. This display always seems to encourage kids who might not usually check out a book to take one. They might not always like the book, but at least they tried. I am all for making the attempt to be the book matchmaker for my students. 


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