Do you like a bit of a mystery? romance? thrill? Want to read a fun book?

Visit participating UM libraries this Valentine’s Day (February 11 until they last) and find the display of books. Read the descriptions, admire the art and select a book wrapped up just for you. Check the book out with your U Card, take it home, unwrap and fall in love. We check out hundreds of books to Gophers who are looking for something new to read.

Each of the books includes a hint to help guide your connection, but the true identity of your match won’t be revealed until you open it. Share your blind date on Instagram and tag @umnlib for a chance to win a U of M Libraries t-shirt!

Try book matchmaking

Not a fan of blind dates? Want a more customized match? Our online book matchmakers will be on duty with customized book recommendations, too. Fill out a short form about your reading life and our expert book matchmakers will email you a list of three books from the University of Minnesota libraries that match what you are looking for!

Join us for more “lovely” free events…

First Fridays from the Archives on February 7 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm in Andersen Library (west bank) featuring short lectures including:

• Seeking NJB (Nice Jewish Boy) – Presented by Kate Dietrick, Archivist, Upper Midwest Jewish Archives. Making a match in the Jewish community has always been something worth singing about. From how to find that Nice Jewish Boy (or Girl) to professional matchmakers to debates over interfaith marriage, dating while Jewish is a spirited topic.
• Unrequited Love: Looking at Love and Loss in the Archives – Presented by Rachel Weiher, Project Archivist, and Amy Gabbert, Project Assistant Archivist. Explore unrequited love in a curated collection of poignant letters of rejection, heart-wrenching break-ups, and other personal correspondences that illuminate the complexities of unreciprocated affection.

Love Data Week: Data friendship bracelet making
Wilson Library Edition – Monday, February 10 anytime from 10:00am-12:00pm OR Walter Library Edition – Friday, February 14 anytime from 10:00am-12:00pm

Take a break and join the Libraries and Research Data Services in making friendship bracelets with your ORCID id, first or favorite DOI, and other favorite data expressions. Join us to make and talk data; documentation, ORCID id, and data sharing. Be in community with folks who dig data – no data experience necessary. Supplies provided.

Love your MN Daily: A mini pop-up exhibit on Wednesday, February 12 anytime from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm in Walter Library (room 102) – Take a study break to learn more about the history of your student newspaper – MN Daily! See historic copies of the The Minnesota Daily from the 1920s and beyond and get a glimpse at student life at the University including sports, social events, news of the day and more.

Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS) at Wilson Library on Thursday, February 13 anytime from 11:30-1:30pm in Wilson Library – first floor studio – Drop in at any time to meet registered therapy animal teams—including dogs, cats, chickens, and other therapy animals. Sessions are FREE. All are welcome!!

Science and Magic Pop-Up exhibit in Wangensteen Historical Library of Biology and Medicine on Thursday, February 13 anytime from noon-2:30pm in the Wangensteen Historical Library Classroom, Phillips-Wangensteen Building Room 2-330 – Explore secret knowledge, medieval alchemy, and the intersection of science and magic by interacting with a wide range of historical books along with centuries-old medieval swords.

Valentine’s Day Reading Party in Walter Library (with crafts) on Friday, February 14 anytime from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm in Walter Library (room 102) – Bring a book to read, select one from a pop-up library of fun books, try the Libby app for fun ebooks or audiobooks, or just come hang out with fellow readers. We will have a selection of craft supplies including button making, coloring, valentine and friendship bracelet making and more.

• *new* Letters of Love (@lettersoflove_umn) will be hosting letter writing!
• *new* The University Book Club (@umnbookclub) will be on hand to help with reading suggestions and sharing upcoming book club events!

 

Please contact Kate Peterson (katep@umn.edu) with any questions about these events.