Amarillo Public Library’s popular annual program, Blind Date with a Book, returns in 2026! To go on a “Blind Date,” library patrons check out a paper-wrapped book (or audiobook) without knowing the title or author. Every year, APL patrons discover books and authors they love but would not have tried had it not been for this mystery book selection program.
APL Program Specialist Cynthia Hunt says the program is a huge undertaking. “Our patrons love Blind Date with a Book and staff at all five locations stay busy keeping the books wrapped, decorated, and on display.” Hunt adds that titles for the program aren’t chosen randomly. “All the books available for ‘Blind Dates’ were recommended by a staff member through Staff Picks or featured in one of the library’s BookNews e-newsletters, so there’s a wide variety of subjects and genres available.”
Audiobooks and large print format books are also included in Blind Date with a Book—and those format distinctions are marked on the wrapping.
Blind Date with a Book runs January 15 through February 12 at all Amarillo Public Library locations. To participate, readers just need to visit an Amarillo Public Library location and choose a book from the selection of paper-wrapped books on display. They can then return the entry form inside the book to be entered for a chance to win a grand prize—a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant—awarded to one lucky participant at each APL location.
Some books contain additional prizes such as book sale vouchers, AMA-CON merchandise, or coupons for the Friends Store, located inside the Downtown Amarillo Public Library.
Participants must be at least 18 years, and only one “Blind Date” checkout is allowed per person, per day. Books must remain wrapped until out of the library.
Drawings for the grand prizes will be held on the morning of February 13, so all entries must be turned in by the time the library closes on February 12. The same reader may not win two years in a row.
For more information, contact Cynthia Hunt at 806-378-6019.