A NOVEL idea at Crewkerne Library is encouraging people to read books that they would not have normally chosen.

All the books on the Valentine bookcase are wrapped in brown paper with just four key words giving a hint to what lies beyond the packaging, as part of the ‘Blind date with a book’ initiative.

The scheme will run until Saturday, February 19.

Readers can choose from a mystery selection of fictional stories, including crime thrillers, science fiction, dystopian, romance, and black comedy to a non-fiction selection covering anything from space travel and everyday science to wartime and self-help.

There is also quick reads available for young adults.

The reading promotion to encourage a love of books, is proving to be so popular that other libraries have asked to share it and staff have had to restock the special bookcase several times.

A spokesperson for Crewkerne Library said: “You are all so keen and there are lots more books here, just waiting for a chance to impress you.”