CALGARY PUBLIC LIBRARY UNLOCKS UNLIMITED DIGITAL ROM-COM READS THIS VALENTINE’S DAY—THANKS TO DONORS
Love can’t wait, and neither should readers
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Calgary Public Library has removed waitlists on 14 of its most in-demand digital romance and romantic comedy titles, offering unlimited eBook and audiobook check-outs through the end of February.
This limited-time initiative was made possible thanks to generous donor support to Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Fifth Book Campaign, which helps put the right book in the right hands, at the right time — so more Calgarians can read what they love, when they want.
Before the waitlists were lifted, these popular titles collectively had more than 8,514 holds, representing thousands of readers facing weeks or even months of waiting. By unlocking unlimited access, the Library is responding in real time to what Calgarians are eager to read and removing barriers to joy, connection, and escapism during the winter months.
Featured titles include Rachel Reid’s beloved Heated Rivalry series (Heated Rivalry, The Long Game, and Role Model), along with reader favourites such as Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life, Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale, and Abby Jimenez’s The Friend Zone. The full list of unlimited-access titles is available online.
“This initiative is a great example of how donor generosity directly impacts the reading experience for our community,” says Genevieve Luthy, Director of Collections for Calgary Public Library. “By removing waitlists on these high-demand titles, we’re meeting readers where they are and ensuring access to stories that bring comfort, connection, and delight exactly when people want them.”
The Fifth Book Campaign was launched to address the growing challenge of rising book costs. Since 2019, the average cost of a book has increased by approximately 20%, meaning that for every five books the Library could previously afford, it can now only purchase four. Donors help add the fifth book back onto Library shelves.
“To date, donors to The Fifth Book Campaign have helped add thousands of new books to the Library’s collection through more than $650,000 raised,” says Tracy Johnson, CEO of Calgary Public Library Foundation. “This Valentine’s season, their support is turning long waitlists into immediate access and that’s a powerful expression of community love.”
Calgary Public Library continues to see record-breaking engagement, with 17.5 million checkouts in 2025, underscoring the importance of timely, relevant collections that reflect reader demand.
The unlimited digital access will be available through the end of February via the Library’s digital platforms.
With the demand for books growing, fundraising continues for The Fifth Book Campaign. To learn more, visit libraryfoundation.ca/thefifthbook.
