Enjoy a library lucky dip and you may strike gold!

The London 2012 Open Weekend, which is supported by BP, features a series of sporting, arts and cultural challenges, taking place across the UK, to lead the nation into the two year countdown to the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Northern Ireland Libraries are excited to be part of this project, to encourage people to break out of their comfort zone and try something new.

During Open Weekend, from July 23 to 25, all public libraries across Northern Ireland will have a selection of mystery reads in a lucky dip.

In Newtownabbey, the challenge will take place in Cloughfern Library on Friday, July 23 from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. The public libraries in Rathcoole, Glengormley and Ballyclare will run the challenge on both the Friday and Saturday, between 9.30am and 5pm.

Libraries NI is encouraging the Northern Ireland adult public to get down to their local library and take a leap into the unknown by choosing a book that they absolutely know nothing about!

Open Weekend is part of the Cultural Olympiad and this year’s event follows the success of the last two years, which has enabled over 1 million people to take part in sport, arts and cultural events across the length and breadth of the UK. Now in its third year, Open Weekend enables everyone across the UK to share in the excitement of the 2012 Games and actively celebrate the two year countdown by challenging themselves to try something new or taking an interest to a further level.

Libraries NI joins hundreds of other Open Weekend challenges - ranging from learning a new dance or piece of music an hour before it is performed, to talent contests, learning stonemasonry skills to create your own sundial, to 3km relay races through unusual places, sports days and guided bicycle rides, there is an opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves to discover something new or take an interest to another level.

Muriel Todd, Business Manager with Libraries NI said: “How many of us judge a book by its cover? Probably too many and this means we sometimes miss out on some really good reads. By taking part in the Libraries NI Lucky Dip Reading Challenge, participants will read something that they normally wouldn’t choose.

“They will then have the opportunity to tell us their thoughts on the book by filling out a comment card when they return the book. Libraries NI is hoping that this will encourage people to open their minds to different books.”