All nine library authorities in the East Midlands participated in this project to attract readers between 16 and 25 as part of the East Midlands Reader and Library Development Project (EMRALD) which ran from 2000 to 2003. An editorial group of one young member of staff from each authority worked with an Opening the Book site manager to plan site content and development. They were supported by more experienced staff to develop the site. The site was groundbreaking in its style, content and the linking of online and offline services through ideas such as Blind Date.
The national importance of the site was recognised by Arts Council funding to continue its development from 2004 to 2006. At the end of this funding period the East Midlands region decided the site was not a priority for the future. Opening the Book maintained the site for a further year but new content could not be created without more input so the site was taken offline. Click on the images below to visit an archived view of the site.