On Oct. 18, Valencia libraries began their 2020 e-book campaign. Initially, the event was set to end on Oct. 24; however, it was extended to Oct. 31. During the campaign, Valencia libraries invited students to enter an Instagram giveaway.

To do so, students needed to post a photo of themselves reading an e-book from Valencia’s virtual library using the #valenciaebookchallenge2020. Those who entered were given the opportunity to win a prize. The first place prize was a Kindle Paperwhite, the second place prize was a set of Airpods, and the third place prize was a school supply kit.

Due to campus closures amidst COVID-19, the library’s marketing team started the e-book campaign to engage students and encourage them to use their online services and resources.

Courtney Moore, an East campus librarian, is working remotely to help students use the library’s databases. “Because we’re virtual, our e-books have become more important than ever for students just to know that they’re there and how to access them,” said Moore.

Using their Instagram platform, the library staff shared several posts and stories to inform students about the campaign.

“We’ve really beefed up our social media presence. Since we’re not physically on campus, I think we’re trying to meet students where they are,” continued Moore.

Several students took on the challenge and entered the giveaway. Jonathan Valbuena, a pre-med student at Valencia College, posted a photo of himself reading “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle.

“I joined the e-book challenge honestly because I love being involved in everything [that] I can possibly be involved [in],” said the 21-year-old, Valbuena.

Valbuena, who attended the Osceola campus library prior to its closure, uses the library’s online resources to help him get material for his classes.

When asked if he would recommend other students to use Valencia’s virtual library, he replied, “I would most definitely encourage them to check it out. There is something there for everyone.”

Winners of the giveaway will be randomly selected in a prize drawing. Updates and further information can be found on the Valencia College West Campus Library Instagram page, @valenciacollegewestlibrary.