Around the Web: NFTs, Canadian Libraries, Finding Love, and Book Smells

Hello, and welcome to Around the Web, our weekly roundup of bookish content from across the wide reaches of the internet. This week, I’ve got a intro to NFTs for books, a look at how libraries are helping their communities during the pandemic, some thoughts on book taste and love, and a list of what the world’s most famous books smell like.

NFTs for Books

There’s a lot of chatter about NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain on the internet these days. If you’re unfamiliar with these technologies, especially in regard to books, you may want to check out Book Riot’s post on NFTs for books. It highlights why the technology may be of interest to readers, authors, and publishers while also explaining the downsides, like environmental impact.

Canadian Libraries and Community Health

The pandemic has caused many libraries across Canada to close regular operations, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still providing helpful services to their communities. Quill & Quire looked at libraries across the country to see what programs they’ve put in place to contribute to community health and wellness.

Can Our Taste In Books Help Us Find Love?

Does it matter if a potential romantic partner has the same taste in literature as you? The Guardian ponders this question and the demand for readers on dating sites in this article on finding love.

What the Worlds Most Famous Books Smell Like

And finally, for something fun, take a look at Mental Floss’s article on the smells of the world’s most famous books and texts. If you’ve ever delighted in the smell of old books, you might enjoy reading about how the Bodleian Library in Oxford teamed up with the Institute for Digital Archaeology to analyze the odours of famous texts.