Take 3 romance books
1 to 28 February 2026
This February, win prizes and fall in love with romance books! Get your romantic fix with free writing workshops, author talks, reading sessions and more.
Love is Love: Reading competition
The more stories you fall in love with this February, the more chances you have to win one of five $100 eGiftcards, redeemable for a wide range of top brands and experiences through GiftPay.
Whether you're treating yourself or sharing the love with someone special, these eGiftcards are the perfect reward for turning pages.
How to enter
Borrow three romance novels (or more!) between Sunday 1 and Saturday 28 February from any of our libraries or online. You'll automatically go in the draw to win – it’s that easy! The more romances you read, the more chances you have to win.
You must be 18 years of age and have a library card to take part. Read terms and conditions.
Top tips
- To find your match, look out for our romance displays or browse curated reading lists below.
- You can also filter the online catalogue by the ‘Romance’ genre.
- Remember to place a hold on popular titles in advance so that they are put aside for you in time!
Your free library card gives you access to thousands of books, films, e-books, audiobooks, research collections and much more! Sign up online for free or visit your local library to join.
Books to get started
There’s a love story for everyone, no matter what (or who) you’re into! We've gathered the best and the baddest books to kick-start your romance reading streak.
Special library events
Celebrate love all throughout February with free writing workshops, author talks, reading sessions and more!
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Tuesday 10 February at Grey Lynn LibraryIn a literary salon for lesbians and other family, the Sisters Gay cover queer medicine while playing doctors and nurse practitioners.
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Tuesday 10 February at Central City LibraryJoin us for an engaging evening of kōrero with debut author Kaarina Parker (Ngāpuhi) and Dr Maxine Lewis as they discuss 'Fulvia'.
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Thursday 12 February at Avondale LibraryChat about your favourite books with queer themes and recommend them to others in a safe space. Snacks and beverages provided.
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Saturday 14 February 2026 at Waitākere Central LibraryJoin author Lil O’Brien (Not That I’d Kiss a Girl) for a free workshop on how to write about those you love while staying true to your story.
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Saturday 14 February at Glen Eden LibraryJoin us to relax and read queer love letters together. You can also write your own and make a beaded bracelet for the one you love!
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Saturday 14 February at Te Atatū Peninsula LibraryLet your favourite reads help you find potential lovers, partners, friends, flatties, future exes or chosen family!
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Saturday 14 February at Onehunga LibraryCome to our Takatāpui and Rainbow Community focused book discussion for snacks and chats about your fave love stories.
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Friday 20 February at New Lynn LibraryLet your favourite reads help you find potential lovers, partners, friends, flatties, future exes or chosen family!
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Saturday 21 February at Te ManawaHear debut novelist Laura Vincent (Hoods Landing) discuss love, life and death across four generations of women and whānau.
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Sunday 22 February at Albany LibraryJoin us to relax and read queer love letters together. You can also write your own and make a beaded bracelet for the one you love!
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Tuesday 24 February at Central City LibraryHear about Rebecca K. Reilly's creative process and the stories behind her award-winning debut novel, ‘Greta & Valdin’.
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Wednesday 25 February at Avondale LibraryJoin Gina Cole as she discusses her journey as a queer author and her approach to telling stories with LGBTQ+ themes and characters.
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Saturday 28 February at Mt Albert LibraryJoin author Jamie Sands for a free workshop on how to write inclusive romance for queer readers. Find your story and your audience!
See the full programme at aucklandpride.org.nz.
Podcast: Conversations with my Bestie
Listen in as host Alison chats queer romance from the Bestie collection with actor and slam poet Dan Goodwin. Hear their takes on favourite stories, what made them memorable, and which titles are worth adding to your to-be-read list.
Terms and conditions: Love is Love competition
- Prize draw entries close at midnight NZT, Saturday 28 February 2026.
- The competition is open from 1 - 28 February 2026, and prize draws are available to Auckland Council Libraries members aged 18 years and older as at 1 February 2026.
- Eligible titles must be borrowed between 1 - 28 February 2026.
- Only titles labelled as Romance are eligible. Find them at our 56 library locations and three Mobile libraries in our Adult Fiction, Large Print, Audiobooks on CD and/or Community Languages collections, or ask a library staff member for assistance.
- Romance titles can also be borrowed from our Libby and OverDrive eBook and eAudiobook collections for adults.
- Titles can be borrowed in single or multiple sessions over February.
- Titles can be a mixture of physical items and eBooks or eAudiobooks.
This competition is also subject to the Auckland Council Libraries general competition terms and conditions.
Auckland Pride Festival
This competition is part of the fabulous 2026 Auckland Pride Festival. Love is love at your library... satisfaction guaranteed!
