Love the British Library this Valentines Day. Adopt a book and save it for the nation

Are you looking for an unusual and original Valentines gift that will last longer than the traditional red roses or chocolates? The British Library's Adopt a Book appeal is the ideal way to show your love for the world's greatest book collection and give your Valentine one a unique present that will last for a lifetime.

A range of recently conserved titles to suit all tastes can be found on our website www.bl.uk/adoptabook or the library can choose a title for you. For those hoping to inspire romance the beautifully bound Shakespeare's Venus and Adonis or the Original Love Letters (1811) between a 'lady of quality' and a 'person of inferior station' would be an ideal choice. Alternatively a range of titles to suit your loved one's interests can be adopted. The Kitchen Garden Directory by John Saunders (1827) may appeal to those with 'green fingers' and those who enjoy cooking might appreciate The English Art of Cookery Richard Briggs (1785). Finally, husbands or boyfriends may benefit from the advice of The Gentleman's Manual of Modern Etiquette (1864) or pick up some tips from The Housewife's Guide by J E Thomas (1836).

The British Library has over 150 million books, manuscripts, newspapers and other items within its collection. Every day, over 67,000 people consult us to test theories, challenge ideas and expand their own knowledge. Many items are deteriorating from age and continual use and both the great treasures of the past and, as a result of often being produced with poor quality materials, modern items too are at significant risk. By adopting a book you can help to preserve these items for future generations as well as participating in the conservation process.

There are a number of adoption packages. For a minimum donation of £25 the person will receive a personalised certificate that records the name and the title of the book you have adopted. For higher level donations there are an additional range of opportunities:

• For £75 they will also receive a voucher for a tour of the British Library for two people.
• For £150 they will also get a permanent personalised bookplate inserted into your chosen book, recording the gift for as long as the Library exists.
• For £250 they will be invited to a special 'behind the scenes' tour of our Conservation Studios at which they can meet the book and the conservators who worked on it.
• For £500, their name will be inscribed on the British Library's List of Conservation.

The British Library is a world leader in the field of book conservation. Work is carried out by specialists, trained in the traditional skills of conservation and book-binding. All the materials they use are carefully selected to ensure that they are sympathetic to the age and style of the book, and the repairs are fully documented and reversible.

There are over a dozen categories of books in need of conservation, including Art and Architecture, Business, Finance and Law, Children's Books, Food and Drink, Gardening, Literature, Music, Sports and Pastimes and Natural History.

For further information and images, contact Victoria Main at the British Library Press Office: +44 (0)20 7412 7112 or Victoria.Main@bl.uk.