Originally published in the Chillicothe Gazette on Feb. 1, 2026

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A holiday that, at its best exists to sell flowers and chocolate. And at its worst involves tragic stories and very unrealistic expectations. What exactly are we celebrating? Love? Candy? The pressure to make a dinner reservation three weeks ago?

Every year, couples and singles alike feel the pressure to do something grand. Romantic. Memorable. If only pulling off the “perfect” Valentine’s date were as easy as falling in love. If you choose to celebrate this inescapable holiday, let the library help you create something unforgettable without the stress (or price tag).

Our tips for a perfect stay-at-home date begin where all good plans do: a book. A cookbook, to be exact. Browse our shelves or explore online to find everything from simple one-pan meals to ambitious multi-course feasts. Be confident but realistic about your skill level. You may hope for a little heat on Valentine’s Day, but not because you caught your oven on fire. And don’t forget to find a dessert recipe.

Romance should always end on a sweet note.

Create cozy vibes while you cook and dine with free music from Freegal. After dinner, settle in with a movie streamed through Hoopla or Kanopy. Want a movie theater feel without the theater prices?

Check out the Mini Projector from our Beyond Books Collection. It plugs right into your laptop and comes with its own screen, though hanging it may require a bit of creative problem-solving (very romantic, honestly).

Maybe movies aren’t your thing. Turn your date into game night. Our Retro Game Stick offers access to 20,000 classic video games. Prefer something analog? Choose from our wide variety of board games. Because nothing says love like a little friendly competition.

For those who prefer their dates out on the town, we can help with that, too! Skate your way into your date’s heart by checking out an Adventure Pass for the Cavalier Skating Rink.

Never underestimate the romantic power of a couples skate to the perfect song.

Feeling adventurous? Go treasure hunting with our Metal Detector. Who knows what you’ll find – at the very least, a good story.

Looking for something a little spooky? Check out our Ghost Hunting Kit. You can even ask the spirits if your love will last (results may vary).

Get historical together by inviting your crush to attend our Discover the Hopewell Mounds talk on Wednesday, February 4th from 4-5pm at the Northside Branch.

Support local art at the Artist’s Reception for Keri Sagraves Dodds on Thursday, February 5th from 4:30- 6:30pm at the Main Library Annex. If you can’t make the reception, you and your date can always stop by and view her artwork through the end of March.

If you’d rather be the artist, register for our Adult Paint Night at the Frankfort Branch on Monday, February 9th from 4:30-6:30pm. Registration opens on January 26 – perfect for showing off your skills (or at least your enthusiasm).

If you’re too embarrassed to paint in public and are now regretting taking your date on the road, have no fear! Stream a variety of arts and crafts tutorials right at home with Creativebug, available through our eLibrary.

For more information, visit any of our seven Ross County locations. Why not visit them all for a surprisingly charming road trip date? No matter your romantic style, let us help you have your most memorable – and most cost-effective – Valentine’s Day yet.

Sheena Brown is a cost-saving cupid and Enrichment, Communications, and Marketing Clerk at the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library.