The old saying goes, "You can't judge a book by its cover." It's also true that it's hard to judge a book by the first paragraph or page.

When people consider a book in a library or a bookstore, they may not have time to peruse as much of it as they would like to decide whether they are interested in the book. Enter "DearReader.com."

The American Fork Public Library has been associated with DearReader.com since July. Nearly 200 library patrons have joined the free service, which provides a five-minute excerpt from a book or books in the individual's e-mail each day. In the last month, they accessed the site 3,620 times. With five of those excerpts a week, the person has a good idea of the book's content and the writer's style, and will be able to make an informed decision whether to borrow or purchase the book.

Patrons may sign up for offerings in as many of the 11 genres. They include nonfiction, audio, business, fiction, good news, thriller, mystery, prepublication, romance, science fiction and teen.

For a library, membership in the club costs $350 a year. This year, the service was provided by the Friends of the American Fork Library. Library director Sheena Parker said the response had been good enough that the library would probably continue the service in the future.

"I think we would look seriously at it," she said. In addition to the services for the public, the site offers services to libraries and suggestions on how to market the books.

Because the service is online, most patrons are not at the library when they are using the Web site. There has been some feedback from them, however, as some have responded to a request on the Web site to send a message to their local library. The respondents were not named.

"I am so happy that you guys have this online library," wrote one. "It's really great because I can't get to the library as much as I would like and this really helps. I love it and I think other libraries should do this."

"Thank you for all the wonderful services that you offer," wrote another. "I'm very excited about this online book club and a chance to get to know new authors and find some great books."

Personnel from the library use the service to help find books their patrons may find interesting.

"It is good for me to use as a tool for ordering," said library staff member LaRee Parkinson.

She said that sometimes people come into the library and ask about a book they read about on the site.

She said she wishes the library had more of the books highlighted. She said that most books are current, but some are very new while others have been out for a while.

When people read a book excerpt, they have the option to link to their public library to find out if it has a copy. If so, they may place it on hold. They may also link to any of several book stores to arrange to purchase a copy.

At the beginning of the week, the site's administrator, Florida resident Suzanne Beecher, offers a summary of the book from its jacket, and information about the author.

"Suzanne also has a personal message at the beginning of the read every day," Parker said. "It is like getting a note from a close friend every day."

On Mondays and Thursdays, Beecher offers a link to Author Buzz, where she introduces the public to three or four authors and their books.

Those who belong to DearReader.com are able to share their thoughts about a book or an author on a forum. That may also give others an idea whether they are interested in a particular publication.

"That is one of the things I like about it. You know once you start into if you want to continue reading it or not," Parkinson said. The site also lists other books that may be of interest to the reader.

In addition, there are other amenities.

"She has recipes," Parkinson said. "You can click into her little recipe book. I recognized one recipe right away -- skunk beans."

DearReader.com has drawings for books and other items to be given away to the public. Once a month, Beecher bakes chocolate chip cookies and sends them to some of the readers.

Parker urged the public to try the free service. "The online book club gives you a commitment-free way to try books you may not have picked up otherwise and introduces you to new authors," she said. "What a great way to reintroduce yourself to reading and get to know a new book, a new subject, a new author or a new friend. Remember, book clubs are meant to be fun, and stress reducers."

Joining the Web site is free; it just takes an e-mail address and about five minutes. To join the book club, go to http://afcity.org/Departments/Library/tabid/166/Default.aspx ,and click in the Online Book Club box on the left hand side of the page.