At CMLE, we so enjoy all our different types of libraries, archives, and other members! Seeing all the work you are doing is so inspiring; and we want to return the favor by helping you to find some of the great programming going on around the profession.
Each week we will share an interesting program we find. It may inspire you to do exactly the same thing; or to try something related; or just to try out some different programming ideas. (On November 9, 2017, we will drop a podcast episode on Library Programming; you can tune in here to check it out! Or, of course, subscribe or stream to enjoy any of the episodes!)
Murder in the Stacks
Have you been to the Twin Falls Public Library in Idaho? I have not (yet!), but it sounds like a great place – and maybe just a little scary! A library with staff who can come up with such fun programming sounds delightful; but all these faux mysteries might make for a scary workplace. (I absolutely can not wait to go visit! Anyone want to take a CMLE road trip to Idaho??)
From their website:
“One of the most popular adult games we’ve done is our interactive murder mystery (especially among our staff, who serves as guinea pigs before we unveil a new one to the public). Basically a game similar to “Clue”, the games revolve around a mystery to be solved – who, where, and with what weapon. Running such a live game can be as labor intensive as you want. I have a tendency to go a bit overboard, so I’ll describe my process, which can be tailored for your skills/desires/needs.”
They explain all of these in further detail:
1 – Determine theme & level
2 – Create the back-story
3 – Create puzzles and clues
4 – Pull all the pieces together
5 – PLAY!
To help others learn more about playing games in their own libraries, they have provided all of this material for you:
Game One: Murder in the Stacks
Game Two: Holiday Whodunit
Game Three: Midsummer’s Night Murder
Game Four: Cookie Caper
I think these sound so fun!! If you are interested in a CMLE-wide library game, let’s make that happen!
Do you have games in your library? I know some of our members are pretty involved with games and gaming. Share your info below!