Mystery events are a fun and creative way to highlight library spaces and resources, as well as create interesting and memorable experiences for users.
While you can always invest in pre-made “Mystery in a Box” games or hunt down online kits, there is great enjoyment in designing your own custom mystery, for both the participants and the design team. It also allows you to incorporate the use of library resources and spaces in an educational and informative way (all under the guise of mystery-filled fun).
Last spring, the Columbia College Chicago (CCC) Library hosted a Murder Mystery ‘80s Horror Prom that involved a deceased prom queen, period costumes and a slew of ‘80s music and prom décor.
In 2016, we added The Bundt Cake Bump-Off, a baking–themed mystery game, to our annual Edible Books & Tea event. Both games were conceived, created and executed by the library's Gaming Society, and they garnered great feedback from participants.
Columbia College Chicago Library introduces its services to students with unique murder mystery programs.