The latest trend in library entertainment?

Why check out mystery novels from the library when you could solve a real life mystery at the library? Well, a scripted mystery with a cast of actors and a crew. Your library could host a "Library Mystery Night Program," in which you and your colleagues can "experience the fun of hosting your own library murder mystery program for adults with these highly interactive games that let you and your co-workers play the suspects." It's apparently a murder mystery dinner, without the dinner.

This much fun isn't free, unfortunately. But for the low, low price of $75, your library gets:

• Director’s instructions.
• 10 suspect dossiers.
• 10 solution pages (one per suspect).
• Secret clues (for distribution by the detective during the game).
• “Detective’s Report” audience handout.
• Map of the crime scene (“Murder on the Strip” and “Murder in the Keys” only)
• “Mystery Night Procedures for Suspects and Helpers” (for use at rehearsal).
• “The Rules” audience handout.
• “The Setting” audience handout.
• 10 suspect name tags.
• 10 generic name tags for helpers.
• Page of brief suspect biographies for use as the reverse side of a giveaway program flyer.
• 36 team ID cards.

Q: Can we present the program during the library’s open hours?
A: I highly recommend scheduling the program as an after-hours, adults-only event on the weekend. This lets the fun occur in the library’s lobby or other public space without interruption from non-attending customers. It also prevents teens and/or children from seeing or hearing something that might be age inappropriate. Plus, it makes the night feel extra special if the audience members wait for the front door to be unlocked…and then get ushered in as if attending a theatrical event. Which it is, of course!