Sometimes your book club needs a break from the usual discussion.
Maybe you want something hands-on.
Maybe you want a night that feels playful.
Maybe your group just wants to try something totally different from the usual talk-about-the-chapters routine.
That’s exactly where this library-themed escape room fits in.
It’s a printable game you can set up in minutes that turns your meeting into a collaborative, puzzle-solving adventure that feels smart, bookish, and surprisingly fun.
I tested it with my own family before recommending it here, and even though it’s labeled ages 10+, it’s definitely designed for adults and older teens.
My son could jump in with a little nudging, but I wouldn’t run it with a room full of ten-year-olds.
It’s not gory or adult in any way, though, so kids can absolutely be present while you play!
This makes it great for book clubs that meet in homes, community spaces, or anywhere families might be around.
How the Game Works
Your group arrives at the “library” only to find that every single book has vanished.
All that’s left is a cryptic note and a trail of clues that slowly reveal what happened.
There are nine puzzles total.
Each one leads you closer to a final four-digit code your group has to crack before time runs out.
You can reveal the ending in two ways:
• with a real lock and reward box
• or the digital version using a QR code on your phone
Both options work well for book club settings, but the QR code reveal is the fastest and easiest if you’re hosting at the last minute.
Why Book Clubs Love This
- The puzzles feel clever but not overwhelming.
- Everyone gets to participate.
- There’s always that one moment where someone who’s been quiet suddenly spots the clue no one else noticed.
It pulls your group together in a different way.
You’re still thinking, analyzing, and following a narrative, but you’re also solving, laughing, and working as a team.
It’s a nice shift from the usual conversation-only meeting, especially if your club reads a mystery, thriller, historical fiction, or anything with clues and twists.
Hosting Tips
Keep it simple.
Print the pages.
Place the puzzles around your space.
Have someone act as the “librarian” if you want to add a little drama, but it’s not required.
Most groups finish in about 45–60 minutes, so you can still have snacks, discussion, or a quick round of conversation cards afterward.
And again, if you have younger kids in the house, they can hang out nearby without interrupting the flow.
The content is completely kid-safe, even if the puzzles are aimed at older players.
Is It Hard?
It’s challenging enough to feel satisfying but not so hard that your group will get stuck.
If your members enjoy wordplay, logic puzzles, or anything “mystery coded,” they’ll have fun with it. There are also answer keys included, so you’ll never be left confused as the host.
If your book club wants a fun shake-up or a one-time themed activity, this library escape room is such a good pick.
It’s bookish.
It’s interactive.
It brings your whole group together in a different way without adding work to your plate.
And you can reuse it for family game nights, cozy weekends, or other gatherings throughout the year.