Tag Archives: challenge

One Headache to Rule Them All

Posted on by

Going on an adventure? Might want to grab an extra bottle of Tylenol before you step off the Shire! We tested the “Lord of the Rings: Shadows Over Middle-earth” escape room by Exit the Game…and it didn’t quite work out for our merry gang!

“Shadows Over Middle-earth” retails for around $20 on sites like Amazon. It’s manufactured by Kosmos, intended for ages 10+, takes 1-4 players, purports to be just above novice level, and takes an estimated 1-2 hours to complete.The box was promising, and included the oh-so-iconic Ring of Power.

Our game testers were Katie, an intrepid 11 year-old nephew of a colleague, and Daniel our summer intern (who sportingly posed in Gandalf gear for this post).

Daniel authored today’s game review, but I’ll preface it by saying – this escape room was much harder then the box suggested. From the adjoining room, I could hear groans, growls, and wizardly exclamations of frustration from the questers. Also, our game was missing a crucial peace at the very end, so it ended up as more a frustrating headache then triumphant quest. As demonstrated by Daniel/Gandalf…

Daniel’s review is below, but don’t miss his interview at the end of this post! Take it away Daniel!

The “Shadows Over Middle-earth” escape room takes the player on an arduous adventure through Middle-earth in hopes of finding and destroying the ring of power, an enchanted band of gold that gives its wielder an unlimited source of power. Gandalf the Grey has enlisted the help of any person brave enough to embark on this dangerous journey to help Frodo and his band of Hobbits find Sauron’s ring and destroy it once and for all.

While the minimum age listed on the box is ten, purchasers should be aware that the skill-level demanded by Gandalf aligns more with a minimum age of fifteen. In addition, this particular escape game is a level two on a scale from novice to expert. It should be noted that while the difficulty is marked as a level two, these brave adventurers felt that it was at least a level four as it expected a high knowledge of riddle and puzzle solving.

This adventure-packed activity includes multiple game pieces, riddle cards, a map, a decoder, and a riddle book. Some materials must be cut, so be sure to have those handy Hobbit shears on hand. Similarly, it is important to note that while these adventurers were brave enough to overcome any obstacle, a missing game piece proved to be a formidable challenge, so make sure to check the box for all listed items before beginning.

While traversing through the enchanted forests and hills of Middle-earth, some adventures may need a helping hand as some riddles can surely sway them off their quest. Fear not, Gandalf has given any brave soul a chance to ask for help! Simply enlist his assistance by picking up a help card and Gandalf will be sure to provide you with more information that will help you solve these crucial riddles. Overall, these courageous participants feel that from one to five stars, this enthralling game earned a solid three stars for its ingenuity and creativeness.

Now, fearless warrior, go out and embark on the journey of a lifetime! Take these tips to help you along the way, but beware, Sauron’s power grows stronger by the minute! Are you ready?

After the quest, we caught up with non-Gandalf Daniel to ask him a little about himself and his experience with us this summer. We have enjoyed having him SO much. His energy and enthusiasm are legendary, as are his scholarly skills. From curating an upcoming #ColorOurCollections, to rolling up his sleeves at story time, Daniel is absolutely brilliant and excels in everything he does. It was truly honor to work with him.

Hi! Tell us a little about yourself!

Hey everyone! My name is Daniel Dias, but you can call me Dan! I am a rising junior at Rutgers University, New Brunswick where I study history and minor in religion. I adore history and it has certainly become something of a passion of mine, whether it be local or world history, the past is something that deeply intrigues me! When I’m not thinking about lost civilizations or what George Washington ate for breakfast that one time in 1778, I enjoy traveling, riding my bike, hanging out with friends, and playing music. I am a Low Brass section leader in the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights which is such an incredible experience!

Outside of my hobbies and extra-curricular activities, I work as a Youth Suicide Prevention Associate for the New Jersey chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. I want to make a difference in the world wherever I can, and I have found that if you’re passionate about anything, you can always help people and leave your community and the world a much better place!

Growing up, what was your experience with libraries?

Growing up, I actually didn’t go to the library that often, if ever. It isn’t something that I would like to admit, but I honestly didn’t. I was extremely fortunate to have an array of books in my house, so I didn’t need to utilize my town’s resources that much. However, when I’d travel with my parents, visiting foreign libraries became sort of a hobby of ours and thus, my fascination with diverse approaches to library sciences began. Libraries are a place where every child should go to. They inspire, captivate, and open our minds to the world!

What are you most eager to experience in your internship this summer?

I’d first like to mention how incredibly grateful I am to have been granted access into a world only few really get to see. The knowledge that I have gained in such a short time here at Princeton has already begun to shape my perceptions and broaden my horizons into a field that intrigues me so much. What an honor it is to work in the same space that accomplished professionals work in and what a privilege it is to be able to study in the same library where some of the greatest minds on earth have.

With that being said, I am very eager to experience connections with professionals who, in large part, are the best in their field. I want to learn from them and their experiences in hopes of truly understanding the importance of the work they do on a daily basis and how that fits into the larger picture of scholarly research. Accessioning, cataloging, preserving, conserving…these are all words that are associated with archives and special collections, but I want to get to know the faces behind that. I am eager to challenge myself and hopefully think and act as critically as they do.

What’s next for you?

After this incredible experience comes to an end, I will be enduring the heat during band camp, where the Marching Scarlet Knights will be preparing for an incredible season which will culminate with us marching in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! I will also be continuing my studies in history and am fortunate to say that I will be conducting research again with the Scarlet & Black Research Center at Rutgers. In addition, I will be continuing my work on the mental health front as well as my volunteering at the Woodbridge Public Library, an institution that I owe my gratitude and success to as they have truly enabled me to pursue my passion for historical research and archival sciences. Other than that, I’ll just be running around like usual, eager to get to work!

What are Dr. Dana and Katie REALLY like?

I can honestly say that I have never had the privilege of working with a more dynamic and creative team as Dr. Dana and Katie. In my short time with them, I have seen their ingenuity, wittiness, and craziness create truly spectacular projects for their young patrons. To say that they have such big hearts full of love for every child who comes into the Cotsen Gallery would be a massive understatement. They truly put the time and effort into creating an unforgettable experience for each child! Just be careful, don’t let Katie’s Lego sets or Dr. Dana’s Taylor Swift poncho fool you, they can talk anybody into dressing up like any character, especially me as Gandalf! You should have heard my conversation with my parents after they asked me how my day was! So, if you’re ever visiting Princeton and happen to hear loud noises or laughter coming from the library, don’t be scared for it is only the two coolest people at work!

Awwwwww! Come back to the library anytime Daniel…you’re family now!

Blog update! Everyone is now referring to Daniel as “Dandolf.” AWESOME.

350 for 50

Posted on by

350 fo 50_2017Announcing the winners of our annual 350 for 50 writing contest! Young writers were challenged to compose a short, 350-word story that included the sentence, “The directions were unclear.” Winners from our four age categories enjoyed a $50 shopping spree on Amazon. Congratulations to all!

Illustrations by Aliisa Lee

WOW, THE FUTURE REALLY IS A SHOCK
by Scarlett Gong, age 10

Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton handed the Tesla dealer a stack of $100 bills and said, “Sir, we would like to buy a car.” The dealer seemed quite puzzled when he saw both Franklin’s face and the $100 bills! Franklin quickly excused himself.

“Your grandpa looks so much like Franklin on the $100 bill!” The dealer whispered to Hamilton.

Hamilton coughed nervously. “Err, does he? Sir, I just came from the Caribbean and don’t know much. May I ask what people usually bring when they leave their house? ”

“A smart phone, of course!” Pleased with the sale, the dealer started chatting nonstop with Hamilton.

Franklin and Hamilton finally regrouped. “This world is really a shock compared to 1777. My time machine works!” Franklin said. He began to research the new Tesla. He tapped Tesla’s touch screen with his quill. After some reading, he informed Hamilton, “The directions were unclear. Oh this garage is dark!” He took out a match and a magnifying glass from his pocket, “We must investigate this car further if we want to bring it back to Washington.”

Before he could light up his match, Hamilton stopped him and turned on the flashlight of a phone, “Mr. Franklin, I have something better!”

“Dear lord, what is this? Much better than my match! The light seems like the electricity I captured on my rod.” Franklin cried.

Hamilton grinned and showed him the phone. “It’s a phone. The car dealer sold me this. Look at this messaging App. You don’t have to use horses to send messages anymore! Also, a website here called Google can answer all your questions! ”

Franklin’s eyes were wide with shock. He scratched his head. “Wait,” he said slowly. “What if we use this so-called Google to find out the ending of the American Revolution? We can see if we won! ”

Hamilton’s mouth stretched into a grin. “Should we? I’m very firm we will win, even though the current winter in Valley Forge is harsh. Besides, Mr. Franklin, do you see any British flags in this future world?”

LOST IN A TRAIL
by By Emily Tang, age 11

Towering trees swayed and creaked in protest as the raging storm lashed the forest with pounding rain and fierce winds. My siblings and I huddled together in our nest, our feathers fluffed against the chill, as my mother impatiently waited for the storm to pass.

“ I have to get you guys food before you starve to death! “ She cried over the roaring wind. And then without hesitation, she spread her wings and launched into the stormy sky. I watched as she started to become a tiny dot in the distance. The thought of my mom being gone made me anxious, but worms sounded good to my stomach.

As the storm started to clear up, I really began to worry. It had been past an hour but my mom still hadn’t come back. The things that could’ve happened ran through my mind. Then, determined to find her, I mustered my courage and spread my wings for the first time, ready to venture into the unknown.

The forest was a chaotic mess. There were tree branches and muddy puddles at every corner of my eye. Suddenly, I spotted a bright yellow feather that lay on the ground next to a knocked down tree. And then I saw another. Then another. I thought they were a trail leading to my mom, but they weren’t. The directions were unclear. The feathers were all over the place, like they were scattered. I called to her but only the echo of my own voice responded. It was then when I gave up. I flew to the nearest tree branch and let the drizzle of rain sink into my feathers.

While I sat on the edge of a tree branch, I heard a sudden rustle behind me. I thought it was a squirrel but when I turned around, my heart leapt with joy as I spotted my mother’s familiar form perched on a branch. She was safe, but her feathers were ruffled, and she looked exhausted.
“ Mom! “ I tweeted loudly. Then I flew faster than I ever could and sat next to her.

MESSAGE NOT DELIVERED
by Emma Peppler, age 14

It was probably a dumb idea to agree to meet my friends in the middle of the woods at an unholy hour of the day. But here I am, making a left at the collapsed shed and a right at the fork in the road. Once I reach the tree that fell down during some tornado, I’ll make a right and be with my friends.

The directions were unclear. They didn’t specify which of the thousands of fallen trees to turn at! My friends’ voices surround me as I walk and my feet, that are stuffed into wedge sandals a size too small, ache. My hair whips my face as wind rustles the trees and frogs noisily croak in the distance. My feet start to feel numb, which gives me relief from the excruciating pain of the sandals.

I turn, hearing Mari’s voice, my oldest friend, sharp and clear like pristine water on a tropical beach. Knowing she has to be close, I run off the path through a stone archway covered in moss. On the other side sits weeping trees and mannequins on a rusty bench. A little merry-go-round statue stands by the bench with zebras and tigers on it. Creepy.

Another narrow and tunnel-like archway isn’t too far off in the distance and so I run into it, convinced that my friends are just on the other side. Halfway through, I collide with something in front of me. Glass? I wonder. I run back to the beginning of the archway, but another pane of glass appears. Other than the throbbing of my heart, all I hear are two words repeatedly running through my brain: I’m trapped, I’m trapped, I’m trapped. A quiet ping brings me back to reality- a text from Mari.

Girly, u here?

Freaking out, I quickly text Mari back, no attention to punctuation or capitalization.

i dont know where i am

I sink into the cold ground, the pressure of a menacing nonexistent hand pushing me down. A little red exclamation mark and three dreaded words pop up on my screen:

Message Not Delivered

WHAT THE WATER GAVE HER
by Anjali Harish, age 15

The witch was a small man, but otherwise rather ordinary. He had white hair— like snow, not silver—, kind eyes, and a fondness for darjeeling tea. He called himself Mother.

The directions were unclear. But it was unwise to question a witch so she paid that as little mind as she could. The slip of paper bearing the directions crumples in the tight clutch of her fist, the writing surely too smudged and sweat soaked to be of any use to her now. She is glad that she had the sense to commit it all to memory before she began the journey.

Again, she thinks. Go over it again.

1. If you ever had a name, forget it. It is no use to you now.

2. When the bullfrog croaks for the third time, wade into the river until you see him.

3. He will give you a choice. Despite what he may tell you, it is a choice. Choose.

The river is a gaping maw when she reaches it. The reeds and rocks that line the bank form a fiendish grin. The water itself is the color of ink spilled across parchment and it blots out even the moon. It laps at her toes, gentle freezing nips, like snowfall, like delicate daggers.

A fat, bulbous frog lunges for the rock beside her, and croaks once.

Twice.

Three times.

She doesn’t breathe until the water goes over her head.

She doesn’t have to wait long. In fact, when he arrives, she wonders for a moment if she is dreaming it, because nothing has changed. Like he’s been with her the whole time. With a shudder, she realizes that he has. He stares at her, all bones and sharp shoulders, all artless boyhood and innocence, all nursery rhymes and ghost stories, and she sees him for who he is: the child she came here to destroy.

I shall consume you, her wicked unborn son sneers. It is decided.

He opens his mouth. A baby’s cry. A hyena’s cackle. Wide as the river.

She beats him to it.

No. It isn’t.

Survival of the LOUDEST

Posted on by

Librarians aren’t classically considered the loud type, but we found a squad of very willing ones to test drive “Really Loud Librarians,” a hilarious word association board game from the company that brought you Exploding Kittens. Spoiler alert: we had FUN!

The game is available for $20 both online through the company and Target. So I swung by the toy section on my weekly grocery run to pick one up.

The box contains a game board, pieces, category cards, and a timer. It looks very snazzy and I absolutely love the font the designers used. Very librarily.

The object of the game is to split into two teams (Team Gertrude Birdwhistle and Team Wilfred Dankworth, respectfully). Taking turns, each team draws a category card and circles the board until the timer runs out, shouting words that fit in that certain category, all of which must start with the matching letter on the game board. An example catagory would be “Desserts,” and the words as you progress around the board might be chocolate, flan, licorice, pie, sundae, tart, etc. The first team to reach 12 points wins.

Really Loud Librarians is for ages 8+ and two or more people can play at a time. So we rounded up some talented Princeton University librarians. We put on our toughest game faces, choose our field names, and got ready to (very) competitively categorize things.

Well, this was a total blast. It’s amazing how your mind can go blank when the timer is running out and you’re trying to think of a kitchen appliance that starts with “C.” There was a lot of laughter, cheering, good-natured ribbing, suspenseful moments, and yes…it got LOUD.

Some of the card categories are hard though! One team might get “Colors,” and then the next gets “Phone Apps.” That’s a tough category! You’ll need to access the board during your turn, so make sure to play on a small to mid-size table. It also gets a little difficult to keep track of your laps, so we suggest one person act as MC to count laps, turn the timer, and step in to decide whether what you shouted out is a qualifying word.

Also…and this might just be us…but whoever played Team Wilfred always won. Probably a fluke, but if you’re reading this and taking the game to a party, it might just give you an magical edge.

Really Loud Librarians was fun, lively, easy to play, and just an all around good time. Highly recommended!

Special thanks to librarians Neggin Keshavarzian, Beth Kushner, Hilary Murusmith, and Amy Vo for lending their extraordinary word-smithing abilities!