BELLOWS FALLS-As the weather warms up, the Rockingham Free Public Library invites patrons to find adventure this spring - starting at the library.
The library is launching a new outdoor, immersive experience throughout the village and Bellows Falls history called "Bellows Falls in Time." Part scavenger hunt and part history lesson, all anyone needs to play is a cell phone.
Bellows Falls in Time begins in front of the library by texting "Hello" to a number or scanning a QR code (both available at the library) to receive messages from a character lost in time - one who needs to visit historic locations in the village to remember their identity and the significance of Bellows Falls.
Participants will need to have their cell phone sounds on, answer their phone (or check messages), and click the links to find clues, get directions, and solve the mystery.
The game was developed with help from the community, according to Youth Services Librarian Sam Howard. One aspect of designing he enjoys is including other organizations, like the Historical Society and Rockingham for Progress, "as well as other individuals who lent their voices and talent to making the game more interesting," he says.
This project is made possible through a program called "Engaging Beyond Our Walls," with funding and support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Playful City Lab, and American University Game Center.
The library now joins a small group of libraries nationally offering community game-based programming. The goal of this game, according to the library, is "to connect the community more deeply to our neighborhoods and our history."
For more information about this program, email youthservices@rockinghamlibrary.org, call 802-463-4270, go online at rockinghamlibrary.org, or visit the library at 65 Westminster St.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.