March 28, 2024

Do you have what it takes to escape?

Newton Public Library hosts popular escape rooms

The Newton Public Library has been hosting its ever-popular escape rooms designed to test the wits of the participants. Another round is scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-8.

Rebecca Klein, public services librarian, is the one behind “locking” participants in a room and only giving them clues and puzzles for them to earn their release.

“Each time I do an escape room here, I come up with a unique theme, and we like to create a little bit of a backstory,” Klein said.

The library’s escape room programs have become quite popular among residents who are ready to prove they are the next super sleuth like Sherlock Holmes. To be a part of the next event, those interested should sign up as soon they can. Registrations are first come, first serve.

“(Registration) does fill up really quickly. I think the last time we did this, the slots were completely filled within 48 hours of opening registration,” Klein said.

The theme for the next escape room is titled, History Heist: Locked in the Louvre Escape Room. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Monday, July 22.

“We have had all of our time slots fill up for every one. We usually have a pretty good sized wait list as well,” Klein said.

Nicole Lindstrom library director added, “Since (Klein) has been doing them, she has brought in audiences that we don’t normally reach ... I think she is doing an amazing job at targeting an audience that otherwise wouldn’t have their reasoning for coming into the library.”

The escape rooms are free to participants. All the library asks is your team be registered in advance, and it is for patrons ages 16 and up. Head on over to the library and see if you have what it takes to escape from the History Heist. To register, call the library at 641-792-4108.

To check for more programs and events coming up at the library go to newtongov.org/90/Library or check out its Facebook page.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com