WHODUNNIT?

The Wellman-Scofield Public Library has kicked off a new Monday night tradition for teens and up, bringing in participants for a murder mystery club.

“We had some patrons come in and they were really big mystery fans, and we were kind of talking about doing some sort of murder mystery dinner,” Library Director Erin Campbell said. “But with COVID that’s not really possible, getting everybody together with food. I was brainstorming a way we could do some sort of murder mystery games and activities together and make it a little bit safer. I found a few of the games online, and I thought it would be really fun, and so far it’s been great.”

Campbell said the group used a mix of activities, including “Cold Case Cracker” kits purchased online, as well as some free game modules.

“The one that we’re playing this next week, everyone gets to play a part in the mystery, so they get to be the actual characters in the story,” she said. “There’s quite a big range of things we can do.”

While the group is small at the moment, Campbell said they hoped to grow, planning more elaborate events later in the year.

“I thought if we just continued doing this every Monday, then as a big event at the end of the year we could do some sort of murder mystery dinner where everybody gets to play a part and we all get to get together and dress up,” she said.

Campbell admitted to participating in the club herself when they meet.

“I like to do that type of stuff,” she said. “I enjoy being able to interact with the patrons and also help solve the mystery. I like seeing everybody’s ideas and talk about what they think is happening. Sometimes I already know the ending, so getting to hear their ideas when it’s not even close, or when it is close, getting to hear their theories about the case is really fun.”

The group, which meets from 5-6 every Monday evening, is actively looking for new members.

“As long as people are happy to do it, we’d be happy to have them keep coming in and solving these mysteries with us,” Adult Services Librarian Troy Wilkens said. “There’s no official sign-up or anything. If you’d like to, we invite people to drop on by.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com