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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Uncover Hidden Clues and Crack the Code at Fairfield Public Library March 28-29
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
What if your local library held a secret from one of history’s most famous philanthropists — just waiting for your family to uncover it?
This coming weekend, the Fairfield Public Library invites families to step into a world of mystery, fun, and teamwork with “Crack the Carnegie Code”, a free after-hours puzzle adventure designed especially for children ages 8 and up and their grown-ups. The event will run Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Library, located at 104 West Adams Avenue.
Created in collaboration with Lila Quests, a local company known for their imaginative and immersive fantasy events, this is the company’s first-ever adventure for kids—and their first team-up with a library. Together, they’ve built a unique experience that blends history, storytelling, and hands-on problem-solving into one unforgettable evening.
Inspired by industrialist Andrew Carnegie, whose generosity helped found Fairfield’s original library and today’s Carnegie Historical Museum, the adventure revolves around a tantalizing idea: that Carnegie left behind a secret message for the youth of the future—and only today’s clever kids and their families can unlock it.
Small teams, ideally comprised of 2–3 members, will navigate a series of creative puzzles and riddles that will challenge their observational skills and spark collaborative thinking across generations. Whether it’s cracking codes, interpreting idioms, or finding patterns, everyone’s contribution counts—making this a fantastic bonding opportunity for parents, grandparents, and kids alike.
Participants can drop in at any time between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m., with most teams completing the quest in about 30 minutes. The event is recommended for children ages 8 and up, accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
And best of all? It’s completely free, thanks to generous sponsorship from Investment Insights, Iowa State Bank, Lila Quests, and funds from the Library’s ongoing book sales.
So gather your team, channel your inner detective, and come discover what secrets Carnegie may have left behind. Adventure awaits—don’t miss this exciting chance to see your library in a whole new light!
