The Serious Gaming Series is a set of professional development workshops that use playful, game-based activities as tools for learning. Each session focuses on a workplace skill—such as teamwork, communication, leadership, or problem-solving—while engaging participants in an interactive, memorable experience. The goal is to make training active, fun, and meaningful, helping staff build practical skills they can take back into their daily library work.

In this session, you’ll step into the world of books, secrets, and intrigue. The event begins at a special author reading—but when the guest of honor turns up dead, the room becomes a crime scene! Participants will work together to uncover motives, sift through evidence, and question suspects. Along the way, you’ll practice active listening, collaborative decision-making, and creative thinking in a fun, low-stakes environment.

Why Attend?

• Build stronger teamwork and communication skills
• Practice problem-solving in a playful setting
• Experience how assumptions and perspectives shape group decisions
• Reflect on how game strategies apply back to the workplace

Registration: Please register by October 14 via training@smrla.org 

Please Note: This is an interactive training event that requires active participation from all attendees. Be prepared to take on a role, work with a team, and contribute to solving the mystery. To ensure the game works as designed, a minimum of 7 participants is required (not including the facilitator). If fewer staff register, the session may be rescheduled.

This is not just a game—it’s a professional development training designed to make learning engaging and memorable.