Bristol Public Library Will Debut New Augmented Reality Puzzle Solving Game

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

May 19, 2022

Bristol Public Library will debut a new, “augmented reality” puzzle solving game starting June 1 as part of their Adult Summer Reading Program.

The game will feature a historical fiction plot and will include library staff portraying famous figures from Bristol’s past.

The game, “The Mandela Effect”, was created by Susan Bernier, tech services librarian, and Seth Ramos, computer lab supervisor. Those who stop in to Bristol Public Library at 5 High St. between June 1 and Aug. 19 will be able to play it either as individuals or a team up to 12 people.

The game, which is free to play, will take approximately 40 minutes to complete as a team and a little over an hour as an individual. It can be played all at once, or over the course of multiple visits, during library hours. Those who complete the game will receive a raffle ticket to win a prize as part of the Beyond the Beaten Path Adult Summer Reading Program.

The library will provide the game board and the app to play the game. Those who wish to play just need to bring their sleuthing skills and a cell phone or other apple or android device to install the game on. Utilizing the app, players will be able to gather clues by scanning areas of the library with their phone or device and use them to solve puzzles.

“We took names from Bristol’s past and set them in a fantasy world based on historical fiction,” she said. “When you scan an area, you will see a staff member appear dressed as that figure. Some will give clues and some will mislead you. It will be up to you to solve the mystery. ”

A paper-only option is also available. Library staff will be available at the circulation desk to help people get started.

Assistant Library Director Scott Stanton noted that one of the historical figures that will be portrayed in the game is Charles Wooding, who served as the city’s first library for 52 years until his death in 1955. Wooding’s portrait can be seen over the library’s fireplace.

Stanton and Library Director Deborah Prozzo thanked library staff for going “above and beyond” their job description to create this game for the Bristol community.

“The entire staff collaborated to make something unique for the public this summer,” said Stanton.

For more information, call the circulation desk at Bristol Public Library at 860-584-7787, EXT. 3 or visit bristollib.com.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.