This presentation will help participants crack the code on preparing for the 2027 CSLP summer learning program, “Mysteries Await at Your Library : Los Misterios te Esperan en tu Biblioteca” which focuses on mystery, detection, and suspense.
Throughout the presentation, we will investigate various aspects of the mystery, detective, and suspense genre, including definitions and subgenres that will inspire new ideas for active and passive programming, one-off special events, and long term installations.
Topics covered throughout the presentation will include the following:
- What is included in “mystery, detection, and suspense”? Going beyond “whodunnit” to explore new ways of looking at a classic genre that promotes critical thinking skills, creative problem solving, and curiosity.
- Active and passive programming ideas such as podcast listening parties, story times and book clubs, mystery dinner parties, scavenger hunts, and escape rooms
- Partnership ideas such as with local police and professionals for speaking opportunities, author talks, and other local organizations
- A discussion of children’s and teen books that can be used in programming or included in booklists and displays
In addition to the informative component to this presentation, a portion of the session will be hands-on as attendees walk through some of the program ideas in real time. Participants in this session will leave with supplies in hand that can be immediately implemented in their library setting.
3-5 Learning outcomes After attending this session, attendees will:
- Have a working knowledge of the definitions and sub-genres associated with mystery/detective/suspense and will be able to apply these concepts to identify materials and in designing programming to fit the CSLP 2027 summer learning program theme.
- Have increased confidence in their ability to create library programming that encompasses various elements of the mystery/detective/suspense genres in new and exciting ways, such as incorporating media or through community partnership opportunities.
- Be able to identify a range of books that feature the various mystery/detective/suspense elements that can be used for story time or book club or included in a library display or booklist.
Relevant Track / Audience Type / How the program fits the conference theme This presentation falls within the Arkansas Arboretum Trail track at the 2027 ArLA annual conference because it will primarily be directed at an audience of participants who work in youth services, either at a public or school library setting. However, many of the programming ideas presented could be scaled up or down to engage a variety of audiences, budget needs, and time constraints.
This session fits within the Arkansas Library Association 2026 Annual Conference
Blazing New Trails by providing innovating program ideas that combine staple tried-and-true activities with new ideas, such as solving a case instead of a traditional scavenger hunt or leaning into the inference that comes with reading a mystery book at story time. In addition, new technologies are considered such as listening to a podcast rather than hosting a traditional book club discussion group. We’ll discuss multiple partnership opportunities that could bring community into the library or have us taking the library outside of its walls. In addition, we will highlight how leaning into trying to solve a mystery or a puzzle requires critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and courage.
