Puzzle Day, celebrated annually on January 29th, is a fantastic opportunity for libraries to connect with their communities through engaging, brain-teasing activities. This unique holiday is an event that libraries around the world can share their joy of puzzles with a community. In fact, founder Jodi Jill started this amazing holiday to encourage puzzle playing in an educational and leisure setting.

Libraries and Puzzle Playing: Perfect for Puzzle Day

Libraries are natural hubs for curiosity and learning, making them the perfect venue for celebrating puzzles in all their forms—crosswords, jigsaws, riddles, and more. There are so many creative ideas librarians can use to bring National Puzzle Day to life and captivate patrons of all ages.

I've composed a list of some of the most popular ideas that patrons love to see on Puzzle Day. Whether you are a librarian, someone who uses the library often or a puzzle enthusiast, take a moment to think about how you can be part of puzzle day!

1. Host a Puzzle Tournament

Bring a competitive edge to Puzzle Day by organizing a tournament. Divide the event into categories based on puzzle types—crosswords, Sudoku, or even jigsaw puzzles. Participants can compete individually or in teams, solving puzzles within a set time limit. Offer age-specific challenges to make the event inclusive for children, teens, and adults. Libraries can provide small prizes for winners, such as book-themed goodies or a gift card to the library café, if available. A leaderboard can also be displayed to track progress and inspire friendly competition.

2. Puzzle-Making Workshops

Why not encourage patrons to become puzzle creators instead of just solvers? Host a workshop where attendees can design their own crossword puzzles, word searches, or even 3D puzzles. Provide materials like graph paper, markers, and puzzle templates to make the activity accessible and fun. These creations can be displayed in the library for other patrons to enjoy, creating a sense of pride and community participation. For tech-savvy libraries, consider using online tools that allow patrons to digitally design and print puzzles.

3. Interactive Puzzle Displays

Transform your library into a puzzler’s paradise with interactive displays. Create a giant crossword or word search on a bulletin board and invite patrons to contribute solutions throughout the day. Alternatively, set up jigsaw puzzle stations where patrons can collaboratively work on puzzles during their visit. Libraries can also incorporate thematic elements, such as literary puzzles that feature famous book titles or characters. This idea not only encourages participation but also draws attention to puzzle-related books and resources available at the library.

4. Puzzle Storytime and Activities for Kids

For younger patrons, combine puzzles with storytelling. Choose picture books that incorporate problem-solving or mystery elements, like Where’s Waldo? or I Spy. After the story, engage children with puzzle-themed crafts, such as decorating their own mini jigsaw puzzles or creating simple mazes. Librarians can also prepare scavenger hunts that guide kids through different sections of the library, solving clues to find hidden "puzzle pieces" that complete a larger picture or message.

Why Celebrate Puzzle Day at the Library?

National Puzzle Day aligns perfectly with the library’s mission to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Hosting Puzzle Day activities not only engages patrons but also highlights the library as a dynamic and welcoming community space. From tournaments to workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate puzzles while promoting literacy, creativity, and social interaction.

Plan and Play for the Perfect Puzzle Day!

With a little planning and creativity, librarians can turn Puzzle Day into a memorable event that keeps patrons coming back for more - because just like a good puzzle, libraries challenge us, teach us, and bring us together. So, grab your clues, gather your pieces, and get ready for a puzzling good time!