By the Book

Libraries are refuges for dusty books and dowdy nerds. But the folks at The New York Public Library are looking to shake off their fuddy-duddy image. This hallowed institution is inviting tech-savvy youths to participate in its ‘Find the Future: The Game’ initiative. On May 20, 500 invited players, each armed with a smartphone, will spend the night in the New York Library to take part in a futuristic scavenger hunt. Created by games guru Jane McGonigal, players will receive 100 challenges via their mobile phones. Each contest requires punters to explore and reflect on the library’s vast collections. The promo video looks like the trailer for the next Night at the Museum or National Treasure sequel. And for a library, that’s pretty cool.   Check out the teaser vid below:

Paul Calder