LibraryGame – Whatcom County Library System

The Library Game. Get a book pocket. Collect cards. Become a legend.

ABOUT | HOW TO PLAY | CARDS TO COLLECT | FAQ | SPONSOR

The Library Game is a card-collecting game suitable for patrons of all ages. You earn game cards by visiting WCLS libraries and completing activities. The goal of The Library Game is to encourage patrons to engage with libraries and library staff while learning and trying the wide range of services we offer and participating in some of our wonderful programs.

The Library Game kicks off in April 2025 — as part of our National Library Week celebration — but will continue throughout the year. The game starts with the release of our eleven location game cards. Each WCLS library and the Bookmobile have a unique card available for you to add to your collection.

Image of library game tracker with library locations and dates

As the game continues, there will be additional types of cards (library services, programs, tasks, special events, etc.). Complete the activity connected to the game card and you will earn that card. Once you collect 16 unique game cards, you will become a Library Legend and receive a special-edition Library Legend pin. We will also have a Hall of Library Legends here on the website.

The Library Game is a celebration of libraries, and for that reason, the game involves some nostalgic library characteristics. When you pick up your Starter Pack at the library, you will receive a Book Pocket and Game Tracker. Each time you earn a new card; you can record it on your tracker and receive a Date Stamp from the library staff. When it comes time to claim your Library Legend prize, you can show off your 16 unique game cards OR your tracker(s) with your list of activities and stamps.

HOW TO PLAY

Get started by visiting any WCLS location to pick up your Starter Pack and your first game card for that location. You can visit any of our ten full-service libraries or the Bookmobile to get started.

Collect 16 unique game cards and earn the title of Library Legend! Legends receive a special-edition Library Legend pin.

Keep track of your activities (and cards) using The Library Game tracker. It is pre-printed with the library locations to get you started.

Visit any WCLS library as you play to collect your game cards and get your tracker stamped.

Find out when new cards are released by signing up for the email list below or following us on social media. (@wclslibraries)

CARDS TO COLLECT

As new cards become available, you will find them here. Collect them all!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When can I play the game?

Now! The Library Game starts on Friday, April 4, 2025, and continues throughout the year.

Who can play?

Anyone who visits the library and is interested in participating in The Library Game activities. There are no age limitations.

How many cards can I collect?

As many as you’d like! If you complete a task more than once and would like a duplicate card, you are welcome to have one. However, you will need 16 unique cards to become a Library Legend. You can continue to collect game cards after reaching Library Legend status. New game cards will be released throughout the year. You may want to try to collect them all!

What do I do if I lose The Library Game tracker or game cards?

The library staff can provide you with a new (or additional) tracker. You are welcome to fill in the activities that you had previously completed and have them stamped by library staff. They may not be able to replace your game cards. Some game cards are only available in certain locations or during specific events, so the library staff will not be able to replace lost game cards. If game cards are still available for some that you have lost, you can complete the task again to receive a new card.

If I can’t visit other libraries, can I still become a Library Legend?

Yes! The Library Game is starting with our 11 location cards as we expect most players will start the game by visiting one of the libraries or our Bookmobile. We will be releasing new cards throughout the year. Most of the future game cards will not be location-specific but will be activities that you can complete at your home library or virtually anywhere! Which activities you complete and which cards you collect will be up to you.

How long will it take to complete the game?

The Library Game isn’t a game of speed. It is a game of engagement. We expect that some will collect 16 unique cards within a few months, but others may take all year.

How did WCLS create this game?

The Library Game was created by WCLS library staff. Most of the materials were designed and produced in-house. The Whatcom County Library Foundation provided a grant to support printing and to purchase the Library Legend prizes.

SPONSOR

Thank you to the Whatcom County Library Foundation for supporting The Library Game with a grant from the Airoldi Innovation Fund.

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to receive email notifications for The Library Game. Be the first to know when a new collectible card is added to the game.
You can also check Facebook and Instagram (@wclslibraries) or keep an eye on the website.