Working off the theme of Building a Better World, 22 kids worked together, as teams to solve clues and puzzles in an escape room program on Wednesday, July 12, at Oaklawn Library.

Teen coordinator Linda Archetto designed the program to challenge the kids to think as a group and work collectively to solve the mystery. 

The three groups of seven were given specific instructions before being allowed into the room.

"You will be put into a room to uncover clues and use what you find in the room to locate the recipe for Everlasting Gobstoppers, one of Willy Wonka’s newest candies before Slugworth finds it. You will be given a golden ticket, be sure to read it. Even before you enter the room, make sure to pay attention to details in the stairway and hallway. You never know what will come into play," said Archetto.

The groups were given 20 minutes to solve the clues, and there were several library volunteers wearing Oompa-Loompa masks to assist with the use of two hint cards if needed.

To be successful they needed to work together and communicate with each other.

"Anything in there could be a clue and all the clues connect with each other so be sure to examine everything. Share information with your team, and use your time wisely. Work as a team, but also be sure to spread out while searching for clues to get more done," said Archetto.

Some of the tasks included opening a lock box, watching a video, unlocking a padlock and viewing a scene on the projector to eventually open the vault.

All three teams solved the puzzle with time to spare, but the third group was the winning team with a score of 18 minutes, 30 seconds, beating team number two by 30 seconds.

"All the kids really had a good time. Most of them didn't know each other, so it gave them a chance to meet some new people. I really liked that they had to work as a team to solve the puzzle," said branch librarian Stefanie Blankenship.

For more information on summer library programs for teens and kids, go to www.cranstonlibrary.org.