Frequently Asked Questions

The Edmonton Public Library is so excited to host you for our first Locked Library event! Here are some additional details and recommendations to help you plan your evening.

About Locked Library
Tickets and Hours
Getting to Milner
Playing the Game

  • Locked Library is an immersive, after-hours escape room event at the Stanley A. Milner Library. You and your team must solve an elaborate series of puzzles before time runs out to crack the case and win the game! 

  • Participants will have two hours to solve four complex puzzles. These puzzles involve multimedia elements and will be spread across four levels of Stanley A. Milner Library. To “win” the game, you must solve all four puzzles before time runs out.

About Locked Library

  • Yes, all participants will need to have a copy of their ticket.

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds for this event.

  • Tickets can be transferred if you are unable to attend, but EPL must be informed ahead of time to streamline registration. Requests to transfer tickets must be made to give@epl.ca by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026.

  • The doors will open and registration will begin at 7:15 p.m. The game will start at 8 p.m. As this is a sold-out event, we strongly encourage participants to arrive early to ensure they are registered and ready to play by 8 p.m. Item description

  • If you and your team arrive after 8 p.m., you are still welcome to play. You will need to enter the Library via the South Entrance (101A Ave and 100 St, near the Westin). Please note, all teams will have a recorded start time of 8:00 p.m., regardless of arrival time.

Tickets and Hours

  • The closest option is the Library Parkade, below the Library/Citadel Theatre, with direct access into Milner Library on the south end of Level P2

  • EPL strongly encourages Locked Library participants to take transit for this event. Stanley A. Milner is located steps away from Churchill LRT Station (Valley Line and Capital Line), as well as several major bus routes.

  • The main entrance of Milner will not be used for this event. Instead, participants may use the South Entrance (101A Ave and 100 St., near the Westin), or the parkade entrance on P2 of the Library Parkade. Please note: the parkade entrance will only be available from 7:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. After 8 p.m., all participants must enter through the South Entrance.

Getting to Milner

  • Every team will need to have at least one smartphone or tablet to complete the puzzles. The game includes scannable QR codes that will take you to multimedia content hosted on websites. EPL Wi-Fi will be available for the event. Headphones may be helpful for listening to audio but are not required.

    Everything else you need is included in the game package your team receives when they check in.

  • Locked Library is an event for EVERYONE – just like the Library is a space for everyone! Please email give@epl.ca with your accessibility concerns.

  • No… and that’s what makes this so exciting! This game is designed to challenge puzzle-solvers. Usually, only half of participants complete the game. Will you and your team succeed and become part of this exclusive group? There’s only one way to find out!

  • There will be hint stations throughout the event if you and your team get stuck and need some guidance!

  • Once we have scanned your tickets, it will be time for your team to pick up your gameplay envelope. Envelopes will be organized alphabetically by the last name of the team member who purchased tickets. If you purchased tickets separately, please let the registration desk know and we can look up your information.

  • Locked Library is recommended for ages 12+, as some of the puzzles and clues will be challenging for younger guests. That said, the event is designed to be family-friendly! Younger participants can enjoy searching for clues, exploring the space, and helping the team solve puzzles.

Playing the Game

  • Second Cup, located in the atrium of Stanley A. Milner, will be open for the duration of the event.

  • You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to this event, but please be respectful of the Library and its materials, furnishings, and equipment. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages can be consumed on the premises.

  • Teams “win” the escape room by completing the game within the two-hour time frame. We will be keeping track of how long each team takes to complete the game – the timer will begin at 8 p.m. After you have “escaped,” you can secure your bragging rights by taking a photo with your team that documents your time.

  • The team who completes the game the fastest will receive a small token to commemorate their success!

  • There will also be a mini-game, put on by our sponsor the University of Alberta, which will available for guests to play in addition to the main puzzle.

  • We would love for you to take photos of the event, and we would love to see them! Please feel free to tag us in your posts by using #eplLockedLibrary


Still have questions? Let us know at give@epl.ca"