What is an escape room?

An escape room is an interactive game where players use clues to solve a series of riddles, puzzles, and other challenges to reach a goal, usually within a set time limit.

The Library currently offers one escape room: The Missing Textbook. The escape room is an in-person, group activity; we do not have an online version (sorry!). Groups can have up to 6 people.

EdTALK credit

Completing the escape room counts as an EdTALK for COLL 0600/0601 or extra credit up until May 13th. Keep in mind that the escape room takes about 45-60 minutes, which is longer than a standard 30-minute EdTALK.

Booking the Library's escape room

To do the escape room, you need to sign up in advance. It takes most groups about 45-60 minutes to work through all the puzzles.

When you can book the escape room

Monday - Wednesday, May 4th-15th:

Mondays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 - noon
Tuesdays from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 - noon p.m.

Special events

Monday, May 11

Game Night in the Library runs from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.. We will offer 3 timeslots as a part of Game Night:

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Come early or stay afterwards for free food and boardgame fun!

Finals Week, May 18-21

2 timeslots are available Monday - Thursday:

11:00 - noon
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Note: No EdTALK credit is available for escape rooms completed during finals week. This week it is purely for fun!

How to book the escape room

The Escape Room Booking site will let you know what timeslots are currently available. You must book the room at least 24 hours in advance.

Choose your date and time slot
Choose one person in your group to be responsible for the booking
Your group can be up to 6 people (the room cannot comfortably hold more than that)
Let the Library know if you need to cancel so that we can make the timeslot available to others
Please be on time! Groups that are more than 5 minutes late for their reserved time may be turned away. Stop at the Library service desk to check in for your escape room

If the booking site gives you trouble or if you have questions, please call or text the Library at (530) 938-5331 or email us at library@siskiyous.edu.

Escape room FAQs

Where do I go for the escape room?

The escape room takes place in the Library Study Rooms. The Library is located in the Learning Resource Center (LRC), which is Building 2 on the Weed Campus. Stop at the Library service desk to check in for your escape room.

Do I actually get locked in a room?

No, this escape room has you searching for an item inside of the room. The room is not locked. The dividing wall between the study rooms is partially opened so that the room does not feel claustrophobic and so that there are two entrance/exits.

Can I have longer than 45 minutes to complete the room?

Some people get stressed out by the idea of time pressure. No worries! Be sure to sign up for one of the following timeslots or contact the Library about setting up a special time. When you book your timeslot, make a note in the "special requests" box to let us know that you would like extra time.

Monday - Wednesday, May 4th-15th

Mondays from 11:00 a.m. - noon
Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - noon

Special events

Monday, May 13: Game Night in the Library from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Finals Week, May 18 - 21, Monday - Thursday from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

I have no idea how this works or where to get started.

That's OK! You and your group will receive a brief orientation at the beginning of your session. A library staff member will be on hand to provide hints as needed so that you don't get bogged down (and stop having fun!).

Do I need to know anything about the Library?

Nope. No library knowledge is necessary to complete the escape room--although we hope you learn a few tidbits along the way!

How many people can sign up?

Each group can have up to 6 people (3-4 is probably ideal). The room cannot comfortably hold more than 6 people at a time.

Can I do the escape room by myself?

Escape rooms are designed as a group activity, but if you really want to do it on your own, we won't turn you away.

What if none of the days/times listed work for me? Do you accept walk-ins?

If the listed days/times don't work for you, please contact the Library about other possibilities. The escape room takes staff time to set up and run, so we do need to know in advance in order to make the best use of our work day. Walk-ins are not accepted.

Is the escape room accessible?

The Learning Resource Center building and the library study room space are physically accessible. The room may feel small for someone using a wheelchair, but many adjustments can be made. There is no need to reach anything up high, and items on low shelves or the floor can be moved to more convenient locations. Some locks require dexterity. There are text- and image-based clues. The escape room does not include any loud noises or flashing lights.

We can make many adaptations, such as removing a table to create more space, placing items on tables instead of the floor, using an alternative plan for locks, and allowing extra time. We want as many students as possible to enjoy the escape room, so please let us know what accommodations would be helpful for you!

Alternatively, for disability-related accommodations, contact Patrick Walton, ADA Coordinator, at studentservices@siskiyous.edu or (530)938-5374.

Have more questions?

Contact the COS Library!

text/phone: (530) 938-5331
email: library@siskiyous.edu
stop by during the Library's open hours:
- Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.