Why Mysteries Await at Your Library?
Get ready to follow the clues, uncover hidden secrets, and discover the stories waiting to be found! Mysteries Await at Your Library® invites readers of all ages to explore the fascinating world of mysteries through books, activities, and library experiences.
From classic whodunits and puzzling adventures to folklore, legends, hidden histories, and unsolved questions, this theme encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and the joy of discovery. Children can become junior detectives, teens can unravel thrilling mysteries, and adults can immerse themselves in captivating tales of suspense and intrigue.
Inspired by the timeless appeal of mystery stories and the excitement of solving a puzzle, Mysteries Await at Your Library® transforms libraries into centers of exploration where every book, program, and visit offers a new clue to uncover. Whether patrons are decoding secret messages, investigating local history, exploring mysterious phenomena, or simply discovering their next great read, the library becomes the place where curiosity leads the way.
Perfect for readers of all ages, this theme celebrates the power of questions, the thrill of discovery, and the lifelong adventure of learning. Join us as we unlock new stories, reveal hidden treasures, and prove that some of the greatest mysteries can be found right at your local library.
2027 Mascot
With a name selected by our member libraries, meet Inspector Whiskers, the 2027 Mysteries Await mascot!
Armed with a magnifying glass, a sharp eye for details, and an endless curiosity, Inspector Whiskers spends his days investigating mysterious happenings throughout the library. Missing bookmarks? Curious footprints between the stacks? Strange sounds coming from the bookdrop after closing time? Inspector Whiskers is always on the case.
Inspector Whiskers at a Glance
- Occupation: Library Detective
- Favorite Tool: His trusty magnifying glass
- Favorite Place: Anywhere with books and secrets to uncover
- Special Skills: Spotting clues, solving puzzles, and finding the perfect mystery novel
- Motto: “Every clue leads to a story.”
- Weakness: Occasionally distracted by sunbeams and catnip
Because even the best detectives are still cats!
Inspector Whiskers has a cast of fun friends that will be revealed in October!
2027 Artist – Laurie Conley
As a child, Laurie A. Conley fell in love with picture book illustrations. As a professional artist, she has been happily illustrating books for over 30 years, with her work appearing in novels for young readers and in many educational books and materials for students. Laurie also creates gently spooky art featuring cute ghosts, cemeteries and haunted houses. Currently she lives in Maryland in her long-time family home.
CSLP selected Laurie Conley as the illustrator for Mysteries Await at Your Library because of her unique ability to blend whimsy, warmth, and intrigue into a style that appeals to readers of all ages. Her detailed pen-and-ink artwork evokes the timeless charm of classic mysteries while remaining welcoming and approachable for modern library audiences. Through memorable characters, atmospheric Victorian-inspired scenes, and a sense of curiosity woven throughout her work, Laurie perfectly captures the spirit of discovery, imagination, and adventure that lies at the heart of summer reading and the mystery genre. Here are some of her inspired sketches for the Mysteries Await theme:
