Welcome to the North Independence Branch of the Mid-Continent Library system! We have many branches, with many opportunities awaiting. This branch is the oldest in our system. Mid-Continent has its earliest roots here in Independence, with the establishment of the Independence Public Library in 1892, where it was formerly housed over the years in two different buildings on Independence Square. Take a look at this building, historically called the Johnson Building, from where you are standing on the Square. Can you imagine a library being here? I like to think that the current decorative accents existed on the wall back in our time. Our current building occupies what was once an A&P, and since a complete renovation a few years ago, it now occupies three floors. Additionally, North Independence was temporarily housed in a very interesting nearby location during this renovation...but that is another story.
Mid-Continent Public Library now ranks in the nation's top 20 largest library systems, and is the largest in the state of Missouri, with 31 branches scattered over three counties.
Now that you have some background into the library, it's time to get started familiarizing yourself with North Independence. Let's get started on the third floor, which has convenient parking. (Huh?) I promise it does. The parking coordinates will lead you here. This floor is devoted to Youth Services, where our storytimes and children's programs are held, and where the juvenile and teen collections live. There are two computers up here for the kids, and a separate space for our upstairs computer lab. Take a look at our bulletin boards in this busy computer lab. One one side, they show our upcoming computer classes and what is playing for our Sunday Film Series. The other side is going to announce programs and community events. It looks a bit bare at the moment, but will soon come together. Your first stage will be here, next to one of these four boards. Look for the Mid-Continent logo on a white, magnetic space. Inspect what looks out of place. In fact, you can even peel it from this white space to look closely at it from all angles. It will lead you to Stage Two.
At Stage Two, you might not find this book on the shelf. It's a popular title - and for good reason. You may decide to place a hold on it to read to your kids! Even if you don't find this book on the shelf, you will still find the second stage. Think back to Stage One, and what you found. You will find an identical object somewhere near where this book is shelved. Use our catalog to discover its home, or *casually* ask a librarian where these books are shelved. DO NOT ASK ABOUT THE GEOCACHE. There are only a few of us that are privy to the cache, so that it does not get tampered with or muggled. We have a very large staff. If the librarian insists on being helpful (we are very helpful!), let them know you are just browsing. If you get stuck, contact the CO. I am usually here...somewhere.
**A POINT OF REFERENCE ABOUT LIBRARIANS: Librarians are a very curious, observant lot. We love to help - and we will do anything in our power to answer that question or get that book in your hands. If you ever get the tingling sensation that you are being watched...you are probably right. Wait for your moment! Pick up some great picture books while you are at it!**
Stage Two will give you the clue for Stage Three. Do you detect a pattern? Excellent! Figure out where this title would be shelved upstairs, and look in a similar spot for the clue for Stage Four.
If you are in the right place for Stage Four, you are now completely alone. You have a moment to read and figure out your next move. The clue for the next stage is, yes - in here. You will need to let your fingers do the walking, and maybe take a couple of trips until you find it. If you genuinely get stuck - and I mean stuck - at this stage, use that handy item in there to call for help. Otherwise, just contact the CO, so that you don't alarm anyone.
You've made it to Stage Five! Did you realize that you signed up for a complete tour of this library? At least it's a fabulous library...right? This stage was a little tricky, wasn't it? Did you know that we shelve certain books separately on our main floor - only a short duration - for easy browsing? Everyone wants to know what's on the NYT bestseller list, and what's hot off the presses! Just like the other stages, you will find an identical object with a clue for Stage Six.
Ah, Stage Six. The beginnings of this geocache. This book will not likely be on the shelf. It is a shockingly popular book. You can put a hold on it, but you will need to get in line. Here, you will find what you know now to expect...and yet be surprised.
Did you find Stage Seven? Yes, it is similar to a previous stage! And it will take you to our lowest floor: Reference. This is where some our most treasured titles are housed. The out of print, the rare, the antique. We also have microfiche down here, if you are so inclined. But it's the books here that make the ready impression. You will quickly see that you cannot actually get into these stacks without the assistance of a librarian. Instead, browse that *most available* range of books, ready for your reference - and which do not require a librarian to move things around. Use the clue that you found at Stage Seven to get to the final. Here, you will find enough space to log your name, add and take some sweet swag, even place a travel bug! I will always keep this stocked to the brim with all manner of literary treasure. When you find the final, feel free to use one of our reference tables to collect your joy - but quietly now. Don't make much ado!
If you enjoyed this library cache, feel free to favorite us! And always come back to visit - we love our patrons!
Library Hours:
M-T: 9-9
F: 9-6
Sat: 9-5
Sun: 1-5
If a stage seems to be missing or needs attention, please contact the CO straightaway.
Placed with permission from the Branch Manager