NOTE: The clues for this mystery cache is available only during library opening hours. So please do plan your geo-visit accordingly.
If you, like me, are a bibliophile (that's "bookworm" to everyone else), you might want to allow extra time for this cache as you are likely to be distracted enroute.
This area of Sydney has been endowed with a range of library facilities, from multi-storey resource centres that maintain collections of books, videos, music and even toys for loan, to more intimate community libraries where you can challenge the locals to a game of chess.
The starting coordinates place you at the Lionel Bowen Library, the first free public library in the City of Randwick. You can read about its history here.
To join this geo-library tour, proceed as follows:
Start at WP1 given by the starting coordinates.
At WP1:
Use the library catalogue to look up Humphreys, Alastair "Grand adventures". Go to the shelf where this book is kept.
- The number of levels of shelving here is A.
- The supporting posts for the shelves have end-plugs bearing the manufacturer's logo. The number of letters in the first word is C.
- The first digit of library call numbers (a librarian could help) for books of poetry is E.
- Go to the nearest elevator. The number of switches on the white panel to the left is B.
- On the elevator (wireless) call button, the number of rows of words in the fire warning is D.
- The number of white wall-plates near the floor to the right of the lift is F.
Coordinates for WP2 is S 33° 56.ABC, E 151° 13.DEF
At WP2:
Go to any bookcase near the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) station.
- The bookcases are mounted on castors. The number of vowels in the name of the manufacturer of the castors is H.
- The number of castors per bookcase unit is L.
- At the base of the column with the AED station are power and network outlets. The number of alpha-numeric characters on the power outlet plate is K.
- The number of metal posts supporting the arm-rail on the North side of the wheelchair ramp is G.
- The first digit of library call numbers for books about travel is J.
- Number of steps up to study room 2 is M.
Coordinates for WP3 is S 33° 57.GHJ, E 151° 14.KLM
From WP3 to GZ:
- Next to the front entrance to the library is a CCTV warning sign. The sixth digit of the phone number is N.
- Directly opposite the entrance is a sign on a large red box. The number of letters in the third word in large black letters is P.
- Use the library catalogue to search for the book titled "Bustling cities of the world". The last numeric digit of the library call number for this book is Q.
- The number of levels of shelving on the bookshelves along the South wall is R.
- High up on the Southern wall is a box labelled "PUMP FAULT". The number of visible screws on the box multipled by 2 is S.
- The air-conditioner is plugged into a wall outlet. The number of alpha-numeric characters on the outlet is T.
Coordinates for GZ is S 33° 57.NPQ, E 151° 13.RST
Do spend some time browsing the books and perhaps take a book out for reading at your leisure. And say "Hello" if you see the librarian.
This geocache has been placed with the permission of the Head Librarian at GZ.