The Library Vault

Hints for winning the Russell Library Games, May 2026 Edition

Fun-loving Middletonians know that the Russell Library Games are in full swing. You’ve seen our signs about the town. Maybe you found Frances along the way. Serious players learned how the Games work and have earned mad prizes over the past few weeks.

If you haven’t joined yet (what’re you waiting for?!?) or want to work your way up the scoreboard, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find hints for high scoring and winning some prizes of your own.

One of the best ways to earn points is by “finding Frances.” She is on the move at the turn of each month. Now that April showers have brought May flowers, Frances will hide in all new places with fresh points to score.

In the Building

10 points per Frances found x10, 100 points possible this month

1. Where can you get several curated books rubber-banded together for binge reading?
2. Where would you go to check out if you’re feeling anti-social?
3. This is kind of a big year for America. Where will you see that commemorated at Russell Library?
4. Did you know you can check out video games from Russell Library? Find where they are displayed.
5. If you love a good “whodunit” what section of the stacks would be your go-to?
6. Where can small groups meet in privacy on Russell Library’s third floor?
7. If you wanted to start a book club, where can you get multiple copies of the same title all together in one bag?
8. Where can you buy used books whenever Russell Library is open?
9. If you wanted to convert old home movies into a digital format, where could you do so?
10. How did people listen to music before streaming and iPods were invented?

On Russell Library’s Website

25 points per Frances found x5, 125 points possible this month

1. What do you need to get a Russell Library card?
2. How can you pick up books without leaving your car?
3. Who can have books delivered to their home by volunteers?
4. How do I… 😉
5. Fill in the blank: “Reduce, Reuse, _______”

In Russell Library’s Email Newsletters

25 points per Frances found x6, 150 points possible this month

Um… you find these Franceses in our newsletters! We have two: our main newsletter goes out every Tuesday, and our children’s newsletter goes out every other Friday. Look all the way up and down the emails for the image below. When you see it, click it* to collect 25 points.

*But not the one below. That one is for illustration purposes only.

Other Ways to Earn Points

To see all the ways you can earn points, visit the Russell Library Games’ Points page. They’re listed from highest to lowest point value (hint hint).

Game Changer

Spoiler alert: there will be opportunities to earn MEGA extra points next month. Like, enough points to shake up the scoreboard. Seriously. All I’m gonna say is you should really plan to come to Russell Library on June 6 and June 20.

Get ready for the twist!