The Poison Cabinet is the only event of its kind in Australia. Based on similar events held at the New York Public Library and the National Museum of Scotland, the Poison Cabinet has been designed specifically for State Library Victoria. Last year’s event saw the State Library transformed into a labyrinth of games and challenges for teens to decipher puzzles and crack codes.
The Poison Cabinet is a unique way for students to learn real-life skills. Participants will collaborate and use creative thinking to solve six challenges. They will experience areas of the State Library rarely seen by the public, and ultimately conquer the challenges to discover what’s hidden inside the ‘Poison Cabinet.’
“We’re excited to have the Poison Cabinet back at State Library Victoria. The Poison Cabinet is an immersive adventure that enables students to experience the library in a whole new way. It uses an escape-room style format to enable students to develop skills such as team-work and problem solving. It’s ‘learning by stealth’,” said Justine Hyde, Director of Library Services and Experience, State Library Victoria.
The challenges featured in Poison Cabinet were developed in consultation with academics at La Trobe University, and relate to many different disciplines including Science, Media and Communications, Archaeology, Engineering and English Literature.
La Trobe University’s Professor Chris Mackie said the collaboration with the State Library of Victoria had been a great success and he delighted that the adventure game had returned for 2017.
“It was great to see so many young people embrace the concept last year and get involved in a night of critical thinking and team work to unlock the clues of the Poison Cabinet,” Professor Mackie said.
“Our academic and professional staff have helped to create a challenging, yet fun night for teens, and help them to use the skills that they will need when they enter university life.”
The Poison Cabinet was held at State Library Victoria on Friday 12 May from 8pm to 10pm. Presented in partnership with La Trobe University.
Media Contacts:
State Library Victoria – Maria O’Dwyer – modwyer@slv.vic.gov.au – 03 8664 7325 / 0433 905 581
La Trobe University - Dylan May – d.may@latrobe.edu.au - 9479 5353 / 0407125909
