Grab a cauldron and create the perfect spell! Young sorcerers are invited for a day of Magick and Mayhem at Selby library to help a trapped witch break free. Based on the bestselling children’s series, The Apprentice Witch by James Nicol, Selby library has created an escape room for budding witches and wizards aged seven to 11.

In teams of five, players will enter the world of Arianwyn, the apprentice witch, and try to save her from her nemesis, Gimma. By solving puzzles and quizzes read by James, they will need to find the right spell to release Arianwyn and escape from the room. James Nicol, author and library supervisor, said: “It’s very exciting to see my books being adapted into an escape room event. I’m a huge fan of board games and escape rooms, so this is a dream come true. I’m really excited to be involved with being a virtual presence dishing out helpful clues to the participants.”

The escape room is running on Monday, 17 February, with morning and afternoon slots. Tickets cost £2.50 and must be pre-booked. The Magick and Mayhem programme of activities is continuing on Friday, 21 February, from 10am to 4pm, when York Bird of Prey will bring owls to the library. At 4pm, James Nicol will talk about the world of The Apprentice Witch, sign books and host the game show Which Witch is Which?

Tickets for the talk (ages 6+) are £2.50 and must be pre-booked. Anybody who is taking part in the escape room will be able to buy tickets for £1. “If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids this half term I would urge you to support your local library and get involved in these unique events,” said County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries. “We are very lucky to have James as a member of our library staff, willing to share his writing skills and helping to run the exciting escape room.

The game gives children the chance to socialise and test their problem-solving skills with a magical twist.” For more information and to book your tickets, contact Selby library.