Welcome to the Fire in the Library Game!

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure? In this game, you’ll be a brave firefighter, racing against time to rescue books from a blazing library. But be careful, every decision you make counts, and the fire is spreading fast!

Here’s how to play:

1. Gather your team: First, you’ll need a team of firefighters. Choose your squad wisely, as each member brings unique skills to the table.
2. Plan your strategy: Before entering the library, you must come up with a plan. Assess the situation by looking at the icons on the burn cards. These icons will tell you which areas are at risk and what actions you can take.
3. Put out fires: It’s time to save the books! Each turn, you can take two actions. Use them to put out fires, move through the library, and rescue as many books as possible. But remember, the fire spreads fast, so be quick!
4. Manage your teamwork: Communication is key. Discuss with your team and coordinate your actions to make the most efficient moves.
5. Deal with special events: Throughout the game, you’ll encounter special events that can help or hinder your progress. Be prepared to adapt your strategy!
6. Escape the library: Once you’ve rescued enough books, it’s time to make your escape. Reach the exit before the fire engulfs the library completely.
7. Count your points: The game ends when all players have made it out or if the library burns down. Count your points based on the number of books saved, and celebrate your successful rescue mission!

This game is a thrilling race against time, where every decision matters. Will you be able to save the library from the flames? Gather your team and find out!

• 39 Tool Cards
• 26 Library Cards
• 8 Reference Cards
• 6 Turn Order Cards
• 22 Book Tokens
• 17 Fire Tokens
• 1 Library Bag
• 1 Scoring Track
• 6 Librarian Figures
• Instructions

Let’s Get Started!

Fire in the Library is an exciting game all about rescuing books from burning. Take risks, show bravery, and gather Knowledge Points and Bravery Points to emerge victorious. If you have the highest total points at the end, you win!

Setting Up

Setting Up the Game

Alright, let’s get started on setting up the game. Here’s what we need to do step by step:

1. I’m going to sort the Library Cards into different types: Fables (Purple), Geography (White), History (Black), and War (Yellow).
2. Next, I’ll organize each type of Library Cards in order based on the Book Value. The Book Value is the number you see next to the book icon. We’ll place the card with the highest value at the bottom and the lowest value at the top of each stack.
3. Once all the stacks are ready, we’ll place them together in the center of the table so that everyone can easily reach them. This will form the four Sections of the Library.
4. We’ll need to put the Scoring Track near the Library, so we can keep track of our scores.
5. Now, let’s take all 22 Book Tokens and 7 out of the 17 Fire Tokens and put them into the Library Bag. We’ll set the remaining 10 Fire Tokens aside for now; we’ll use them later in the game.

Once we’ve finished these steps, we’ll be all set and ready to start playing the game. Let the adventure begin!

Let’s get started with the setup of the game. First, we need to shuffle the Tool Deck and place it next to the Library. Then, we reveal three Tool Cards and line them up below the Tool Deck to create the Tool Market.

Now, let’s move on to setting up each player. Every player chooses a Librarian Figure and grabs the corresponding Player Reference Card. Once you have your Librarian Figure, place it near the Scoring Track.

Next, we need to deal two Tool Cards to each player. Remember, these Tool Cards are kept secret and not revealed to other players until they are played.

Lastly, we need to determine the turn order. Take a number of Turn Order cards equal to the number of players, shuffle them, and deal one randomly to each player. For example, if there are four players, use only the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Turn Order Cards. Any remaining Turn Order Cards should be put back in the box.

That’s it for the setup! Now you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of the game. Have fun exploring and collecting books in the library!

When it’s time to play Fire in the Library, follow the same setup instructions as before, but with a few adjustments:

• Get rid of the Library Cart and Axe Tool cards.
• Include the 3rd Turn Order Card for two players.
• Include the 4th Turn Order Card for three players.
• For solo play, use all of the Turn Order Cards.

Playing the Game

“As a librarian, my routine is my secret weapon – any disruption and my instincts kick into high gear!”

– Excerpt from The Librarian’s Handbook, Pocket Edition

Fire in the Library is a game that takes place over several rounds, with the exact number of rounds determined by how quickly the Library catches fire.

Each round has three steps:

1. Step 1: Choosing the Order of Turns
2. Step 2: Taking Turns as a Player
3. Step 3: Ending the Round

Choosing the Order

First things first, let’s talk about how we’re gonna decide who gets to go first in the game. It’s actually quite simple. At the start of the game, we’ll shuffle the Turn Order Cards and deal them out randomly. The player who receives the 1st Turn Order Card gets to be the first Active Player and kick off the game.

Now, for all the subsequent rounds, deciding the turn order is based on the scores players have on the Scoring Track. The player with the lowest score gets to choose their desired Turn Order Card first. Then, the player with the second lowest score makes their choice, and so on, until everyone has picked a card.

If two players happen to be tied with the same score, we have a tiebreaker. First, we check who reached that score first. That person gets the advantage. And if multiple players haven’t scored any points yet, we give the youngest player the chance to choose first.

• So that’s how we sort the turn order, making sure everyone gets a fair chance to go first and enjoy the game!
• Choose wisely, my friend, and let the library adventures begin!

When playing the game, you have the option to use tools with the Icon at any time during Step 1, except for the first round. Step 1 comes to a close as soon as the Active Player decides to start Saving Books.

Hey there! Just a friendly reminder: in the first round, players can’t use any tools. Keep that in mind!

Step 2: Player Turns

Now it’s your turn to rescue as many books as possible from the Library! But be careful – rushing can cause shelves to fall or get in the way of the firefighters. There’s always a bit of risk involved!

During Step 2, it’s your chance to shine! Just follow the order on your Turn Order Card and take your turn.

As the Active Player, you have a few options on your turn: Saving Books, using a Saving Books Tool, or Scoring Knowledge.

Saving Books

If you have open spaces on your Turn Order Card, you can do any of the following actions as many times as you want:

While playing the game, there is an important action called “Save Books.” This action involves drawing a token from the Library Bag and placing it on the leftmost empty space on your Turn Order Card. If the token you draw is a Book Token, you can keep saving books. However, if the token is a Fire Token, there are a couple of things to consider.

First, check to see if it’s the second Fire Token on your Turn Order Card or if it’s the first Fire Token placed on a risky space. If either of these conditions is true, you must immediately stop Saving Books and trigger Fire Spreading. This is represented by a Fire Token that you place on your Turn Order Card.

On the other hand, if none of those conditions apply, you can leave the Fire Token on your Turn Order Card and continue your turn without any repercussions. It’s important to be mindful of the tokens you draw and make the right decisions to prevent a fire from spreading in the library.



When you’re on the lookout for a great way to organize your books, it can be tough to know where to start. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you navigate the world of book organization and find the perfect solution for you.

• First, let’s talk about the Bookshelf Tool. This handy tool allows you to organize your books by genre, author, or any other criteria you choose. Simply input your books into the tool and let it work its magic. It will create a beautiful, organized bookshelf for you to enjoy.
• Next up is the Color-Coded Book Collection. This is a fun and visually appealing way to organize your books. Sort them by color and create a rainbow effect on your bookshelf. It’s not only practical but also adds a pop of color to your space.
• If you’re a fan of technology, you might want to consider the Digital Library. With this option, you can keep all your books in one place on your computer or e-reader. It’s a great way to save space and have access to your entire library at your fingertips.
• And finally, we have the Saving Books Tool. This tool is perfect for those of us who like to keep track of our reading progress. With the Saving Books Tool, you can mark where you left off in each book, add notes, and even rate your favorites. It’s like having your own personal reading assistant.

So whether you choose the Bookshelf Tool, the Color-Coded Book Collection, the Digital Library, or the Saving Books Tool, there’s a book organization method out there that’s perfect for you. Happy organizing!



Whenever I decide I don’t want to save any more books, I can choose to stop saving and start scoring my knowledge.

My turn as the active player ends when I decide to stop saving books or if I run out of spaces on my Turn Order Card. It also ends if I trigger Fire Spreading.

Fire Spreading

If I trigger Fire Spreading during my turn, I can use tools with the icon. If the tool removes the Fire Token that caused the fire to spread, then the fire stops spreading and I can go back to Saving Books immediately.

If I can’t or don’t want to stop the fire from spreading, I skip the Scoring Knowledge step. Then, I follow these steps:



1. When I collect Book Tokens, I burn all the books I’ve gathered in the fire. To do this, I remove the top card from the Library Section that matches the color of the book.
2. If I draw only Fire Tokens, I remove the Library Card that has the lowest Burn Index Number.
3. Whenever I reveal a fire icon on a Library Section, I add one of the ten unused Fire Tokens to the Library Bag.
4. Unless a Tool Card tells me to do something different, I return all the tokens on my Turn Order Card back to the Library Bag.
5. On my turn, I can either choose a Tool from the Tool Market or draw the top card from the Tool Deck.
6. After I take a Tool, I make sure there are always three face-up Tool Cards in the Tool Market by replenishing it.

My turn is finished. I’ll give back my Turn Order Card and hand the Library Bag to the next player. They will become the Active Player now.

Scoring Knowlege

“I can’t help but admire the bravery of our ancestors, who preserved this knowledge for us today. When I see those statues of Librarians from long ago, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Maybe, just maybe, they guard more than books – maybe they keep the secrets of the afterlife. That’s why I always leave a coin by their side. The last thing I want is to owe them late fees in the great beyond.”



Hey there! Did you know that you can score points in the game before Fire Spreading starts? Pretty cool, right? Let me break it down for you.

When it comes to scoring points, there are two types: Knowledge Points and Bravery Points. Let me explain what each one means.

First up, Knowledge Points. These points are based on the books you saved in the game. The number of Knowledge Points you get is determined by the color of the Section of the Library where the books are located. The higher the current value of the book, the more Knowledge Points you’ll score.

Now, let’s talk about Bravery Points. This is another way you can earn points. Bravery Points are actually equal to the number displayed below the token that’s farthest to the right on your turn order card. The more points you have, the more brave you are!



If you see this tool icon (), you can either choose a tool from the Tool Market or draw the top card from the Tool Deck.

Let’s Update the Score Track

Now it’s time to see how well you did! Add up your Knowledge Points and Bravery Points, and then move your Librarian Figure forward on the Score Track that number of spaces.

The Order on the Score Track

If two or more players end up with the same score, the Librarian Figure that reached that score first will be placed below the figure of the other player. The order of the figures here is important because it will determine the turn order in case of a tie, as explained in Step 1.

After Scoring



Now that I’ve scored some Knowledge, I can use Tool Cards with the icon.

My Turn is done for now. I’ll put all the tokens I used back into the Library Bag, return my Turn Order Card to the center of the table, and pass the Library Bag to the next player in line. They’ll be the new Active Player.

The End of the Round

Once everyone has taken their turn, the round is finished, and a Section of the Library goes up in flames.

To burn a Section of the Library, we’ll get rid of the Library Card with the lowest Burn Index Number.

Now, each of us has the choice to discard one of our tools and replace it with the top card from the Tool Deck.

Then, it’s on to the next round, and we start again with Step 1: Turn Order.

“Fortune favors those who listen in silence and learn with respect – they will be ready when disaster strikes.”

– Prikjee, the Seventeenth.

The Game Comes to an End

“May you never live in times full of excitement and challenges.

– Ancient Saying of the Librarian.

The game is immediately over as soon as a Library card, worth 10 points, is revealed and destroyed. This indicates that the building has collapsed and all remaining books are lost.

Any Tool Cards that provide points at the end of the game are now resolved, and the player with the highest score emerges victorious!

The Treasures of the Library



Turn Order Cards

Hey there! Let’s talk about turn order cards. You know, those nifty little things that help us keep track of who goes when in a game. They might seem like a small detail, but trust me, they can make a big difference in gameplay. So, let’s dive in and explore the importance of turn order cards.

First off, let’s talk about what turn order cards actually are. They are basically a set of cards that determine the sequence of play in a game. Each player is assigned a card that represents their turn, and these cards are placed in a particular order to establish the overall turn order. It’s a simple concept, but it can have a huge impact on the dynamics of a game.

So why are turn order cards important? Well, let me break it down for you. Turn order cards bring structure and clarity to a game. They eliminate any confusion or arguments about who should be going next, and they ensure that every player has a fair and equal chance to act. This not only keeps the game running smoothly but also creates a level playing field for all participants.

Furthermore, turn order cards can add an element of strategy and anticipation to the game. Knowing when you will get to take your turn can greatly influence your decision-making process. You might choose to take a risk and wait for a more opportune moment, or you might decide to strike while the iron is hot. Whatever your strategy, turn order cards give you the information you need to make informed and calculated moves.

Another great thing about turn order cards is that they can be customized to fit the specific needs of a game. You can create cards that reflect the theme or aesthetics of the game, adding an extra layer of immersion for the players. Additionally, you can incorporate special abilities or bonuses into the cards, providing unique advantages to certain players. This customization not only enhances the overall game experience but also adds an element of surprise and excitement.

Now, let’s talk about some things to consider when choosing turn order cards. One important factor is the readability of the cards. Make sure that the numbers or symbols representing the turn order are clear and easy to see. This will prevent any confusion or misunderstandings during gameplay.

Another factor to consider is the durability of the cards. Turn order cards will be handled a lot during a game, so it’s important that they are made of quality materials that can withstand repeated use. Nobody wants a card that falls apart after a few rounds.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that turn order cards are not limited to just board games. They can also be used in role-playing games or even as a tool for organizing events or meetings. Their versatility and functionality make them a valuable asset in various situations.

So there you have it, the importance of turn order cards. They might seem like a small detail, but they can have a big impact on the overall experience of a game. Whether it’s bringing structure and clarity to the gameplay, adding an element of strategy and anticipation, or enhancing the immersion and customization of a game, turn order cards are a valuable tool for any game designer or enthusiast. So next time you sit down to play a game, take a moment to appreciate the humble turn order card and all it brings to the table. Happy gaming!



Bravery Points

Hey there! Let me tell you about Bravery Points. It’s a way to score points in our game. You can earn Bravery Points by placing tokens on risky spaces on your Turn Order Card. The more tokens you have on the risky spaces, the more Bravery Points you get. Just look for the risky space farthest to the right on your Turn Order Card and check the points listed there!

But here’s the thing – if you didn’t place any tokens on risky spaces this round, you won’t gain any Bravery Points. Don’t worry though, you have another option. Instead of gaining Bravery Points, you can draw a card from the Tool deck or pick one from the Market. The choice is yours!

Tool Cards

“A Librarian’s wits are their greatest asset”.

– Inukya, the Thirtieth.

Let’s talk about Tool Cards. They’re like handy tools that can help you save books from the flames. Pretty cool, right?

There are four types of Tool Cards, and each one can be played during a different step in the game. Here they are:

• Choosing Turn Order: You can play this card during Step 1 of the game. It’s all about deciding the order of play, so use it wisely!
• Saving Books: You can play these cards as soon as you get the Library Bag. However, once you start a Fire Spreading , you can no longer use them.
• Fire Spreading: You can play this card when Fire Spreading starts.
• After Scoring: You can play this card only after you choose to escape the Library, finish scoring for the round, and before the next player’s turn.

“You know what they say, there’s nothing quite like having a trusty robot assistant by your side. It’s like having a reliable partner who never lets you down. And let me tell you, they can make your life so much easier!

Picture this: you wake up in the morning, still half asleep, and there’s your robot assistant, already brewing a fresh cup of coffee for you. Can you imagine how amazing that would be? No more stumbling around in a daze, trying to make coffee yourself.

But the benefits of having a robot assistant go way beyond just making coffee. They can help with all sorts of tasks around the house, like cleaning, organizing, and even cooking. Need someone to keep track of your schedule and remind you of important appointments? A robot assistant can do that too.

And here’s the best part: they never get tired or complain. They’re always there for you, ready to lend a helping hand whenever you need it. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a little extra support, your robot assistant has got your back.

Of course, choosing the right robot assistant is key. You’ll want to find one that matches your needs and preferences. Do you want a robot with a friendly personality? Or maybe one that’s super efficient and gets things done quickly? Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a robot assistant out there for you.

So if you’re ready to take your life to the next level, consider getting a robot assistant. Trust me, once you experience the convenience and joy they bring, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Embrace the power of technology and let your robot assistant become your new best friend.”

“Remember, a well-maintained robot assistant is a happy robot assistant. So be sure to give them the care and attention they deserve. It’s a small investment that will pay off in big ways. Now go forth and find your perfect robot assistant companion!”



When a Tool is resolved, I discard the tool. If there are any tokens remaining on it, I return all of them to the Library Bag.

If two Tools are played at the same time, the player with the lower score gets to use their Tool. The player with the higher score puts their Tool back into their hand. If both players have the same score, the player who reached that score first (they should be on the lower half of that value on the score track) gets to use their Tool.

I can have as many Tool cards as I want in my hand. There’s no limit.

On a player’s turn, whether it’s me or someone else, any number of tools can be played.



You can’t use any Tool to make another player burn books. Let’s say one player uses a Slingshot to give the Active Player a Fire Token. Well, another Slingshot can’t be played on the Active Player because that would make the fire spread.

A Look at Some Example Turns

Let’s see what a turn might look like for the Active Player based on their Library:



Let’s talk about points. Points can be pretty tricky to understand, but I’m here to help you out! So, picture this: I’m in a Library, and I have some books. Each book has a different value, and the Library has a certain value as well. Here’s the deal:

Okay, so right now, the Library has a value of 2 for the color Yellow and 2 for the color White. Now, let’s say I have a Yellow Book and a White Book. I can choose to leave the Library or draw another book. If I decide to leave, I would score 6 points. How do I get that number? Well, it’s simple! I add up the current values of the Yellow and White books (2 + 2), and then I get two extra points for the White book being in a risky space. So, the total gain is 6 points. Pretty cool, right?

But wait, there’s more! Let’s say I’m feeling adventurous and decide to draw another book. This time, I get a Black Book along with the Yellow Book, the Fire Token, and another White Book. Exciting, right? Now, if I choose to leave the Library, my score would be even higher. Here’s how:

So, the current Library value is 2 for Yellow, 2 for White, and 4 for Black. Now, I add up the values of all the books (2 + 2 + 4) and get 8. But that’s not all! I also get four extra points for the Black book being in a risky space above the 4. So, the total gain this time is 12 points! Woohoo!

See how points can vary based on the books you have and their values? It’s all about making the right choices and taking risks. So, what do you think? Ready to dive into the Library and score some amazing points? Let’s do it!



If I had kept drawing after the Black Book, and I drew a Fire Token, I would end up with two Fire Tokens. This would cause the fire to spread, and I wouldn’t earn any points unless I had a Tool to put out the fire and go back to Saving Books, or find another way to score points.



Expanding Your Library with Technology Books

Technology Books are like powerful but unpredictable tools that you can add to your collection. By incorporating Technology Books into your library, you have a chance to gain a lot of Knowledge Points. However, be warned, because they also pose a risk of causing early destruction!

What You Need

• 3 Technology Book Tokens (Teal)
• 1 Fire Token

To introduce the Technology Books Micro Expansion, simply include the Technology Book Tokens and an extra Fire Token during the Setup phase of the game.

If you successfully save a Technology Book from being destroyed, you get points based on the value of the highest-ranking section in your Library.

Let me explain. If none of the Library sections have been burned, a saved Technology Book will earn you 4 points. This is because, at the beginning of the game, the Fables (Purple) section holds the highest value, which is set at 4 points.



So, let’s talk about what happens when a fire starts spreading and a technology book ends up in the flames. You see, in a library, there are different sections, and each section has a Burn Index Number that tells us how quickly it will catch fire. Now, when a fire breaks out and starts spreading, the technology book is the last one to burn. Why is that? Well, it’s because technology books are made of materials that don’t catch fire easily. They are like the superheroes of the library, standing strong against the flames.

But here’s the thing. Even though technology books are the last to burn, the section of the library with the highest Burn Index Number is the first to go up in flames. So, what does that mean? It means that some sections of the library are more likely to catch fire quickly, while others take their sweet time.

Now, you might be wondering what this Burn Index Number is all about. Let me explain. The Burn Index Number is a way to measure how easily something catches fire. The higher the number, the more quickly it will burn. So, when a fire starts spreading, it goes straight for the section with the highest Burn Index Number. It’s like the fire has a target in mind, and it goes after it with all its might.

But why is this information important? Well, think about it. If you were in a library and a fire broke out, wouldn’t you want to know which sections are more likely to catch fire quickly? Understanding the Burn Index Number can help us prevent fires and keep ourselves safe. We can take extra precautions in the sections with high numbers, like installing more fire alarms or fire extinguishers.

So, the next time you’re in a library, take a moment to appreciate the heroes of the shelves – the technology books. They may not be the most exciting ones, but they sure can withstand the heat. And remember, knowing the Burn Index Number can help us protect ourselves and prevent the spread of fires.