Looking for a specific Arthur Goes to the Library Game rule? | Setup | Playing the Game | Checking For A Match | Winning the Game | Easier Game | FAQ | Components |
Objective of Arthur Goes to the Library Game
The objective of Arthur Goes to the Library Game is to collect the most Book Tokens by the end of the game.
Setup
- Place a plastic stand on each of the character pawns.
- Assemble the backpacks by attaching the pockets to the backs.
- Attach the shelves to the bookcase. Place the stand into the back of the bookcase.
- Place the bookcase on the table facing all of the players.
- Randomly place four Book Tokens on each shelf of the bookshelf. You should place the books so you can see the covers.
- Shuffle the cards. Randomly place the cards facedown into rows in front of the bookshelf.
- Randomly place one pawn on top of each of the cards.
- Each player takes a backpack.
- The youngest player starts the game. Play moves clockwise/left throughout the game.
Playing Arthur Goes to the Library Game
To start your turn you will spin the spinner. If the spinner lands on a line, spin the spinner again.
Look for the character pawn that matches the character that the spinner landed on. If the pawn is not on a card, you can choose any of the other character pawns that are on top of a card.
You will then try to guess what book is pictured on the card that your pawn is on. You can look at the books on the bookcase to see what books could potentially be on the card. When you have picked a book you will point to it on the bookshelf.
After you have chosen a book, you will pick up the character pawn so you can flip over the card underneath it. When you flip over the card you will do so where all of the players can see what book is printed on the card.
Checking For A Match
If the card matches the book that you picked, you will pick up the matching Book Token, the book card you flipped over, and the character pawn that you spun/picked this turn. You will insert the card and token inside your backpack. You will place the character pawn in front of you.
If the card does not match the book you picked, you will return the card to the space where you found it. You will then place the character pawn on top of the card. Players should try to remember what book was pictured on the card.
Whether you found a match or not, your turn ends. Play passes to the player on your left.
Winning the Game
The game ends when all of the Book Tokens have been removed from the bookshelf.
Each player counts up how many Book Tokens they collected throughout the game. Do not count the Book Cards. The player that collected the most Book Tokens win the game.
If there is a tie, see who collected the Arthur character pawn. The player that collected the Arthur pawn wins the game even if they didn’t have the most Book Tokens.
Easier Game
To make the game easier for younger players you can decide to only use eight Book Tokens. Place the chosen Book Tokens on the bookshelf. Find the corresponding Book Cards as those will be the only cards you use in the game. Shuffle the Book Cards and place them facedown on the table. Randomly pick eight character pawns and place them on the cards. You must choose Arthur as one of the eight character pawns.
Set the remaining Book Tokens, Book Cards, and character pawns aside as they won’t be used in the game.
The game is otherwise played the same as the normal game. Whichever player collects the most Book Tokens wins the game.
Arthur Goes to the Library Game FAQ
If you have any questions about how to play Arthur Goes to the Library Game, leave a comment below on this post. I will try to answer any questions asked as best and as quickly as possible.
Components
- Bookcase
- 4 Backpacks
- 16 Cards
- 16 Book Tokens
- 16 Pawns and Stands
- Spinner
- Instructions
Year: 1996 | Publisher: Milton Bradley | Artist: Marc Brown
Genres: Children’s, Memory
Ages: 4-7 | Number of Players: 2-4 | Length of Game: 20-30 minutes
Difficulty: Light | Strategy: Light | Luck: Moderate-High
For more board and card game rules/how to plays, check out our complete alphabetical list of card and board game rules posts.