Libraries ACT is offering children aged 10 and over the opportunity to solve some riddles and brain teasers at the word play and cryptic clues for beginners session held at the Tuggeranong Library on Wednesday.

Libraries ACT director Vanessa Little said children can join Canberra-based author and puzzle writer Denise Sutherland to learn the basics of solving anagrams and cryptic crosswords.

“If you like riddles and figuring out clues, then this session will be a great way to test and improve your mental agility as well as increase your vocabulary and general knowledge,” Ms Little said.

“Many people have at some point in their lives stared at a cryptic crossword and thought ‘how could anybody solve this?’.

Ms Little said the very talented Ms Sutherland would show youngsters how to take on word challenges, decipher cryptic clues and unlock the secrets of these popular puzzles.

“Children participating in this program must be aged 10 years due to the more advance nature of the program, and they must be accompanied by an adult,” Ms Little said. 

“Of course this is also a chance for parents and carers to also get an insight in the wonderful world of cryptic crosswords and riddles.”

She said Ms Sutherland would have copies of her book, The Junior Canberra Puzzle Book, for sale at the session “so children can continue to tease their brains at home”.

Ms Little said solving crosswords, riddles and other word puzzles is a great way of improving and maintaining literacy.

It is also valuable for keeping your brain healthy as you grow older, she said.

The session will be held at Tuggeranong Library on Wednesday, January 18, for an hour from 10.30am.

Bookings are essential as places are limited.

For more information on the program or to make a booking visit www.library.act.gov.au or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

Libraries ACT has a whole range of activities on offer these holidays. For more information, visit their website.