An Unexpected Reading Journey
It was a quiet morning in the Shire. The grass sparkled with dew, the birds were singing, and your thoughts were on breakfast—not adventures. Hobbits don’t go on adventures… or at least, they didn’t used to.
Then came a knock at the door.
A tall figure stood on the path—cloaked in grey, shadowed beneath a wide-brimmed hat, and leaning on a staff that hummed softly with hidden power. His eyes, sharp and kind all at once, met yours.
“The world is stirring,” said Gandalf the Grey. “Sauron’s shadow grows stronger each day. Soon, even the Shire will not be safe. I do not come to bring fear, but to ask for something greater: courage.”
You hesitated. Hobbits were not made for such things.
Gandalf’s voice softened. “You have been chosen, not because of strength of arms, but because you have the kind of heart the world needs. There is a Ring—the One Ring. Forged long ago in fire, it holds the Enemy’s power. If he regains it, all hope will fall.”
He leaned closer. “You must find the Ring, and when you do, you must carry it to the fire where it was made. Only there can it be destroyed.”
Then his eyes twinkled with a secret smile. “But remember this: the road is long, and each step forward must be earned. Every book you read, every story you complete, will carry you further on your journey. Reading will give you the wisdom, courage, and strength you’ll need to face the darkness ahead.”
Before you could speak, another voice called from down the path.
“Wait for me!”
A hobbit jogged up, cheeks red, a satchel of pots and pans rattling at his side. He stopped at your door, catching his breath but smiling proudly.
“Samwise Gamgee, at your service,” he said. “Gandalf told me you’d need a good companion, and I won’t let you go alone. I’ll stick by you all the way—through every book, every step, and every challenge. And don’t worry— I’ve packed bread, bandages, and plenty of tea.”
At this, Gandalf’s smile deepened.
“You will need each other. The road is full of dangers, but also full of friendship, courage, and hope. And so your story begins—not in songs already sung, but in the pages you will read and the steps you are about to take.”
The wind stirred, and the path stretched ahead into the unknown.
And so, with Sam at your side and Gandalf’s charge in your heart, you stepped out the door — and into An Unexpected Reading Journey.
Read Through Middle-earth
Hello there, friend! It’s me, Samwise Gamgee. Gandalf’s sent us on a big adventure, and you’re the hero of the tale! Now, you might be wonderin’ how to set off on the road. It’s simple as second breakfast.
This journey we’re on—it moves forward every time you open a book. That’s right! Every page you read is like taking a step down the road. The more you read, the farther we’ll go, and the closer we’ll get to finishing the quest. When you enter all your reading minutes, it’s like you’re laying stones on the path ahead of us.
And as we travel, we won’t be alone. Bit by bit, friends will come along to join the Fellowship—heroes like Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, Merry and Pippin, and more besides. Each one will be impressed by your reading and want to walk beside you.
Brave the Quests
Well now, every good adventure’s got its fair share of dangers—and ours is no different. Each quest you come to is a piece of the story. First, you’ll hear the tale of what’s before us—trolls, goblins, spiders, or worse. That way, you’ll know just what we’re up against.
Then it’s your turn to prove yourself. You’ll take on the challenge, and when you do, your hero will grow stronger. You’ll level up a trait—things like quick thinking, bravery, or wisdom—depending on how well you faced the task.
And don’t you worry, you won’t be alone in it. After each quest, I’ll send you a letter myself—just a few words to say how proud I am of what you’ve done, and to remind you of how far we’ve come. That way, every step feels like part of the tale we’re telling together.
Seek the Hidden Rings
Now here’s a secret worth knowing. It’s not just the One Ring we’re after. All across Middle-earth, other rings lie hidden—nineteen others, twenty in all. You’ll need to keep your eyes sharp if you mean to find them.
Nine belong to men, seven to the dwarves, and three to the elves. Each one is tucked away in the library, waiting for you to uncover it. When you find a ring, enter the secret code, and that ring will be yours.
Each ring you discover will be added to your Necklace of Power, a chain that grows stronger with every victory. But don’t stop at just a few. If you can find all nineteen rings, your necklace will be complete—and then the final prize awaits. The One Ring itself shall be yours, the greatest and most dangerous treasure of all.
So keep watch, hero. The rings are out there, waiting for the one with sharp eyes and a brave heart to claim them.
The Halloween Spider Hunt
Mercy me, I’ve seen my fair share of spiders in Mirkwood, but this is something else! From October 27th through November 1st, ten giant dreadful spiders are said to be lurking right here in the library. Each one’s got a frightful name and a tricky riddle to spin.
Your task is to find them, brave as can be. Solve their riddle, and you’ll have your answer—a single word. But beware, to claim their prize you’ll need to enter both the spider’s name and the answer together as a secret code. (spidername+riddleanswer=secretcode)
Do this for all ten, and you’ll not only outwit the spiders but earn yourself ten shining gold pieces! That’s a treat worth braving a few cobwebs for, if you ask me.
So keep your lantern high and your wits sharper still. Those spiders may be hiding, but I know you’ll sniff them out.
Finish the Journey
Well, there’s no use starting a tale if you don’t mean to see it through. To finish our great adventure, there’s a few things you must do.
First, you’ll need to find the Ring. It’s hidden away in one of the quests, waiting for you. Keep your eyes sharp and read your mail—you’ll know it when you see it. (Secret Code Rings Don't Count)
Next, you’ll need to keep on with your reading. Every level you finish brings us closer to the end. Read all 5 levels, and your hero will be strong enough for the final road.
And last of all, you must face the very end of the tale. Complete the final quest, stand with us at the Black Gate, and then carry the Ring to the fire of Mount Doom. Only there can it be destroyed, and only then will Middle-earth be safe.
Do all this, and you’ll finish the story as a true hero—one whose courage and heart will be remembered long after the shadow has passed.
Write to Your Friends
Now here’s a bit of fun—when I send you a letter after a quest, you don’t have to just sit there and read it. You can write back! Tell me what you thought of the adventure, or share how you’re feeling about the road ahead. I’ll be sure to send you another note in return.
And it’s not just me, mind you. The other friends you meet—Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, Merry and Pippin, and more besides—they’d be glad to hear from you too. Each one will answer you in their own way, like true companions should.
So don’t be shy. This Fellowship isn’t just walking beside you—we’re here to talk with you, cheer you on, and keep you company all the way to the end.