Discover, Read, and Learn Together 

Introduction: Turn your library visit into an exciting scavenger hunt! This activity makes reading fun and helps your family discover the library’s resources. Perfect for all ages, it boosts reading skills and curiosity. 

Directions 

What You Need: 

• Library cards for each family member 

• A scavenger hunt list (see below for ideas) 

Preparation: 

• Discuss the library visit and scavenger hunt with your kids. 

• Ensure everyone has their library card. 

• Create a scavenger hunt list with items to find in different sections: 

• • Children’s Section: Offers picture books, early readers, and fun activities. 

• • • Example Item: A picture book about animals. 

• • Young Adult Section: Perfect for teens with novels, graphic novels, and school resources. 

• • • Example Item: A book that won an award. 

• • Nonfiction Section: Find informative books on various topics. 

• • • Example Item: A book about a historical event. 

• • Fiction Section: Offers a wide range of novels. 

• • • Example Item: A novel with a fun cover. 

• • Reference Section: Provides resources for research and learning. 

• • • Example Item: An encyclopedia or dictionary. 

• • Periodicals Section: Stay updated on current events and trends with the latest issues. 

• • • Example Item: A magazine or newspaper. 

• • Multimedia Section: Includes entertainment and learning resources. 

• • • Example Item: An audiobook or DVD. 

• • Local History Section: Learn about local history and culture. 

• • • Example Item: A book about your town or city. 

At the Library: 

• Divide into teams or work together to find the items. 

• Explore each section to locate the items. 

• Check off each item and read a few pages together or discuss what you found. 

Reading Time: 

• Set aside time for family reading at the library or at home. 

• Discuss the books. Ask questions like, “What did you like about the book?” or “What was your favorite part?” 

Young Kids (Grades 2-5) 

• Simplified List: Use a shorter scavenger hunt list with easy-to-find items, such as a book with a blue cover or a story about an animal. 

• Interactive Activities: Have kids draw a picture of their favorite book cover they find. 

• Read-Aloud Time: Encourage kids to read a page aloud or listen to a story being read by a parent or librarian. 

Middle Kids (Grades 6-8) 

• Themed Challenges: Add a challenge, like finding books from different genres (mystery, fantasy, biography). 

• Book Review Activity: Ask them to write a short review of one book they found. 

• Library Exploration: Introduce them to research tools, like encyclopedias or digital archives, to find fun facts. 

Older Kids (Grades 9-12) 

• Critical Thinking Tasks: Include tasks like finding a book that connects to a historical event they’ve studied or a novel that has been adapted into a movie. 

• Library Resources Hunt: Have them explore databases, career books, or college prep materials. 

• Discussion Time: Encourage them to compare and contrast two books they found and discuss themes, writing styles, or historical context. 

This library scavenger hunt is a great way to foster a love of reading and create lasting family memories. Happy hunting!