At our library, we’re always looking for engaging ways to connect young readers with our collections—especially during the summer. This year, our Youth Services team brought a classic game to life with a scavenger hunt passive program. This Scavenger Hunt: Level Up Your Reading event connects directly to our Summer Reading Program’s theme: Level Up!
Our goal is to create an experience that is both fun and accessible. We design it to include opportunities for exploration and discovery. Inspired by nostalgic charm, we created a self-paced, interactive passive program activity that encourages kids to navigate our library space and learn more about what we offer. The scavenger hunt is available throughout the entire month of June, giving families ample time to join the fun on their own schedule.
We offer two distinct levels to better serve a wide age range:
Level 1 (Preschool–Grade 2):
We invite our youngest patrons to search the Youth Services Department for whimsical game characters. This scavenger hunt, inspired by classic board games, engages them with colorful spot markers and encourages a spirit of curiosity. This level requires no reading—just a sense of adventure. As they explore, they’ll discover characters placed near collections like Playaways, VOX Books, and Binge Boxes. This setup gives them (and their caregivers) a chance to become more familiar with areas they might not usually visit. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to help newer or younger visitors feel more comfortable navigating the library—on their own or with an adult.
Level 2 (Grades 3–6):
Older children participate in a more advanced version of the scavenger hunt. They not only locate each character but also answer a challenge question at every stop. These questions help introduce them to different library collections like world languages, nonfiction, and graphic novels. The format encourages deeper engagement and supports informal learning throughout this Level Up Your Reading adventure.
What’s especially rewarding is seeing that it’s not just the kids who learn something new. Caregivers tell us they discover parts of the department they didn’t even realize were there. Whether it’s Playaways, Binge Boxes, or world languages, the scavenger hunt helps families explore more of what the library has to offer. Kids and caregivers alike turn it into a shared experience filled with curiosity and conversation.
With the cooler and rainy weather we’ve been having lately, the scavenger hunt is a perfect indoor activity for families. Kids who complete the hunt earn a small prize (a Super Mario sticker). However, the real reward is watching families engage with the library in fun, meaningful ways. This game-inspired adventure adds just the right mix of play, movement, and discovery to our summer reading program. The Level Up Your Reading initiative is one we’ll definitely bring back again.
(All above photos courtesy of Jessica Tarnowski, ALSC member)
Today’s guest contributor is Jessica Tarnowski. Jessica is a Youth Services Librarian at the Bartlett Public Library District in Bartlett, Illinois. She has a passion for creating imaginative and inclusive programs that spark curiosity and a love of reading. Her interests include fairy tales, storytelling, and finding fun, meaningful ways to connect children with books and the magic of libraries.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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