Library Scavenger Hunt

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Whether your child loves to read or is not a fan, everyone is a fan of a library scavenger hunt. This free 4-page printable game is a great way to introduce children to a new library in an exciting way.

I grew up in libraries and going to the library was always a treat. I made sure to pass that love onto my children.

Whether you want to use this library scavenger hunt with your own children or in a school setting, it’s easily adaptable.

As a military family that moves every 1-3 years, this scavenger hunt would be a fun way to learn your way around a new library.

This is also a valuable resource for a school librarian or teacher. The scavenger hunt would help welcome children to a new school year with a new library. In playing the scavenger hunt, the children would become familiar with the library layout and resources.

How do you do a library scavenger hunt?

• Find a printable library scavenger hunt game like the one below.
• Or create your own clues for a scavenger hunt using the free scavenger hunt templates.
• Provide each player with their own game sheet, a clipboard and a pencil.
• Determine how the players will record each item that they find.
  • Write the title and author of books or location of items on the back of their game sheet.
  • Take photos of the items.
  • Gather all items small enough to carry with them.

• Clearly designate the boundaries of the scavenger hunt play area.
• Determine how players will complete the game.
  • They must find all the items on their game sheet.
  • The must find all the items in a row or column on their sheet.
  • The must find as many items as possible in a set period of time.
• Check that all the items on the game sheets are available in your library. If they items are not available, you may want to have players look for all the items in a row or column on their game board rather than look for all items.
• Decide if players will win a prize.
  • Don’t underestimate the value of winning bragging rights or a privilege rather than giving out physical prizes.

If you enjoy playing scavenger hunts, you definitely want to check out these resources:

• Big Bundle of 20 Scavenger Hunts – my top most popular scavenger hunts gathered together in one product
• 25+ Free Scavenger Hunt Ideas – links to all the free scavenger hunts available here on Organized 31

Library Scavenger Hunt

You can print the game boards on your personal printer or take it your local office supply store to be professionally printed.

You can print the game sheets on regular computer paper. However, I recommend that you use heavier card stock paper so that it will hold up the excitement of a scavenger hunt.

You can laminate the pages if you plan on playing the library scavenger hunt again.

More Free Library and Reading Related Ideas

• Reading Log – These 7 different fun printable reading log pages so there’s something for everyone’s interest.
• Reading Challenge for the Holidays – Encourage reading over the holiday break for children of all ages this festive printable 3-page printable log.
• Dr. Seuss Scavenger Hunt – a 4 page game to use with the most popular books
• Dr. Seuss Word Search – 3 word search worksheets to use along with the most popular Dr. Seuss books
• Dr. Seuss I Spy – a 3 page game to use in conjunction with reading these popular books
• Dr. Seuss Quotes – 21 of the best quotes from beloved books
• Superhero Scavenger Hunt – a 4-page scavenger hunt to use in conjunction with reading comics and superhero books

• Superhero Memory Matching Game – 60 different game cards to build memory and focus while having fun
• Superhero Games and Activities – More than 50 superhero themed activities for kids and families
• Superhero Coloring Pages – 16 coloring pages, including female superheroes
• Library Cards in 6 Colors – use as bookmarks, as notecards or for craft projects
• Farm Animal Book Hugger – a fun craft to make with children to encourage reading
• Flower Book Hugger – and easy craft to make and give as gifts
• Toucan Book Hugger Bookmark – An easy to tutorial for a fun bookmark

Expert Tips for Printables

How do I access the free scavenger hunt?

Fill in the exclusive content form above. The first time, you’ll fill in the form above. When you submit the form, you will promptly receive access to the pdf file. Sign up is only required once to access all exclusive content in all posts.

How do I print the pdf file?

When the pdf opens, you should see both a print and a download icon in the upper right corner. If you don’t see them, you can right click on the pdf and choose from the options there.

I’m worried about wasting printer ink – what can I do?

Most printers offer you the option to print in greyscale which is in black and white.

You can also look for the option to print in draft or economy mode. This usually means that the sheet is printed out with less ink. It still looks great and is a good way to print in color but use less ink.

How can I use the printable (what restrictions are there on use)?

You can print these pdf files as many times as you’d like for your personal or classroom use. Please do not share the file with family, friends or coworkers. Please do share the link to this post so they can access their own copy of the printable. All printables are copyrighted.

Resources for Creating and Using Your Printables

Be sure to pin these free library scavenger hunt game boards so that you can always easily find them.

Find all our best kids’ activities, games, and printables in the table below. You can scroll though the table and look for ideas or search for specific ideas with the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner (on desktop). Click on the topic and then click through the specific article.