Children’s scavenger hunts return at library

The Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., has brought back the monthly children’s scavenger hunt for February.

The next one is called the Valentine Fun Hunt in recognition of Valentine’s Day.

Bridgette McBride, public service associate at the Amherst Public Library, said the monthly scavenger hunts are a recurring event in the children’s section and usually pertain to a relevant theme for a holiday in that month or the season.

At times, the theme can be centered around famous authors such as Dr. Seuss, McBride said.

“Basing it on the seasons and holidays are kind of good guide posts,” she said. “A lot of the kids who do it now come in and know it’s an every-month thing.”

For Valentine’s Day, six library staff members each chose a different character to give a Valentine to, and they are hidden throughout the section, McBride said.

A table at the front of the children’s section has scavenger checklists which can then be turned in for a prize.

“They get a prize for it, so there’s a little incentive as well,” McBride said. “They’re just little trinkets like bracelets or temporary tattoos.”

The “I Spy” display in the children’s section also has hidden items for children to find and usually matches the scavenger hunt theme, according to McBride.

“It’s the same with the ‘I Spy’; it changes every month so we try to make a cohesive theme between the two,” she said.

Month after month, McBride said she often sees the same children showing up for the hunt, even some who try to “double dip” in the fun of finding items.

“They’re always very popular; we always get a lot of kids coming in,” she said.

“Especially when it’s a group of siblings or friends, they’ll try to make it into a little competition, it’s cute.”

The scavenger hunts have not only provided fun for youngsters but have allowed them and others to see what the library has to offer, whether it be checking a book out or utilizing the library resources, McBride said.

Hunts are free for children, and new themes are introduced monthly.

LARISSA BERISWILL — THE MORNING JOURNAL The children’s section, located on the second floor of the Amherst Public Library, is home to the monthly scavenger hunts.

LARISSA BERISWILL — THE MORNING JOURNAL Information and checklists for scavenger hunts is located at the front of the children’s section on the second floor of the Amherst Public Library.