Spatial Requirements: School or public library 
Activity Type: Movement/group
Grades:  3-12 (May be done with younger students if done as a home/family project)
Group Size: 2 or more
Time: 45-60 minutes

Introduction: Information is power, especially when plugging in. That is why the library is such a valuable power source.  This activity is designed to familiarize students with the resources available at their local library.  It will also demonstrate the importance of proactive research and finding out what assistance is available to them.

Materials:

• Copy of Library Scavenger Hunt for each student or group (These can be found at the link above.)
• 1 pen or pencil per student

Activity: 

While this activity may be done in a school library, a local public library would likely include more information and resources. If getting to the library as a class is not possible, you may want to assign this as a family project or homework. To prepare for this activity, go to your library and make a list of several unique and interesting things one can find there. You may want to enlist the help of your librarian.  The list online contains a number of suggestions. Give each student a copy of the scavenger hunt list and a pen or pencil.  Ask them to find the answers and write them on the sheet. You may want to allow them to work in small groups or pairs. 

Processing the Experience:

• How often do you visit the library? Why?
• Did you find anything in the library that you didn’t know they had? If so, what?
• Did you ever ask for help to find something? If so, from whom?
• What are the benefits of searching for information in a library instead of on the Internet? (i.e. getting help from a real person)
• What did you feel was hard to find? What was easy?
• How can you use the library to help you fill your free time with good activities?
• In what other ways can the library help you gain more opportunity, freedom, and self-respect?