15 Exciting Library Scavenger Hunt Ideas To Do With This Printable

Excited to set off on a thrilling library scavenger hunt adventure?

We’re here to elevate your scavenger hunt experience with our A to Z Library Scavenger Hunt printable, perfect for school, community library visits, or even adventures at home.

An image introducing and highlighting our A to Z library scavenger hunt printable.

Library scavenger hunts offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the enchanting world of reading materials, blending learning and fun seamlessly. Whether you’re elementary-aged kids are exploring with friends, classmates, or family, it’s an activity that promises excitement and all sorts of discovery.

Before we explore the endless possibilities of our alphabet library scavenger hunt printable, let’s ensure we’re all clear on what a scavenger hunt entails.

Scavenger Hunts Explained

Scavenger hunts are interactive games where participants are given a list of items or tasks to find or complete within a defined area or timeframe.

An image of a 10-year old girl with a backpack on holding a notebook. She's doing a scavenger hunt.

These searches can take place in various forms, from an indoor scavenger hunt at home libraries to outdoor locations like a neighbourhood scavenger hunt.

Participants work individually or in teams to solve clues, answer questions, or complete challenges related to the theme of the hunt. Ultimately, the goal is to locate all the items or complete all tasks before time runs out. Fun!

Library Scavenger Hunt

A library scavenger hunt invites students to explore the different sections and resources within a library.

Guided by clues, questions, or specific objectives, students navigate the library’s shelves in search of reading material, information, and hidden treasures.

Through this activity, children develop research and critical thinking skills while also learning about the library’s layout and diverse offerings. It’s true learning in disguise, fostering a sense of curiosity and independence as they navigate through the shelves.

A to Z Library Scavenger Hunt

An A to Z library scavenger hunt encourages participants to find and write down titles of different reading materials, author names, or even publication locations for each letter of the alphabet.

Kids can really get into some fun topics with an A to Z scavenger hunt. This activity helps children refine observation and problem-solving skills, fostering confidence and independence.

An image of what our A to Z library scavenger hunt worksheet looks like. There is an animation that fills in some of the letters with different reading materials.

15 Engaging Library Scavenger Hunt Ideas to Do With Our A to Z Printable

Encourage your elementary students to explore different types of reading material with our A to Z Library Scavenger Hunt printable.

An image of our A to Z library scavenger hunt worksheet with some of the letters filled in with different reading materials.

An image showing the instructions that come with our A to Z library scavenger hunt printable.

These fun activities will spark curiosity and cultivate a love for books among children in the second plane of development.

1. Reading Material Around the House Hunt

Encourage children to explore their immediate surroundings within their home in search of a variety of things that can be read. That’s right! Instead of heading to the library, kids can complete this A to Z scavenger hunt at home, finding items to check off their list in unexpected places.

Cute black boy in stylish outfit reading magazine as part of his A to Z scavenger hunt at home.

Participants are tasked with scouring every nook and cranny of their house to find titles of books, magazines, newspapers, flyers, games, and any other reading material for each letter of the alphabet.

From bookshelves and coffee tables to desk drawers and kitchen counters, this hunt takes children on a journey through their home to uncover hidden literary treasures.

This activity not only promotes literacy and reading comprehension but also fosters a sense of curiosity and exploration. It encourages children to see their home environment in a new light and discover the diverse range of reading materials that surround them.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Have children select any item from their A to Z list to specialize in. This could involve reading a book, playing a game, trying out a recipe, or even reading a newspaper article. Using this hands-on approach, kids gain a deeper understanding of the subject and are inspired to learn about various topics they discover during the scavenger hunt.

A Young Girl in Black Shirt Holding a Magazine which she is reading to learn more.

2. Book Title Library Scavenger Hunt

Extend your library scavenger hunt beyond the home by organizing an A to Z scavenger hunt at the public or school library. With our printable, children can explore the library in search of book titles for each letter of the alphabet.

Participants will navigate the shelves, from fiction to non-fiction sections, in pursuit of titles from A to Z. They’ll embark on an adventure through different genres, exploring mysteries, adventures, fantasies, and more.

This activity fosters a love for reading while promoting independence and confidence in navigating public spaces.

Books on a Brown Wooden Shelf at the library.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Have kids pick a book from the A to Z list and commit to reading it in its entirety. After finishing the book, have them prepare a summary to present to their family or classmates. This activity strengthens reading comprehension and public speaking skills.

3. Magazine Madness Search

Get ready for a fun hunt through magazines with this A to Z scavenger hunt idea! Kids can explore different magazines at the library, at home, or even while waiting at the doctor’s office or grocery store. It’s a great way to learn and have fun!

Equipped with our A to Z printable scavenger hunt, kids can search for magazine titles corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. From informative articles on science and nature in a National Geographic Kids magazine to captivating builds in the Lego Life magazine, there’s so much to discover.

Two curious, smart siblings in casual clothes sitting on wooden floor and reading interesting magazine.

Encourage children to explore various genres of magazines, including fashion, sports, science, and history. As they flip through, they’ll find fascinating articles, stunning photos, and thought-provoking illustrations that spark curiosity.

This activity helps kids improve their reading while learning about different topics. It’s a fun way to introduce them to the wide range of information found in magazines.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Invite children to create their own magazine. They’ll select a topic they’re passionate about, brainstorm article ideas, and plan the layout and design.

Encourage them to think about what they want to share and how to present it clearly. Looking at magazines with different styles can help them decide how they want to organize their own creation. This activity nurtures creativity and critical thinking skills as children express themselves through writing and design.

12 year old Boy in Brown Shirt Looking at a Magazine and brainstorming ideas for his own magazine design.

4. Genre Quest Library Scavenger Hunt

Take your library exploration to new heights with a genre quest! This activity adds an exciting twist to the traditional A to Z library scavenger hunt. It focuses on a single genre, whether it be mystery, fantasy, historical fiction, or biography.

With our A to Z Library Scavenger Hunt printable and a keen sense of curiosity, students will set off on a quest through the library’s shelves in search of books representing their chosen genre. From Nancy Drew’s thrilling mysteries to J.K. Rowling’s magical Harry Potter series, each book discovered unveils a new adventure filled with excitement and wonder.

A child Reading a Book and holding a wand. They are exploring different genres as they do a library scavenger hunt.

Engaging in a genre quest scavenger hunt at the library helps students develop a passion for reading. As they explore and engage with different genres, they expand their literary horizons with each new discovery.

Additional Learning Opportunity

In addition to finding genre specific book titles for each letter of the alphabet, encourage students to further explore each genre by reading the summary on the back of the book or flipping through a few pages. This immersive approach allows them to explore the unique characteristics and themes of each genre more thoroughly.

5. Book Store Scavenger Hunt Challenge

Transform your visit to the bookstore into a thrilling learning expedition, but remember to maintain quiet and respectful behaviour! This activity is perfect for families seeking indoor entertainment on rainy days or during school breaks.

An 8 year old boy standing at the bookshelf of a bookstore looking at a book in his hands.

Head over to the kids’ section of the bookstore with your kids and let them start their quest to find book titles tailored to their age range.

The book store challenge is more than just a fun outing; it’s an opportunity for children to engage with literature in a meaningful way. By exploring the kids’ section of the bookstore, they expand their literary horizons and find hidden gems they’d like to read.

Additional Learning Opportunity

As children peruse the shelves, challenge them to seek out age recommendations written on book covers or provided by bookstore staff. This not only gets them thinking critically about the books they select but also helps them develop an understanding of age-appropriate reading material.

A young girl between the stacks at the bookstore searching for books to complete her A to Z library scavenger hunt.

6. Search for Book Recommendations

There’s no better way to discover great books than by asking for recommendations from friends, family, teachers, and librarians! This library scavenger hunt idea is designed to ignite a passion for reading while uncovering new literary treasures.

With our A to Z printable library scavenger hunt printable in hand, children are challenged to gather book recommendations for every letter of the alphabet. While it may initially seem like a daunting task, with determination and curiosity, it’s entirely achievable!

A 9-year-old boy in a yellow t-shirt asking his teacher for book recommendations.

Encourage kids to approach people they know and trust for recommendations. Whether it’s friends with similar interests, family members with cherished childhood favourites, or teachers and librarians with valuable insights, each recommendation adds depth to their reading journey.

As children collect recommendations, have them jot down the book title and the person who recommended it in parentheses beside each entry. This not only helps them keep track of their progress but also adds a personal touch to their reading list.

Searching for book recommendations offers children an opportunity to connect with others, explore diverse literary tastes, and broaden their reading horizons.

A 10 year old girl sitting on her knees on the carpet beside a stack of book recommendations she got from doing a scavenger hunt.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Have students see how many of the recommended books they can read! Have them let the person who recommended the book know what they liked and didn’t about the book. This opens up a great opportunity for dialogue.

7. Picture Book Library Scavenger Hunt

Picture books aren’t just for younger children – they’re fantastic for older kids too! One creative way to introduce older elementary children to the magic of picture books is by setting off on a picture book scavenger hunt at the library.

Using our A to Z printable library scavenger hunt, children can explore the shelves and search for picture book titles corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. These captivating titles will draw them into imaginative worlds, encouraging kids to immerse themselves in the stories found within the pages.

An image of an elementary-aged boy in red glasses sitting reading the picture book Carl the Cantankerous Cat.

As children search the library for picture books, they’ll naturally enhance vital literacy skills such as reading comprehension and vocabulary expansion. Moreover, they’ll sharpen their critical thinking abilities as they assess various picture books and choose which ones to include in their A to Z checklist.

This activity is a great chance for older kids to rediscover the joy of picture books and explore the limitless possibilities they offer.

An image of a young girl dressed up as a pilot wearing cardboard plane wings. She is hosting a dress up party for the book she read called 'A Picture Book of Amelia Earhart'

Additional Learning Opportunity

Children can choose one picture book from the list to read and then get them to host a themed costume party based on the book. They can dress up as different characters, create props or decorations related to the story, and even act out scenes from the book. This activity not only celebrates their love for reading but also fosters creativity, imagination, and social interaction.

Explore our curated collection of picture books for elementary children:
25 Best Picture Books with Rich Vocabulary
31 Picture Books for 5th Graders with Expert Tips for Selection

8. Exploring Authors from A to Z

In this exciting quest, children will use our A to Z printable library scavenger hunt template to track down authors whose first or last name begins with each letter of the alphabet.

With their checklist, kids will search the library shelves for books written by authors with names that match the letters they’re seeking. Whether they opt to focus on first names or last names, consistency is key as they navigate through the vast array of literary works.

An image of the bookshelf in the children's section of the library.

Encourage children to explore various genres and writing styles as they search for books authored by a variety of writers. Whether it’s timeless classics or contemporary favourites, each author they discover helps them check off a letter on their list.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Challenge participants to not only find authors for each letter of the alphabet but also to research one interesting fact about each author they discover. This could include details about their life, their writing style, notable works, or any unique facts. This activity enhances their research skills and also expands their knowledge of the literary world.

9. Character Quest

Get children exploring the library shelves in search of books featuring characters whose names start with each letter of the alphabet.

As they search through the library’s collection, kids will encounter a diverse cast of characters from adventurous protagonists to mischievous sidekicks. Each character plays an important role in the story they are in.

An image of an elementary-aged child holding a yellow book that is open. The child is smiling and wearing a yellow headband with ears.

Encourage children to keep track of the characters they find by writing down their names beside the corresponding letters on their scavenger hunt checklist. This helps them learn new names and imagine the exciting adventures of each character.

With this activity, kids will have fun exploring books and discovering new fictional friends.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Take the adventure to the next level by challenging hunters to choose 3 to 5 of the character names they discovered and write a story using those characters. Encourage them to think about the personalities, traits, and relationships of each character as they construct their tales. This creative exercise encourages children to flex their storytelling muscles as they weave together narratives featuring their newfound fictional friends.

An image of an 8 year old boy sitting at a table writing a story.

10. Word Explorer Challenge

Encourage students to expand their vocabulary by exploring various reading materials to find words they are unfamiliar with for each letter of the alphabet. This activity is versatile and can be done anywhere with any readable material. From food labels and recipes to magazines, newspapers, and books, the world of words is at their fingertips!

A stack of newspapers. Children can search through the newspaper for unfamiliar words to add to their library scavenger hunt checklist.

Students are asked to find new words they don’t know, which helps them learn more about language. Once they find these new words, they should look up their meanings and write their own definitions for each one.

This immersive activity not only enriches their vocabulary but also hones their comprehension skills as they navigate the complexities of language.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Encourage students to choose five of the words they’ve learned and incorporate them into sentences, reinforcing their comprehension and helping to cement their newly acquired knowledge. This hands-on practice ensures that their understanding of the words remains strong and lasting.

An image of the cover of Carl the Cantankerous Cat, an excellent picture book for 5th graders. It's also a great spring break activity for kids.

Unlock Vocabulary Adventures with Carl the Cantankerous Cat

Have your elementary students set off on an exciting journey of language discovery with our captivating picture book!

Carl the Cantankerous Cat is more than just a story – it’s an educational resource packed with over 70 advanced vocabulary words that are defined at the back of the book in a glossary. Perfect for elementary-aged learners, this book will expand their lexicon in a fun and engaging way.

Explore the world of words with Carl today!

11. Discovering Words from A to Z in the Dictionary

In this game, students will explore the dictionary in a fun and unique way to expand their vocabulary. This activity can be played anywhere you have access to a dictionary, whether it’s at the library, in the classroom, at home, or even on vacation.

Participants begin by closing their eyes, randomly opening the dictionary, and placing their finger on the page. Then, they’ll open their eyes to see where their finger landed and write down the word on their A to Z scavenger hunt checklist.

A picture of an elementary aged girl holding a dictionary up covering most of her face. You can see her glasses and nose.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! Students will also identify the word’s part of speech and provide a short definition, helping them understand how it’s used.

Additional Learning Opportunity

After gathering all 26 words from their dictionary adventure, students can deepen their understanding of language by categorizing the words according to their parts of speech. To support their learning, students can watch entertaining videos on parts of speech for an engaging review.

12. Encyclopedia Exploration

Encourage children to journey through the pages of the encyclopedia, where they’ll uncover a ton of information on topics spanning from A to Z. From ants to Medieval Times, and gnomes to zinc, the encyclopedia offers an abundance of fascinating subjects to explore.

A photo of an encyclopedia collection, perfect for a library scavenger hunt activity.

As children flip through each book letter, they can select one intriguing topic for each letter of the alphabet. Encourage them to jot down their chosen topics on their scavenger hunt page, immersing themselves in the exploration of diverse subjects.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Elevate the adventure by inviting students to choose one of the topics they’ve listed on their A to Z checklist and dive deeper with a research project. This hands-on activity not only reinforces their learning but also encourages independent inquiry and critical thinking skills.

A picture of an elementary-aged boy sitting at a table in the library writing a research paper from a topic he discovered while doing a scavenger hunt.

With the encyclopedia as their guide, children will discover the joy of discovery and the power of knowledge.

13. Engage in a Friendly A to Z Scavenger Hunt Competition

Looking to add some excitement to your A to Z library scavenger hunt? Why not turn it into a friendly competition! Gather multiple students and unleash their competitive spirit as they set off on a race to find reading material titles from A to Z.

Here are a couple of ways to set the stage for an epic library scavenger hunt showdown:

⏱️ Speed Challenge: Pit students against each other to see who can find the most reading material titles in the shortest amount of time. Set a timer and watch as they race through the stacks of books, magazines, and other reading materials in search of elusive words.

An image of a hand holding a stopwatch. Using a stopwatch is a great way to challenge kids in a library scavenger hunt.

⏳ Time Trial: Alternatively, challenge students to find as many reading material titles as they can within a predetermined time frame. Whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour, the clock is ticking as they scour their surroundings for titles to add to their checklist.

Encourage friendly banter, cheering, and applause to keep the energy high and the excitement palpable throughout the competition.

Additional Learning Opportunity

For an added twist, consider offering awards for the winners or incorporate fun incentives to motivate participants. From printed certificates of accomplishment to special privileges, rewards can add an extra layer of excitement to the competition and keep students engaged from start to finish.

An image of an 8 year old boy super excited about his library scavenger hunt competition.

14. Team Exploration

Encouraging teamwork can take your A to Z scavenger hunt to new heights of excitement and collaboration. While individual exploration is beneficial, engaging in team-based scavenger hunts offers unique advantages that foster camaraderie and shared learning experiences.

When students work together in teams, they have the opportunity to learn from each other’s perspectives and insights. By pooling their knowledge and skills, they can tackle challenges more effectively and uncover a wider range of words and concepts.

A Boy and Girl Sitting on the Floor in front of library book stacks While Holding Books. They are working together as a team to complete a library scavenger hunt.

Team-based scavenger hunts promote communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Students learn how to effectively communicate ideas, delegate tasks, and support each other in achieving common goals, fostering important social skills that are invaluable both inside and outside the classroom.

Additional Learning Opportunity

To add an extra element of excitement and teamwork to the scavenger hunt, consider implementing a team switch-up halfway through the activity. After a designated period of time, students can switch teams and continue the hunt with new teammates.

A boy and girl, both wearing read and black plaid button up shirts, working together to complete a team library scavenger hunt.

This not only encourages students to interact with a wider range of peers but also promotes adaptability and flexibility as they adjust to different group dynamics.

15. Graphic Novel Expedition

Have children immerse themselves into the vibrant illustrations and gripping narratives of graphic novels as they search for titles corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. From action-packed superhero tales to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, the diverse range of graphic novels offers something for every reader to enjoy.

Boy Reading a graphic novel he found while engaging in a library scavenger hunt.

Encourage students to explore different genres and styles of graphic novels as they head out on their scavenger hunt. Whether they prefer tales of fantasy and adventure or stories grounded in reality, the graphic novel section of the library is sure to captivate their imaginations.

This activity not only promotes literacy and reading comprehension but also fosters a love for visual storytelling and encourages students to explore new forms of literature.

Additional Learning Opportunity

Challenge students to unleash their creativity by brainstorming their own ideas for a graphic novel. Encourage them to think about unique characters, exciting plot lines, and captivating settings. Once they have their concept in mind, invite students to bring their ideas to life by creating a few pages of their graphic novel story.

Who knows, they might just discover a passion for graphic novel creation along the way!

A Young Girl and Boy Writing and Drawing their very own comic book outside at a Table

Discover Our Collection of Exciting Scavenger Hunts!

Uncover the excitement within our array of scavenger hunts, each crafted to spark curiosity and promote learning in unique ways. Whether your heading outdoors or keeping the search inside, our collection promises engaging adventures for elementary learners.

An image of our Neighborhood walk scavenger hunt product.

Neighborhood Walk Scavenger Hunt Printable Card Game

Transform walks into adventures with this Scavenger Hunt Card Game! Fun, educational, and endless exploration for kids.

An image of our Indoor & Outdoor Alphabet scavenger hunt product.

Alphabet Scavenger Hunt Game – Indoor and Outdoor

Explore alphabet adventures with this scavenger hunt activity! Educational and fun for indoor or outdoor play.

An image of our Parts of Speech scavenger hunt product.

Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt Printable Game

Add some excitement to your parts of speech lessons with this interactive printable activity! Ideal for elementary learners in classrooms or homeschooling.

An image of our Indoor Scavenger Hunt with Pictures product.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt Activity with Pictures

Enjoy an indoor adventure that combines fun and learning! Engage with 20 illustrated images, perfect for rainy days, at home, in the classroom, or on vacation.

An image of our Outdoor Scavenger Hunt with Pictures product.

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Activity with Pictures

Discover nature’s wonders with this Outdoor Scavenger Hunt! Created for ages 6-12, it’s an adventure in learning about the world around us.

An image of our A to Z scavenger hunt template.

Versatile A to Z Scavenger Hunt Template

Excite students with our A to Z reading scavenger hunt template! Ideal for enhancing reading curriculum or during school breaks to prevent brain drain.

An image of our 100 Places to Read product.

100 Places to Read Reading Challenge Checklist

Encourage young readers with our 100 Places to Read checklist! Kids will explore unique spots and track their progress. Ideal for elementary, homeschool, or classrooms.

Here’s your chance to captivate elementary students with a scavenger hunt! As we emphasize, games in the classroom offer countless learning benefits.

The Benefits of Library Scavenger Hunts for Children

Library scavenger hunts offer a multitude of benefits for elementary-aged children.

These interactive and engaging activities not only captivate young learners’ attention but also develop important skills in the process.

An elementary-aged girl and her younger sister are both dressed in jean overalls with a stripped long sleeve shirt. They are getting ready to do a library scavenger hunt.

Here are a few benefits of library scavenger hunts for young learners:

Boost Engagement and Excitement

Scavenger hunts inject an element of fun and excitement into the learning process. They capture children’s attention and motivation, transforming the library into a playground of discovery where every corner holds a surprise. It’s what we like to call learning in disguise!

Encourage Exploration and Discovery

A library scavenger hunt encourages students to explore different sections of the library, introducing them to diverse genres, authors, and subjects. They set off on an expedition of literary exploration, expanding their reading horizons and sparking their curiosity about new topics.

An image of an elementary-aged child looking through binoculars. They are looking for reading materials for their library scavenger hunt.

Develop Research and Information Literacy

Engaging in a library scavenger hunt helps students develop crucial research skills. They learn to effectively navigate library resources, find books, and understand call numbers for proper book organization. This promotes information literacy, which proves valuable not only in the classroom but also in various aspects of their learning journey.

Promotes Collaboration and Teamwork

Library scavenger hunts sometimes involve teamwork, fostering collaboration and cooperation among students. Working together, they share ideas, solve challenges, and support one another, developing vital social skills and promoting a sense of camaraderie.

Girl High Fives with Boys as they complete a task on their library scavenger hunt.

Improve Creativity and Critical Thinking

The library scavenger hunt encourages students to think creatively, observe carefully, and keep track of their findings, nurturing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They learn to analyze information, make connections, and think outside the box in pursuit of their quest’s objectives.

A library scavenger hunt is an extraordinary educational tool that ignites the joy of reading, inspires curiosity, and empowers elementary-aged students with vital skills.

Mother and Children in Library doing a library scavenger hunt

💡If you enjoy scavenger hunts, you’ll love our rebus puzzles!
Start with these articles:
Rebus Puzzles for Kids: A Comprehensive Riddle-Solving Guide
8 Easy Rebus Puzzles with Answers Plus a Free Printable
9 Unique Rebus Puzzles with Answers for Kids
A Great Set of Tricky Rebus Puzzles With Answers
And then check out these products!

The Wrap-Up: Exciting Library Scavenger Hunt Ideas

A library scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to transform a visit to the library – or your bookshelf at home – into an exciting adventure.

By engaging in these interactive activities, students not only learn about the different sections of the library but also develop valuable research skills, explore various genres, and cultivate a lifelong love for reading.

Whether it’s a classic book title library scavenger hunt, a search for book recommendations, or a picture book hunt, each activity adds a touch of fun and discovery to the library experience.

Gather your students and your library scavenger hunt activity pages, and set off on a quest to uncover the magic of reading material in the library!

Keep your kids busy learning with the activities in these blogs:
11 Ways to Use Our Roll A Story Dice Game
57 Epic Montessori-Aligned Spring Break Activities for Your Kids
13 Engaging Vocabulary Development Activities for Elementary Kids
Rebus Puzzles for Kids: A Comprehensive Riddle-Solving Guide
9 Unique Rebus Puzzles with Answers for Kids
31 Fun Summer Reading Activities Elementary Students Will Love
The Best Neighborhood Walk Scavenger Hunt & 13 Different Ways to Use It
8 Easy Rebus Puzzles with Answers
Score Big with These 9 Super Bowl Classroom Activities
27 Educational YouTube Channels to Prevent Summer Learning Loss