Join in the fun and visit local libraries to complete a scavenger hunt and get your library crawl passport. (Provided photo)

For years, there have been various incarnations of library crawls and scavenger hunts, with libraries joining forces to create ways for people to explore beyond book pages and see the extensive services they provide.

In 2019, Champlain Memorial Library produced a June version of a multi-library passport with 27 participating libraries. After a brief hiatus, the event returned in October 2023, expanding to include 30 regional libraries for this annual fall activity.

From Oct. 1-31, anyone can go pick up or download an official Library Crawl passport and/or Scavenger Hunt sheet. If you can print your own passport, here is the link: cefls.org/library-crawl.

Each library has a stamp to ink each passport as proof of the visit. The goal is to visit all 30 area libraries, but only five stamps are needed to enter to win a supply of books. The scavenger hunt consists of 30 questions; one question is specific to each participating library. For 10 correct scavenger hunt answers, the participant receives three extra raffle ticket entries. Twenty correct answers equals six bonus raffle entries, and each completed sheet (30 answers) receives 10 more raffle entries.

Essex County libraries that are hosting the library crawl are AuSable Forks Free Library, Hammond Library, Elizabethtown Library Association, Belden Noble Memorial Library, Keene Public Library, Keene Valley Library Association, Lake Placid Public Library, Sherman Free Library, Schroon Lake Public Library, Black Watch Memorial Library, Wells Memorial Library in Upper Jay, Wadhams Free Library, Westport Library Association, Paine Memorial Library and the E. M. Cooper Memorial Public Library in Wilmington. In Clinton County, participating libraries include Champlain Memorial Library, Chazy Public Library, Dannemora Free Library, Sarah A. Munsil Free Library, Mooers Free Library, Peru Free Library, Plattsburgh Public Library, Dodge Memorial Library, and Dodge Library. In Franklin County, participating libraries are Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center, Chateaugay Memorial Library, Wead Library, Saranac Lake Free Library and Goff-Nelson Memorial Library in Tupper Lake.

There are so many ways to enjoy local libraries, from on-site computer/printer access to story times and art exhibits. Books aren’t the only things to borrow. A library card grants access to magazine subscriptions, audiobooks, lectures and free digital services like Hoopla. Hoopla works with your library card, offering eBooks, movies, online courses and more. Completing the library crawl is a wonderful way to see everything your local library has available.

The Champlain Memorial Library is once again organizing A Cozy Fall Library Crawl on behalf of the Clinton/Essex/Franklin Library System. For more information, please visit one of the 30 libraries on the list. The deadline to turn in passports and scavenger hunt forms is November 3. Enjoy visiting your area libraries!