The best clue in this hunt is the one you can’t print in advance: ask a librarian for a surprise recommendation. A child who walked in looking for dinosaurs might walk out clutching a book about a detective pigeon. Leave a little room for that.
What is Take Your Child to the Library Day?
Take Your Child to the Library Day falls on the first Saturday in February. It invites families to discover the books, activities, and people that make a library useful long after a single visit.
A librarian’s local idea traveled
Waterford, Connecticut, children’s librarian Nadine Lipman proposed the day in December 2011 after hearing about a similar bookstore event. The first celebration was February 4, 2012. Librarian Caitlin Augusta and illustrator Nancy Elizabeth Wallace helped the idea spread, welcoming families into their local libraries. Connecticut Library Association’s firsthand history.
A simple way to enjoy the day
Check your branch’s plans and ask a librarian for one unexpected recommendation. Give children time to browse as well as complete the hunt below. Finding a book they want to open again is a very good result.
Holiday dates for planning
| Observance | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Take Your Child to the Library Day | Saturday, February 7, 2026 | Saturday, February 6, 2027 | Saturday, February 5, 2028 | Saturday, February 3, 2029 | Saturday, February 2, 2030 |
Take Your Child to the Library Day date reference
Before you head out
The national celebration falls on the first Saturday in February, although individual libraries can choose another day. Check your branch hours and events. Bring your card, a pencil, and one hunt sheet per reader. At the door, pick a meeting place and agree to walk together.
Choose the right hunt
Little readers can use the picture checklist while a grown-up reads the clues. Older readers get four trickier missions. Work quietly in pairs, look at covers before pulling books out, and follow your branch’s instructions about returning books to shelves or carts. No timers here; finding a book you want to sit down with counts as success.
Take one discovery home
Let each child choose a book to investigate and fill out the reading passport. If the librarian is helping someone, browse until they’re free. A good question to try is “I like funny animals. What would surprise me?” Save the passport for the next visit and see whether the prediction came true.
Get the free printable set
Library Discovery Hunt and Reading Passport includes three US Letter pages. Take just the hunt that suits your child, plus a passport for the trip home.