May Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt for Kids
In August of 2022, during a road construction project, a crew discovered mastodon bones buried in a ditch allocated to become a culvert along 22 Mile Road near Kent City. Why bring this up? In April, downtown Hart began a project on Main Street, and while nothing of archaeological value has yet been discovered, the Hart Area Public Library has been inspired by the story to offer a month long event for young explorers seeking to unearth a little fun this spring.
Beginning May 1st, Hart Area Public Library will host a month-long dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt to kick-off our summer reading program. Ten downtown Hart businesses, and one Pentwater business will be hosting and hiding a dinosaur figure within their walls, and young explorers are invited to visit each location and find these secretive sauropods. Children can pick up a field guide at the library, visit locations, and when each prehistoric prowler is discovered, receive a matching trading card from that business. Once all 11 cards are found (and optional bonus card), explorers can return to the library with completed field guides and pick up a prize along with information about our summer reading program. This initiative will both get our community excited about summer reading and allow our library to say thank you to some of the many businesses that support us and donate to our programs. Especially during construction, when often businesses yearn for more customers, HAPL is proud to partner with our downtown area and send our patrons through their doors.
This summer’s theme is “Unearth a Story” and will focus on all things underground. Whether dinosaurs, fossils, archaeology, excavation, rocks, or just dirt, HAPL is excited to get our hands dirty this summer as we explore and learn together. Other notable summer activities include Michigan author Robert Carlos Fuentes speaking about his book “The Vacation” on June 15, our heavily anticipated Wacky Foam Party for kids on June 26, and the Outdoor Discovery Center presentation of amazing animals in their “Dinosaurs of Today” event on July 6. Our full summer calendar will be out soon, and in the meantime, be on the lookout for those prowling paleo-giants. They could be making your coffee, or serving you dinner!
For information about the scavenger hunt, or summer reading program, please visit us at 415 South State Street in Hart or check out our website at hartpubliclibrary.org.