All three Public Library of Brookline branches will open their doors for a free, six-day scavenger hunt starting Monday, Aug. 3, as part of the Minuteman Library Crawl.

The crawl invites participants to visit libraries across the Minuteman Library Network's 41-member consortium, find hidden clues, photograph them, and collect passport stamps. No registration is required, and the event is open to all ages.

Brookline Village (361 Washington St.), Coolidge Corner (31 Pleasant St.), and Putterham (959 West Roxbury Pkwy.) are all participating. But stamps and prizes at Brookline locations are available only on the Featured Crawl Days: Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants who collect a stamp from just one Brookline branch earn credit toward the Grand Prize Drawing.

How to play

Pick up a passport at any participating library or print one from brooklinelibrary.org. Visit a library on its assigned crawl day, find the scavenger hunt clue, snap a photo, and show it to staff for a stamp. Collect stamps from every participating library to qualify for the grand prize.

Eric Maki, who authored the library's July 29 announcement, said the event welcomes kids, families, and adults alike. A strategic guide listing all participating libraries by their featured day and an interactive map of locations are both available on the library's website.

The crawl spans well beyond Brookline. According to an Acton Memorial Library social media post, 124 libraries are participating across the region. The Minuteman Library Network itself is a consortium of 41 libraries with 60 locations serving Metrowest Massachusetts.

Library Director Jill Mercurio, who joined the Public Library of Brookline in January from the Newton Free Library, has made programming a priority since her arrival. In a June 26 mid-year review to the Board of Library Trustees, she wrote that she has been encouraging departments to build community partnerships and develop recurring program series.

What to know

  • When: Monday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 8. Brookline stamps available only Aug. 7–8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Where: Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, or Putterham branches
  • Cost: Free, no registration required
  • Ages: All ages welcome
  • Details: brooklinelibrary.org or 617-730-2370

Upcoming community events

  • Minuteman Library Crawl Featured Days in Brookline: Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Brookline Village, Coolidge Corner, and Putterham branches. Free, all ages.