To kick off the New Year, Washington County Library is hosting a virtual author series featuring Minnesota writers. Learn more about the authors and events on our calendar.
You'll also have a chance to find a free book from each of these Minnesota authors by participating in another Community Book Scavenger Hunt! The week before each author talk, we will be hiding a book from that writer somewhere in Washington County and posting clues here and on social media. If you find the book, you get to keep it!
How it works:
Each week, a book by our next Minnesota author will be hidden somewhere in Washington County. All books will be hidden outdoors. You will not need to enter any buildings or businesses to find them.
- On Tuesdays: We will share the first clue on social media and this page.
- On Thursdays: We will share a second clue if the book hasn't been found.
- If you find a book, let us know by tagging us on social media!
We'll add scavenger hunt information on this page, but be sure to follow us on social media to get clues and updates more quickly: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
The Clues:
Yelena Bailey
During the week of February 14, look for a book by Yelena Bailey. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Thursday, February 24 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
Do you relish a challenge? Think you're a big dill?
Let's hope this last search can give you a thrill!
We're not gherkin your chain, we've hid the book in a park,
Check out their new kitchens and you've hit the mark!  |
| Not Found. |
Wendy Webb
During the week of January 31, look for a book by Wendy Webb. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
Out you go with a swan in toe,
this local hotspot puts on a show!
Bright lights shine well in wintertime,
Get on the list, for together we dine.  |
| Found! The book was hidden outside the Lake Elmo Inn. |
Gloria Van Demmeltraadt
During the week of January 24, look for a book by Gloria Van Demmeltraadt. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Thursday, February 3 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
To find our next tale look near 694,
to a Center with trails that are great to explore.
Take the path to the right when you arrive to go hiking,
then look to the ground for a book to your liking!  |
| Found! The book was hidden along the trail near Oakdale Discovery Center. |
J. Ryan Stradal
During the week of January 17, look for a book by J Ryan Stradal. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Thursday, January 27 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
This week we wish you a happy new year,
and hope you enjoy this book with lots of non-fictional beer.
Our Lager Queen loves to raise her glass,
at a south county craft brew pub you don’t want to pass!  |
| Found! The book was hidden at 3rd Act Craft Brewery in Woodbury. |
Sun Yung Shin
During the week of January 10, look for a book by Sun Yung Shin. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Thursday, January 20 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
In a little town down by the St. Croix River,
Be on the lookout for red, white, and blue.
Daytime or nighttime, you’ll see lights everywhere,
The book you’re seeking will surely be there!  |
| Found! The book was hidden outside the Holiday Station in Lakeland. |
Diane Wilson
During the week of January 4, look for a book by Diane Wilson. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Thursday, January 13 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
In a town that's truly as good as it sounds,
Find a place where seeds abound.
Give a brake when you near the lake.
You’ll have good luck if your stop may have a duck!  |
| Found! The book was hidden at Houle's Feed Mill in Forest Lake. |