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!
Follow 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:
During the week of Feb. 2, look for a book by Bill Green. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Feb. 9.
CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
William Green's book can be found,
in this eastern city (or perhaps small town?).
Look next to a street that's also water,
then have an iced beverage (or something hotter)! 
| Snow is white and coffee is black,
you'll now need boots to bring this book back!
It's near a seat that comes out in the sun,
go Wild while hunting, it is so much fun! 
| Found at Wild Bean in Mahtomedi! |
During the week of Jan. 26, look for a book by Gretchen Anthony. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Feb. 2.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
This book by Gretchen Anthony
You'll find on ten (like our library)!
Step by step, go down the block,
Near a burger joint we know will rock. 
|
N/A | Found at HyVee (near Wahlburgers) in Oakdale! |
During the week of Jan. 19, look for a book by Marcie Rendon. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Jan. 26.
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
Near the Mississippi you should look,
To find a Marcie Rendon book.
To claim new treasures (or with old ones part),
Keep an eye out for a small, red heart. 
| N/A
| Found at Stone Soup Thrift Shop in St. Paul Park! |
During the week of Jan. 12, look for a book by Kao Kalia Yang. Then, join us for a virtual author talk on Jan. 19!
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
Yang's novel is yours to enjoy
You'll find it nearby the St. Croix.
Search for a village with no home
A hiding place of steel and stone.  |
N/A | Found at Lakeland Plaza Shopping Center in Lakeland! |
During the week of Jan. 5, look for a book by Allen Eskens. Then, join us for a virtual author talk with Eskens on Jan. 12!
| CLUE ONE: | CLUE TWO: | STATUS: |
The search for Esken's book should start
Where our previous hunt had to depart.
Near the lake and circular street
While there, stop in and have a treat.
 | Esken's book is yours to take If you can get to First and Lake Sweet and smooth, milk or dark; Ornaments the spot will mark. 
| Found at Daniela's Chocolates in Forest Lake! |