The Ultimate Library Treasure Hunt

🗺️ Get Lost (in Books): The Ultimate Library Treasure Hunt

Darling Square Library. Image courtesy of City of Sydney.

Looking for an affordable family adventure that doesn’t involve theme park queues or stepping on LEGO at 6am? We’ve got you.

This August, the adventure begins not in a forest or a museum, but right on your local library floor. As part of Library & Information Week and Book Week, families are invited to embark on a literary treasure hunt across nine City of Sydney libraries — with real maps, real stamps, and real bookish bragging rights up for grabs.

📍 Here’s how it works:

Pop into a staffed library branch and register (it’s free).
Collect your official treasure map and channel your inner Indiana Jones.
Visit all nine libraries before 4pm, Sunday 31 August.
Get your map stamped at each stop – and maybe discover a new reading nook, LEGO club, or secret corner of the city you’ve never explored.
Return your completed map to go in the draw to win a selected Book Week book (aka the ultimate loot).

City of Sydney library app. Image courtesy of City of Sydney.

🔎 What makes this treasure hunt extra special?

It’s completely free, fun, and low-effort (for grown-ups).
It gives you a reason to visit libraries you might not even know existed.
You’ll uncover everything from storytime sessions and craft corners to coding kits and graphic novels.
And the best part? It’s the kind of family friendly quest that turns a regular weekend into something memorable.

Child in the library. Image courtesy of City of Sydney.

🧒 Who can join?

Kids up to 16 years (library members or part of a member’s family).
One map = one entry = one epic mission.
Registrations open from 10am, Friday 1 August until 4pm, Sunday 31 August.

So, whether you’re a proud library regular or haven’t set foot inside since borrowing Goosebumps in Year 4, this is your nudge to explore, connect, and rediscover the joy of your local library. No car chases, no snakes – just stories, stamps, and maybe a surprise or two along the way.

🧭 Start your journey: Find your nearest City of Sydney library here

📞 Need access support? Contact the Libraries and Learning team at 9265 9333 or library@cityofsydney.nsw.gov

Want more? Check out our review of the most child friendly libraries in Sydney.

About Author

Francesca Millena

Writer, foodie and ideas-sponge, Francesca grew up in the Inner West and loves writing about all things IW related from playgrounds and podcasts, restaurants and retail, bubble tea and basketball courts. Mum to an active child, she also knows a thing or two about keeping a little one entertained on a rainy day.

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