There’s a book that’s hidden at libraries across the region, and all are invited to find it.

A scavenger hunt for the 2026 Pennsylvania One Book, “The Great Cookie Kerfuffle,” is underway through May 22.

“It all comes about to celebrate National Library Week and to promote the PA One Book,” said Claudia Gross, director of the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, one of the 17 participating libraries in the Pottsville District.

To be part of the hunt, kids visit a library to pick up a brochure that lists participating sites. The start their search, and when they locate the book, they record its location. They can visit all libraries — or as many as possible — and return their answers to become part of the prize drawing.

“We have seen a few families come through,” said Melissa Hess, coordinator of the Tamaqua Public Library. “Some of them are not local to the Tamaqua Library — and they say they are going to other libraries, too.”

At the Tamaqua Library, they just might find “The Great Cookie Kerfuffle” near a giant handcrafted “cookie,” while at the Orwigsburg Library, they can follow a special trail to the book.

“We can give them clues,” Hess said.

The Orwigsburg Library built on the hunt by adding additional activities.

“The Orwigsburg Library has ‘smart cookies,’ ” Gross said, referring to clever patrons, “so we added the fun of voting for your favorite cookie — coloring a cookie and adding it to the library’s ‘Cookie Scavenger Hunt’ display.”

After the hunt is over, Gross said the library will use the cookie votes for a Math Matters program with youngsters.

Hess sees the scavenger hunt, which is organized by the Pottsville Free Public Library, as a way for folks to visit their hometown library — and others — where they cannot only borrow books for free but can participate in many fun activities.

Tamaqua has story times for children, games and crafting events, and is planning for its June 5 Kids Carnival. Hess said children will receive free hot dogs, cotton candy and drinks at the 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outdoor event, and can play games, win prizes, have their hair wrapped and more. A host of organizations will participate and offer information on social and other services available. She added that a “Happy Birthday, America” event will be held June 29, and kids are invited to hear patriotic readings and songs, and create patriotic “slime” and other projects. It’s a way to kick off the library’s summer programming, Hess said.

There’s no shortage of programming at Orwisgsburg, either.

“Top Gun Trivia, Book Club events, Chess Club, story times, chair yoga, senior events,” Gross rattled off, “The list goes on.”

“The Great Cookie Kerfuffle” is also hidden at the following Pottsville district libraries: Ashland, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Minersville, Mount Carmel, Port Carbon, Pottsville, Ralpho Township, Ringtown, Schuylkill Haven, Shamokin and Coal Township, Shenandoah Area, Tower-Porter, Tremont and Tri-Valley.

Scavenger hunt answers are due by May 22 to be entered for a chance at prizes. Two winners who visit at least five libraries will receive a Dunkin gift card; two winners who visit at least 10 libraries will receive an Amazon gift card; and one winner drawn for visiting all 17 libraries will receive tickets to Knoebel’s Amusement Resort in Elysburg. The drawing is May 28.

“The Great Cookie Kerfuffle” was chosen as the 2026 Pennsylvania One Book, a statewide initiative encouraging families, libraries, early learning programs and community partners to come together around a shared reading experience.

The picture book is filled with humor and expressive illustrations that explore what happens when different ideas collide. Through a playful story about competing interests and finding common ground, the book highlights the value of cooperation, problem-solving and community, offering families a fun and meaningful story to enjoy and talk about together, according to a synopsis.