SRP Geocache Challenge with Palmer Public Library

Why Geocache? Elusive teens Lots of money spent on low-turnout programs SRP seemed to be the best-kept secret all summer long Something needed to change…

Geocaching is LOW MAINTENANCE! One person can do it! Minimal materials are needed Can easily reuse materials from year to year.

Geocaching is LOW COST! At PPL, there is little money spent on Geocache program. Weekly prizes (packs of gum, fruit snacks, etc) Grand prize drawing ($50 something) Supplies (plastic boxes and duct tape)

Geocaching is ALL AGES!! ANYONE can geocache! Started as teen program, but everyone wanted in. Kids will borrow a parent’s phone, if need be (to use GPS) Very family-friendly

Geocaching…the sky is the limit The work load doesn’t change whether 1 person or 100 people participate Program satisfies several statistical categories!!! Flexible throughout the summer…1 week with friends, next week alone, etc.

Geocaching highlights our library Patrons must register for program at the library. Geocache log (that we create and use to issue prizes) is only available to pick up from the library. All coordinate locations are within 1 mile of the library. Trivia questions or items to identify in the cache box are library-specific.

Geocaching gets people outside! Integrates library usage with outdoor activity. People often discover areas of the community they weren’t aware of. Rainy, windy, or cold outside? So what?!? Because we release coordinates weekly, one can always try again tomorrow

Geocaching is relaxing Program runs on a weekly basis. Families can keep other commitments and still participate. Can spend all day or all week searching…it’s okay! To qualify for prizes, we keep the requirements simple. Try your best for the majority of the time.

How does PPL Geocache? Select public locations. Find locations with online map tool (like Google maps) to get coordinates. Print off a map of all your locations and mark the EXACT location. Bring a GPS (or smart phone) to the location and double-check coordinates. Record final information as well as a hint or two about finding the box. FYI, the landscape looks much different at the beginning of the summer as it does at the end of the summer. Keep in mind that everything will GROW!!

Geocache boxes We run two Geocache programs—novice and advanced. Each box is hidden in different locations. The novice box is covered in fluorescent tape and is not well-hidden. The advanced box is covered in camouflage tape and is very well-hidden. Tape a note inside the box with instructions (keep item in box, return box to hiding place, etc.)

Novice and Advanced:

Geocache Mondays On Monday morning each week of SRP: the cache boxes are retrieved from wherever they were and put in their new locations. Updated coordinates are released both online and in the library Inform SRP volunteers of the locations and answers

Geocache Log Sheet When patrons register to Geocache for SRP, they receive a geocache log. Log sheets are NOT available online. Why? We want people to come into the library. We track participation via Excel spread sheet. Log sheet is collected at the end of SRP to gain entrance into Geocache grand prize drawing.

Geocache obstacles Have a back up set of everything. You’re WRONG! Inevitably someone will remove the item from inside the box or take the box. You’re WRONG! We’re working with the public and specific coordinates, so…

Geocaching pleasant surprises All-ages Tourists Word spreads Excellent advertising!! Trivia questions (placed in the geocache boxes) are a brilliant way to drive traffic toward little-known library services. For example… Partnerships. We intentionally pick locations that are of interest New pump track, DMV, etc.

More surprises Experts wanted to share their expertise. Community members were calling ME to offer classes for FREE to our patrons on orienteering and geocaching. Impromptu library picnics Participants still wanted to read!

Geocaching enhances reading The reading aspect of SRP didn’t diminish with the introduction of geocaching. Our patrons aren’t asked to choose between Geocaching and reading in order to participate in SRP. They’re encouraged and welcome to do both. Patrons will often request reading materials that correlate with the challenge.

Palmer Public Library Katie Schweisthal kschweisthal@palmerak.org Pplak.org