I Spy Summer kicks off season of fun at Mahomet Public Library on May 23

The Mahomet Public Library will launch summer on May 23 with its annual “I Spy Summer at the Library” event.

The walk follows the bike trail between Barber Park and the library. Along the route, participants will search for four special picture book displays, each marked by a small red bucket. At every display, walkers earn a sticker as proof they’ve found it, and those who collect all four can redeem their stickers for a free book once they reach the library.

In addition to the featured displays, the trail is filled with 150 hidden items of varying sizes. This year’s lineup includes 50 robots, 50 socks, and 50 monkeys. Each participant receives a clipboard and scorecard to track their finds and collect their stickers along the way.

The approximately 1.5-mile walk wraps up at the library, where families can celebrate completing the challenge.

The library will operate two shuttle buses between Barber Park and the library grounds, running continuously throughout the event.

Once families arrive at the library, kids can enjoy a carnival featuring inflatables, face painting, bubbles, games, and more, all free of charge.

The library offers free hot dogs and chips during the lunch hour, served on a first-come, first-served basis. Ice Daddy’s shaved ice truck is also scheduled to be on-site, giving families the option to purchase cool treats after the walk or between games.

The event also doubles as a launchpad for the library’s Summer Reading program, with staff available to help children and adults sign up and learn how to track reading throughout the season. 

The event is free and open to the public.