Geocachers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the recently launched geocaching project at Deschutes Public Libraries. “You don’t have to be an experienced geocacher to participate,” says Nate Pedersen, community librarian at the Downtown Bend Library. In fact, Pedersen says “The library geocaches are all relatively easy to find.”

“We’ve brought the idea of geocaching, a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game, into the library,” says Pedersen. The caches hidden within the libraries are “mulit-stage puzzle caches,” which means you have to visit one library branch to solve a puzzle to find the GPS coordinates for another branch where the cache is actually hidden. “From the Library’s web site grab a set of GPS coordinates that will get you to the front door of one of our libraries. From there solve a simple puzzle to discover a new set of GPS coordinates that will guide you to the second (and final) stop on your hunt where you will find the prize,” explains Pedersen. Because the caches are hidden inside libraries, hunting for them is restricted to regular business hours only. “This is a fun way for the entire family to learn about geocaching while touring all six of our branches,” he says.

There are currently two DPL Series Geocaches, Sit Ubu Sit and The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw, that are live and in play. The third, The History of Love, will be live next week. Visit the library website for more information.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at (541) 312-1032.