Know your gnome, in Newport

On a recent episode of the NPR podcast, “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” host Peter Sagal posited that national pop-culture trends can be tracked by the most purchased cookie-cutter shape of the year. This year’s shape? Gnomes.

Newport Public Library is leaning into this trend with the "Get to Gnome Your Library Scavenger Hunt."

To help celebrate National Library Lovers’ Month, 22 gnomes have been placed around the library and will remain there until the end of February. Inscribed on each gnome are a number and letter. Find the corresponding number on the scavenger hunt sheet and write the letter next to it. Collect all of the clues to find the answer to the question. Those who complete the hunt will receive a free gnome.

This annual observance is a testament to the profound impact libraries have on individuals and communities.

Newport Public Library is located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to newportoregon.gov or call 541-265-2153.