30 Onderdonk Avenue, Manhasset, NY  11030     

(516) 627-2300, extension  301

Welcome to the Manhasset Public Library Children’s Room dedicated to the novel, “The Secret Garden”, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett while she lived in Plandome Manor in Manhasset.

Go directly into the main library. Before the circulation desk turn left and get on the elevator.   (Do not attempt to get on the elevator in the foyer, as it will not work). The children’s room is located on the third floor.  When the elevator doors open, you will see the children’s room directly in front of you.  Make a right then left turn and walk under the sign “Secret Garden”.  You will now be in the children’s room.

Carefully follow the clues located in the garden murals on the third floor in and near the Children’s Room and you will locate the letterbox.   Write the answer next to each clue and you will have your answer.

Clue #1 – Go into the small toy room on the right as soon as you enter the children’s room. On the illustrated pillar, count the number of bugs only carrying blocks and subtract 2.    _________

Clue #2 – Next to the Children’s Reference Desk and next to the mural on the wall, count the number of computers. Do not count the computers on the reference desk.________

Clue # 3 - Follow the path leading to the storytime room but do not enter.  At the door turn right and walk towards the windows.  Straight ahead you will see a mural in a small alcove on four walls.  This is from “The Secret Garden”.  Go to the mural. 

Count the number of stones leading to the birdbath in the mural ______

Clue # 4 – Count the number of gazebos in the mural. ______

Clue # 5 – Count the total number of birds and nests in the mural. ______ DO NOT COUNT THE STONE BIRD!

Clue #6 – Walk back to the front door of the Children’s Room and go into the hall where there is a large mural called the Fabulous Family Giving Tree.  (Please look but don’t touch). Count the number of chipmunks.  _______

Clue #7- Walk back into the Children’s Room and look at the mural behind the reference desk.  How many children are there? _______

Write the answer for each clue in order. 

____ ____ ____. ____ ____ ____ ____

Now walk to the juvenile reference section at the left of the reference desk.  Look for the letterbox which will be on the shelf in Dewey Decimal order.

Carefully remove the box from the shelf and take it to a table.  There you may open it and find a stamp, ink pad, pencil, and notepad.  Stamp your notebook using our ink pad and make any comments in your notebook.  On a clean page, stamp our notebook with your stamp using your inkpad.  

Replace all items in our Ziploc bags and return to letterbox.  Then, return the letterbox to the exact location where you found it. 

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