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Requirements September 1991 until January 2004

1. Learn how to use the library (card file or computer), and with the assistance of your counselor or your librarian, select six books of four diverse types (such as poetry, drama/plays, fiction, nonfiction, and biographies). After you have read this material, discuss your reading with the counselor or librarian. Using your log as a reference, explain why you chose the material, whether you enjoyed it, and what it meant to you.

2. Read two books or material from any two sources (magazines, newspapers, field manuals, etc.) about the world around you (sports, environmental problems, politics, religion, etc.) and discuss your reading with your counselor.

3. From a catalog of your choice, fill out the application as if you intended to place an order, and discuss it with your counselor.

4. Choose ONE of the following activities and devote at least 4 hours of service to that activity:

(a) Read to a sick, blind (contact the American Foundation for the Blind at 1-800-232-5463), or homebound person, in a hospital or in an extended-care facility.
(b) Perform volunteer work at your school or public library.
(c) Read stories to younger children, in a group or individually.
(d) Assist in a literacy program (Project Literacy may be contacted at 1-800-228-8843 for information about the nearest library center) and discuss your participation with your counselor.

Requirements January 2004 until Current

1. Do EACH of the following:

(a) Learn how to search your library’s card catalog or computerized catalog by author, title, and subject.
(b) With the assistance of your merit badge counselor or a librarian, select six books of four different types (such as poetry, drama/plays, fiction, nonfiction, biographies, etc.). Ask your librarian or counselor about award-winning books that are recommended for readers your age and include at least one of those titles.
(c) Find the books in the library catalog. With your counselor’s or librarian’s assistance, locate the books on the shelves.
(d) Read each book. Keep a log of your reading that includes the title of the book, the pages of the chapters read, the date you completed them, and your thoughts about what you have read so far. Discuss your reading with your counselor. Using your log as a reference, explain why you chose each book and tell whether you enjoyed it and what it meant to you.

2. Read about the world around you from two sources – books, magazines, newspapers, the Internet (with your patent’s permission), field manuals, etc. Topics may include sports, environmental problem, politics, social issues, current events, nature, religion, etc. Discuss what you have learned with your counselor.

3. Do ONE of the following:

(a) From a catalog of your choice, fill out an order form for merchandise as if you intend to place and order. Share the completed from with your counselor and discus it.
(b) With your parent’s permission, locate at least five Web sites that are helpful for your Scouting or other activities. Write the Internet addresses of these sites in your log. Talk with your counselor or a librarian about safety rules for using the Internet.

4. With your counselor’s and your parent’s permission, choose ONE of the following activities and devote at least four hours of service to the activity. Discuss your participation with your counselor.

(a) Read to a sick, blind, or homebound person in a hospital or in an extend-care-facility.
(b) Perform volunteer work at your school library or a public library.
(c) Read stories to younger children, in a group or individually.