ANAHEIM, CA (December 3, 2007) - When Maxwell Elementary School fourth-grader Erica Bradshaw walked through the entrance of Anaheim’s Haskett Library, she was surprised to learn that the flooring was made out of recycled tires. “I didn’t know at first this library was a Green Building, but now I can appreciate why building green is so important to our city,” she said.

At Haskett Library, students and families have an opportunity to learn more about Sustainable (or Green) Buildings by participating in a new educational program called “Bug Hunt.” The program is designed as a “scavenger hunt” type game to teach students more about protecting the environment, and how by doing simple things like recycling and planting trees can make a huge difference for the earth.

In partnership with Anaheim Public Utilities, Haskett Library represents the City of Anaheim’s first effort to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. As part of an Innovative Design option for education and outreach, Anaheim Public Utilities designed the Bug Hunt to instruct students that green buildings do not harm the community or the environment. Instead, they are designed to take advantage of natural shading to help stay cool and lower energy costs, and to use recycled materials in chairs, tables and carpet.

Students participating in the Bug Hunt will receive a map that has icons indicating locations in the library where “sustainable” or “green” measures can be identified. When they find the matching icons, there is a corresponding letter for them to write on their map. Once they write down all the letters and solve the puzzle, they receive a prize.

“Bug Hunt is a great opportunity to teach the kids about the benefits of building green,” said Janice Roosevelt, business and community programs manager for Anaheim Public Utilities. “It’s a fun and educational activity that not only involves the students, but their parents as well.”

After completing the Bug Hunt, Erica Bradshaw said, “I learned that Haskett Library is a Sustainable Building that helps the environment and community by recycling. Plus, the library is lots of fun!”

Since Haskett Library receives over 250,000 visitors a year, the library has limited the Bug Hunt to 40,000 participants a year over a two-year period. The program is available to only those scheduled groups visiting the library. For more information or to book the Bug Hunt experience for your school or organization, please contact Marianne Hugo at 765-5063.

Marcia Garten, vice chairperson for Anaheim’s Public Utilities Board, helps Maxwell Elementary School fourth-grade students find clues during the “Bug Hunt” at Haskett Library. From left are Claudia Contrereas and Christine Baltazar.


Marcia Garten, vice chairperson for Anaheim’s Public Utilities Board, gives some pointers to Maxwell Elementary School fourth-grade students during the “Bug Hunt” at Haskett Library. From left are David Castellanos and Devonte Marks.


Marcia Garten, vice chairperson for Anaheim’s Public Utilities Board, assists Maxwell Elementary School fourth-grade students as they participate in the “Bug Hunt” at Haskett Library. From left are Mario Quinonez and Louis Castro.