Reading Merit Badge

1. Find your way around a library Requirement

Five parts, (a) to (e): a tour, the catalog, six books found, and the library card.

5 parts

• 1(a). Tour a library
• 1(b). Search a catalog by author, title and subject
• 1(c). Find six books of four different types in the catalog
• 1(d). Locate your six books on the shelves Usually comes after 1(c). Find six books of four different types in the catalog.
• 1(e). What a library card is, why it is needed and how to get one

2. Finding books to read Requirement

Two parts.

2 parts

• 2(a). A book you enjoyed, and the author's other books
• 2(b). Look at "best books" lists, and pick one to read

3. Read four different types of books, and respond to each Requirement

Such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction or biographies. For each book, do one of three things.

3 parts

• 3(a). Write a review of the book Optional May not apply
• 3(b). Watch a movie based on the book, and compare them Optional May not apply
• 3(c). Give a book talk Optional May not apply

4. Read a how-to book or magazine, and make a project from it Often forgotten Requirement

Nonfiction that teaches you how to do something. With your counselor's and parent or guardian's permission, complete a project from it and share the experience with your counselor. A merit badge pamphlet does not count.

The project needs your counselor's and your parent or guardian's permission before you start it. Reading a merit badge pamphlet does not count toward this requirement.

5. Read about the world around you from two sources Requirement

Books, magazines, newspapers, the internet (with your parent or guardian's permission), field manuals and the like. Discuss what you learned with your counselor.

6. At least four hours of service. Do ONE Often forgotten Requirement

With your counselor's and parent or guardian's permission. The badge states the choice of five activities. Discuss your participation with your counselor.

Get your counselor's and your parent or guardian's permission for the activity first, then give it at least four hours. The hospital, library or group you serve sets when you can come, so arrange it early. The requirement ends with discussing your participation with your counselor.

5 parts

• 6(a). Read to a sick, blind or homebound person Optional May not apply
• 6(b). Volunteer at your school library or a public library Optional May not apply
• 6(c). Read stories to younger children Optional May not apply
• 6(d). Organize a book swap Optional May not apply
• 6(e). Organize a book drive and donate the books Optional May not apply

7. Three careers that use reading, one researched Requirement

Training, education, certification requirements, experience and expenses; prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, and whether you might be interested.

Counselor signs it off Milestone

The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.

Usually comes after 1. Find your way around a library, 2. Finding books to read and 4 others.

Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.