Reading Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Easy
Setting: Indoor
Best For: Scouts interested in books, learning, quiet activities
Hands-On Level: Low
Eagle Required: No

The Reading merit badge helps you explore books, libraries, and the many ways reading can be part of your life. You will learn how libraries organize information and how to find books and other resources. You will also look at different types of reading and discover new topics that interest you.

As you work on the badge, you will read several books and think about what you learned from them. You may explore fiction, nonfiction, biographies, or other kinds of writing. These activities can help you build stronger reading skills, learn new words, and understand different ideas and experiences.

You will also use reading to serve others. You might read to children, help with a book drive, or support people who need help accessing books. Through this work, you can share your love of reading and see how books can bring people together.

Download the Reading Merit Badge pamphlet requirements

Reading Merit Badge Pamphlet

Reading Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Printable checkoff sheet for all Scouts BSA merit badges

Answers and Helps for the Reading Merit Badge

Find specific helps for the Reading merit badge requirements listed on this page. Some of these resources will just give example answers. Others will provide background information to help you understand the questions.

• Requirement 1: Libraries
• Requirement 2: Favorite Books
• Requirement 3: Discussion
• Requirement 4: How To
• Requirement 5: The World Around Us
• Requirement 6: Service Activity
• Requirement 7: Careers

Requirement 1a: Tour a Library

What You Need To Do

Take a tour of a library. Discuss its layout, resources, and services with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Ask a librarian for a guided tour.
• Find the fiction and nonfiction sections.
• Locate the reference area.
• Check for computers and internet access.
• Look for study rooms or meeting spaces.
• Ask about programs for teens.
• Find the checkout and return areas.
• Write down useful services for your counselor discussion.

Resources

How Is a Library Organized (video)
Library of Congress Classification (video)

Leader Tips

• Arrange the tour with library staff before the visit.
• Give Scouts time to ask their own questions.
• Invite the librarian to describe services used by teens.
• Review the main library areas after the tour.

Requirement 1b: Search the Library Catalog

What You Need To Do

Use a card catalog or computerized catalog. Search for materials by author, title, and subject.

Helpful Tips

• An author search uses the writer’s name.
• A title search uses the name of a book or other item.
• A subject search uses a topic or keyword.
• Check the spelling before starting a search.
• Write down the call number for each item.
• Check whether the item is available or checked out.
• Use search filters to narrow a long list.
• Ask a librarian for help when a search gives poor results.

Resources

• How to Use a Card Catalog (video)

Leader Tips

• Demonstrate one search of each type.
• Let Scouts complete their own searches.
• Use real books from different library sections.
• Help only when a Scout gets stuck.

Requirement 1c: Find Six Books in the Catalog

What You Need To Do

Search the library catalog for six books from at least four different types of writing. Types may include poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and biography.

Helpful Tips

• Choose four types before starting the search.
• Fiction includes stories created by an author.
• Nonfiction gives facts about real subjects.
• Biography tells the story of a person’s life.
• Poetry uses words arranged for sound, rhythm, or meaning.
• Graphic novels may be fiction or nonfiction.
• Record each book’s title, author, and call number.
• Make sure the list includes six different books.

Resources

• Locating a Book in a Library (video)

Leader Tips

• Review common book types before the search.
• Let each Scout choose subjects of personal interest.
• Check the final list for four different types.
• Avoid selecting all six books for the Scout.

Requirement 1d: Locate Six Books

What You Need To Do

Use the catalog information to find the six selected books on the library shelves. Your counselor or a librarian may assist you.

Helpful Tips

• Bring the call numbers from your catalog search.
• Read the signs marking each library section.
• Call numbers show where items belong.
• Fiction may be arranged by the author’s last name.
• Nonfiction often uses the Dewey Decimal System.
• Some libraries use the Library of Congress system.
• Check nearby shelves when a book is not in its exact place.
• Ask a librarian whether a missing book is checked out or misplaced.

Leader Tips

• Let Scouts try to locate each book first.
• Give clues instead of leading them to the shelf.
• Ask Scouts to match call numbers with shelf labels.
• Include books from several parts of the library.

Requirement 1e: Library Cards

What You Need To Do

Describe what a library card is, why it is used, and how someone can get one.

Helpful Tips

• A library card gives a person borrowing privileges.
• The card connects borrowed items to the user’s account.
• Many libraries provide cards at no charge.
• Libraries often ask for identification and proof of address.
• A parent or guardian may need to sign for a minor.
• Cardholders must return items by their due dates.
• Fees may apply for lost or damaged materials.
• Some cards also give access to ebooks and online databases.

Resources

• How Do I…Get a Library Card (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask a librarian to review the local application process.
• Show a sample card without sharing private account details.
• Include digital services in the discussion.
• Remind Scouts to protect their card and account information.

Requirement 2a: Explore a Favorite Author

What You Need To Do

Choose a book you enjoyed. Find other books written by the same author.

Helpful Tips

• Write down the book’s full title and author.
• Search the author’s name in a library catalog.
• Check the author’s official website when one is available.
• Look inside the book for a list of other titles.
• Check whether the book belongs to a series.
• Record several other books by the author.
• Read short descriptions of the other books.
• Choose one title you may want to read later.

Leader Tips

• Let Scouts choose books they truly enjoyed.
• Provide access to a catalog or trusted website.
• Ask Scouts to share how the other books are related.
• Keep the focus on the Scout’s own search.

Requirement 2b: Use a Best Books List

What You Need To Do

Review one or more lists of recommended books. Choose at least one book you would like to read.

Helpful Tips

• Libraries often publish reading lists.
• Schools may provide lists by grade or age.
• Award lists include books selected by judges.
• Bestseller lists show books with high sales.
• Lists may focus on a year, topic, or type of book.
• Check the book’s description before choosing it.
• Make sure the subject and reading level fit your interests.
• Record the title, author, and name of the list.

Resources

• Best Selling Books Ever (video)
• 10 Most Read Books of All Time (video)

Leader Tips

• Provide several lists from trusted sources.
• Include many subjects and reading levels.
• Let Scouts make their own choices.
• Avoid treating one list as the only good source.

Requirement 3: Read Four Types of Books

What You Need To Do

Read four books from four different types of writing. For each book, write a review, compare it with its movie, or give a book talk.

Helpful Tips

• Choose four types, such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and biography.
• Confirm each choice with your counselor before starting.
• Keep notes while reading each book.
• Record major people, events, facts, or ideas.
• A review covers your opinion and recommendation.
• A movie comparison covers key similarities and differences.
• A book talk gives others a brief introduction to the book.
• Complete one approved activity for every book.
• The same activity may be used for more than one book unless your counselor directs otherwise.
• Keep a record of book titles and completion dates.

Resources

• Every Book Genre Explained (video)
• Literary Genres: Nonfiction (video)
• How to Get Into Poetry as a Beginner (video)

Leader Tips

• Approve suitable books before Scouts begin.
• Allow Scouts to choose among the three response options.
• Ask questions based on each Scout’s actual reading.
• Accept different opinions when Scouts support them with details.

Requirement 3a: Write a Book Review

What You Need To Do

Write a review for one of your selected books. Include what you liked or disliked and who might enjoy the book.

Helpful Tips

• Start with the title and author.
• Give a short summary without revealing every surprise.
• Include a part you liked.
• Include a part you disliked when applicable.
• Give reasons for your opinions.
• Describe the type of reader who may enjoy the book.
• State whether you recommend it.
• Check the review for clear sentences and correct book details.

Resources

• How to Write a Book Review (video)
• How to Write a Book Review (12 Steps) (video)

Leader Tips

• Ask for the Scout’s own response to the book.
• Do not require a set opinion.
• Help Scouts separate a summary from a review.
• Accept spoken or adaptive formats when approved.

Requirement 3b: Compare a Book and Movie

What You Need To Do

Watch a movie based on one of your selected books. Discuss the similarities, differences, and your preferred version with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Finish the book before watching the movie.
• Use a movie based on the same book.
• List characters found in both versions.
• Compare the settings and major events.
• Look for scenes changed or removed from the movie.
• Check whether the ending is the same.
• Decide which version gave clearer details.
• Give reasons for your preferred version.
• Get parent or guardian approval for the movie when needed.

Resources

• 7 Big Differences (video)

Leader Tips

• Confirm the movie is suitable for the Scout.
• Ask for specific examples from both versions.
• Allow either version to be the Scout’s favorite.
• Keep the discussion focused on the Scout’s comparison.

Requirement 3c: Give a Book Talk

What You Need To Do

Give a short talk about one of your selected books. Present it to your class, troop, or patrol.

Helpful Tips

• Begin with the title and author.
• Name the type of book.
• Give a short description of the main subject or story.
• Avoid revealing the ending.
• Share one interesting scene, fact, or idea.
• Describe who may enjoy the book.
• Practice before giving the talk.
• Speak clearly and face the group.
• Bring the book to show the audience when possible.

Resources

• How to Do a Book Talk (video)

Leader Tips

• Provide a clear time and place for the talk.
• Keep the setting supportive and low pressure.
• Allow note cards or visual aids.
• Give brief feedback after the presentation.

Requirement 4: Complete a Project From Reading

What You Need To Do

Read a nonfiction book or magazine with directions for making or doing something. With required permission, complete one project and share the results with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a source with clear step-by-step directions.
• Possible subjects include cooking, woodworking, coding, crafts, knots, or experiments.
• A merit badge pamphlet does not count for this requirement.
• Show the source to your counselor before starting.
• Get permission from your parent or guardian.
• Gather all supplies before beginning.
• Follow safety directions in the source.
• Ask an adult for help with tools, heat, chemicals, or electricity.
• Take photos or notes during the project.
• Share the result, problems, and changes with your counselor.

Resources

• How to Improve Reading Comprehension (video)

Leader Tips

• Review the project for safety and age fit.
• Confirm all needed permissions before work begins.
• Let the Scout follow the written directions.
• Discuss how reading helped with the finished project.

Requirement 5: Read About the World

What You Need To Do

Use two sources to read about a topic in the world around you. Discuss the information with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Sources may include books, magazines, newspapers, field manuals, or websites.
• Get parent or guardian permission before using the internet.
• Choose a topic with enough information in two sources.
• Possible topics include sports, nature, Scouting, religion, politics, or current events.
• Record the title and publisher of each source.
• Check the date of information about current events.
• Compare facts found in both sources.
• Watch for opinions presented as facts.
• Use trusted sources with named authors or organizations.
• Prepare several main points for the counselor discussion.

Resources

• Summarizing Main Ideas (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts check the quality of each source.
• Encourage the use of two different source types.
• Ask Scouts to separate facts from opinions.
• Keep discussions respectful when topics involve disagreement.

Requirement 6: Complete Four Hours of Reading Service

What You Need To Do

With required permission, choose one approved reading service activity. Give at least four hours of service and discuss the experience with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Get approval before beginning the service.
• Choose one activity from the listed options.
• You may read to someone who is sick, blind, or homebound.
• You may volunteer at a school or public library.
• You may read stories to younger children.
• You may organize a book swap.
• You may organize a book drive and donate the books.
• Arrange the activity with the organization in advance.
• Track the date and length of each service session.
• Four hours may be completed in one session or several sessions.
• Follow Youth Protection and facility rules.
• Prepare a short summary for your counselor.

Leader Tips

• Confirm the activity meets the written requirement.
• Help Scouts contact an approved organization.
• Follow Scouting America supervision and safety rules.
• Ask Scouts to describe their work and its effect on others.

Requirement 6a: Read to a Person in Care

What You Need To Do

Spend at least four hours reading to a sick, blind, or homebound person in a hospital or extended-care facility. Get permission before arranging the visits.

Helpful Tips

• Contact the facility before making plans.
• Ask staff about visitor and volunteer rules.
• Choose books suited to the listener’s interests.
• Use large-print or audio-supported materials when helpful.
• Read slowly and clearly.
• Pause when the listener wants to talk.
• Keep each visit at a comfortable length.
• Record the time spent reading.
• Protect the person’s privacy.
• Wash your hands and follow all health rules.

Resources

• Tips on Reading Out Loud (video)

Leader Tips

• Work with facility staff to arrange safe visits.
• Confirm adult supervision requirements.
• Help the Scout select suitable reading material.
• Do not share names or photos without permission.

Requirement 6b: Volunteer at a Library

What You Need To Do

Give at least four hours of volunteer service at a school or public library. Complete tasks assigned by library staff.

Helpful Tips

• Ask the library whether it accepts Scout volunteers.
• Complete any required application or orientation.
• Possible jobs include shelving, sorting, cleaning, or preparing displays.
• Follow the library’s system for placing books.
• Ask before moving materials to a different area.
• Handle books and equipment with care.
• Arrive on time for each shift.
• Record the hours completed.
• Follow staff directions during the entire project.
• Thank the library staff after the service is complete.

Resources

• Teen Volunteer Opportunities (video)

Leader Tips

• Let library staff choose useful tasks.
• Confirm the work is volunteer service.
• Support the Scout without taking over the tasks.
• Ask library staff to verify the completed hours.

Requirement 6c: Read to Younger Children

What You Need To Do

Spend at least four hours reading stories to younger children. Reading may take place with one child or a group.

Helpful Tips

• Choose books suited to the children’s ages.
• Use books with clear pictures for younger listeners.
• Practice difficult names and words before reading.
• Read with a clear and steady voice.
• Hold the book where children can see the pictures.
• Pause for short questions.
• Keep the group focused with brief stories.
• Let children help choose some books.
• Record the time spent reading.
• Follow all supervision and Youth Protection rules.

Resources

• Top Tips for Reading to Children (video)

Leader Tips

• Arrange the activity through an approved group or program.
• Help the Scout select suitable books.
• Stay nearby without leading the reading session.
• Encourage several shorter sessions when appropriate.

Requirement 6d: Organize a Book Swap

What You Need To Do

Plan and run a book swap for your troop, school, or place of worship. Spend at least four hours preparing and carrying out the activity.

Helpful Tips

• Get permission from the group hosting the swap.
• Choose a date, time, and location.
• Set rules for acceptable book condition.
• Decide how many books each person may bring and take.
• Create signs or messages to promote the event.
• Sort books by age, subject, or type.
• Prepare tables or boxes for the books.
• Make a plan for leftover books.
• Include setup and cleanup in your service record.
• Track all time spent planning and running the swap.

Resources

• Host a Book Swap Party (video)

Leader Tips

• Review the Scout’s plan before promotion begins.
• Help secure a safe and suitable location.
• Let the Scout manage communication and organization.
• Guide the Scout through problems during the event.

Requirement 6e: Organize a Book Drive

What You Need To Do

Plan a drive to collect books for an organization in need. Donate the collected books and complete at least four hours of service.

Helpful Tips

• Contact the receiving organization before collecting books.
• Ask which books the organization needs.
• Ask which books it cannot accept.
• Set collection dates and drop-off locations.
• Make signs or online announcements for the drive.
• Use sturdy boxes for donated books.
• Check books for damage, mold, or missing pages.
• Sort the books as requested by the organization.
• Arrange transportation for the donation.
• Count the books before delivery.
• Track planning, sorting, and delivery time.

Resources

• Brag Book (video)

Leader Tips

• Confirm the receiving group before the drive starts.
• Help with transportation and safe lifting.
• Let the Scout lead promotion and collection.
• Ask the Scout to review the results after delivery.

Requirement 7: Explore a Reading Career

What You Need To Do

Identify three careers that use strong reading skills. Research one career and discuss the work, preparation, costs, pay, and job opportunities with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Choose three careers with regular reading duties.
• Select one career for deeper research.
• Find the required education or training.
• Check for licenses or certifications.
• Look for experience needed before entry-level work.
• Estimate the cost of education and training.
• Find current starting salary information.
• Check job growth and employment prospects.
• Look for paths to higher positions.
• List possible long-term career goals.
• Use reliable career and education sources.
• Decide whether the career fits your interests.
• Prepare notes for the counselor discussion.

Careers That Use Strong Reading Skills

• Editor
• Librarian
• Lawyer
• Teacher
• Writer
• Researcher
• Journalist
• Historian
• Archivist
• Technical writer
• Translator
• Copywriter
• Publisher
• Book reviewer
• Medical records specialist
• Paralegal
• Proofreader
• Communications specialist

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find current and reliable career sources.
• Encourage an interview with someone in the field when possible.
• Ask Scouts to compare career demands with personal interests.
• Do not require Scouts to choose a future career.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Reading Merit Badge fits well into the full merit badge program because it supports steady learning. Scouts explore books they enjoy while also building good study habits. This badge sits beside many others that focus on knowledge, such as Citizenship, Communication, and Journalism. It gives Scouts a calm way to practice thinking and understanding. With so many merit badges to choose from, the Reading Merit Badge offers a simple path for Scouts who like quiet work and personal discovery.

The Reading Merit Badge also connects with badges that teach service. Scouts help others read and learn. This supports badges like Public Speaking, Disabilities Awareness, and many STEM badges that need clear reading skills. It shows how reading supports all other learning.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Reading Merit Badge fits into the larger Scouts BSA program because strong reading skills help Scouts grow. Reading supports leadership by helping Scouts follow instructions and understand new ideas. It builds confidence as Scouts share what they read with a counselor. It also supports personal growth because reading invites reflection.

This badge also connects with fitness and citizenship. Good reading skills help Scouts learn safety rules, outdoor skills, and community guidelines. It helps them understand how to serve others in simple ways. The Reading Merit Badge becomes a tool that supports every part of the program, from troop meetings to outdoor adventures.

What is the Reading Merit Badge?

The Reading Merit Badge helps Scouts build strong reading habits. It encourages reading for fun and for learning. It also teaches ways to help others read.

Do I have to read a certain number of books?

Yes. You must read several books. You can choose books you enjoy. Your counselor will guide you on the types of books to pick.

Can I use audio books for the Reading Merit Badge?

Yes. Audio books are allowed. You should still follow the instructions from your counselor. Make sure the book fits the requirement.

Do graphic novels count?

Sometimes. Graphic novels may count if your counselor agrees. Ask before you start.

Do I need to write reports?

You need to share what you learned from each book. Some counselors may ask for short notes. Others may talk with you instead. Ask what your counselor prefers.

How do I help others read?

The Reading Merit Badge asks you to serve others. You can read to younger children. You can help at a library. You can even help a friend who is learning to read.

Can I choose any books I want?

You have freedom to choose. Pick books that match the requirement. Ask your counselor if you are not sure.

How long does the badge take?

It depends on how fast you read. It also depends on your service work. Many Scouts finish in a few weeks. Some take longer.

Do I need to buy books?

No. You can use your school library or public library. Many books are free online through library apps.

Is the Reading Merit Badge hard?

Most Scouts find it enjoyable. You read books you like. You also help others. Many Scouts say it is a fun merit badge.

The Reading Merit Badge helps Scouts build a steady reading habit. It invites Scouts to explore different types of books and to notice how stories and facts can shape the way we see the world. The work is simple. You read. You think. You share what you learned with your counselor.

The Reading Merit Badge also guides Scouts to help others enjoy reading. This can happen with younger children, friends at school, or people in the community. Small acts, like reading aloud or helping someone find a book, can make a real difference.

The badge also teaches Scouts how to use a library. A library card opens the door to many choices. Scouts discover new authors and topics. They learn how to search for books and how to use helpful tools from the librarian.

Many Scouts say the Reading Merit Badge is relaxing. You work at your own pace. You spend time with stories that interest you. You also learn simple ways to support others on their reading journey.