Suffolk Public Libraries are partnering with small businesses for a citywide contest.

The Small Business Scavenger Hunt this May invites citizens to visit small businesses across Suffolk for the chance to win prizes. The activity is in recognition of National Small Business Week and celebrates Suffolk’s growing entrepreneurship.

“I wanted to do something to celebrate Suffolk small businesses,” said Ashley Reed, Suffolk Public Library adult program services coordinator and the scavenger hunt organizer.

Participants can visit any Suffolk Public Library location and pick up an entry card for downtown Suffolk businesses, North Suffolk businesses, or both. Each card has a list of businesses that each participant must visit to receive a mark for that business.

No purchases are necessary at the businesses, and staff will be ready for participants, Reed said.

“They give them their cards and ask them to mark their scavenger hunt,” she said.

When a card has been completed, the participant will submit it at any Suffolk Public Library location to enter a gift basket drawing. A participant may submit both a downtown and North Suffolk card.

There will be a gift basket for both cards.

“The gift basket for each came from donations of the small businesses,” Reed said.

The North Suffolk basket will have a Rodman’s Bar-B-Que dinner for four special, Fireflies on Bennett’s Creek tea towels and notecards, and a gift card and jewelry from Michelle’s Hybrid Fashion Boutique. The downtown Suffolk basket will have B&H Produce Jam, Harper’s Table pint glasses, and two pounds of Planters Peanuts.

Reed said she wants this activity to help raise awareness of these businesses. Some of them have recently opened, such as B&H Produce.

“We want to help foster these small businesses that are just starting out, and celebrate their successes,” she said.

All cards must be entered by May 31 with participants’ emails and phone numbers. Basket winners will be contacted within a few days.

“You’ll get to visit and see some places that might be new to you, then you’re entered to win a prize at no cost,” Reed said.

Call 757-514-7323 or visit www.suffolkpubliclibrary.com for more information.