Libraries Are Getting in the Game

Editor’s note: John Gaudiosi covers the video game industry for Local Tech Wire and writes the Gaming Guru blog for WRAL.com.

CARY - Back when I was in high school, the big new thing was public libraries offering free VHS movie rentals. Now libraries are checking out games--literally. Hundreds of libraries throughout the country will attract new users by hosting gaming programs and events on April 18 in celebration of gaming @your library, taking place during National Library Week (www.ala.org/gaming).

Loriene Roy, president of the American Library Association, said that expanding a format such as gaming is yet another example of how libraries are reaching diverse users. While libraries still provide traditional services, they're branching out to enhance services by offering CDs, DVDs, e-books, videogames and programs like family gaming nights.

Public libraries are holding videogame tournaments and creating Gaming Clubs, bringing in gaming equipment, video screens and providing a social experience not found elsewhere in the community. A sample of the types of games you'll now find at your library are: Dance, Dance Revolution, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Guitar Hero, and Rock Band. As a result, library attendance among some of the hardest to reach demographics – kids, teenagers and college students – is growing exponentially.

A study of adult gaming at the Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg County in North Carolina found that patrons who attended gaming events at the Library were more open to reaching out to librarians when they needed answers to questions.

In addition to being a big draw to younger library users, many games appeal to entire families. With new systems like the Nintendo Wii and a mix of traditional and modern tabletop games available, all members of the family can play – from kids to grandparents.

The Old Bridge Public Library in New Jersey is using videogames as an introduction to technology for seniors. Not only are these users gaining experience and confidence with these new systems before moving up to computer classes, but they also are being taught how to use the equipment by local teens in a reverse mentoring program.

Gaming is like any other extracurricular activity and it should be practiced in moderation in the same way as television, movies, and Internet usage. Kids often play video games at home, but playing them at the library makes it a more social experience they can share with their family and friends.