Gaming popular at library
Madison Public Library hosts “Teen Take Over Night: Gaming Daze” on Mondays, “Gordie’s Gaming Days” on third Sundays monthly and “Family Game Night” on third Tuesdays monthly. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Contemporary and traditional games have a following at Madison Public Library.
“We observed our teen patrons’ interest in traditional board and card gaming and wanted to provide more gaming options,” youth services librarian LeAnna Whitaker said. “We also saw a potential for crossover programming between teen and adult patrons.”
“Teen Take Over Night: Gaming Daze” meets on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. and is open to teenagers. On third Mondays of the month, this session shifts to Sam and Greg’s Pizzeria “to enjoy pizza and gelato with their games,” Whitaker said.
“Gordie’s Gaming Days,” held on third Sundays monthly at the library from 2 to 4 p.m., is open to anyone at least 12 years old. “Teens and adults can try out any tabletop games the library has to offer. Patrons are also encouraged to bring games from home,” Whitaker said.
The name “Gordie’s Gaming Days” recognizes Wil Wheaton’s contributions to the tabletop gaming community. Wheaton played Gordie Lachance in Stephen King’s movie, “Stand by Me.” His current YouTube series previews different tabletop games.
The library’s game inventory includes Munchkin, a role-playing card game based on Dungeons and Dragons; Betrayal at House on a Hill, similar to Clue with role playing to identify the villain; Pandemic with players collaborating to save the world; and Forbidden Desert with escape depending on Leonardo da Vinci’s flying machine.
Not depending on teams, “non-cooperative games” include King of Tokyo, Chrononauts time travel and Dixit, storytelling with beautiful illustrations, Whitaker said.
Recently, a patron brought a card game that he designed himself. “It was a big hit,” she said.
In fact, the library’s tabletop games always are available. Patrons can sign out any game for in-library play.
In addition, Family Game Night monthly on third Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. is open to everyone. At this session, traditional board games like Monopoly, Sorry! and Checkers are popular.
For adults only, the library will offer off-site gaming programs at local breweries and restaurants, hopefully in September.
For more information, email to lwhitaker@hmcpl.org or acampbell@hmcpl.org.
