This article is from the first edition of The Video Game Librarian website I published between 2008 and 2010. It was originally written on November 15, 2008.
Here’s a nice helping of press coverage from libraries all over the United States and Canada for National Gaming Day @ Your Library 2008 (it’s probably time to rechristen it International Gaming Day @ Your Library)…
Libraries celebrate videogames
Back when I was growing up, it was a big deal when libraries introduced VHS movies to their collection of books. Now libraries are introducing the first-ever National Gaming Day on November 15. On Saturday, hundreds of libraries across the country will join the American Library Association (ALA) to celebrate the popularity, as well as the recreational and educational value of traditional board games and videogames.
The louder the better at Lapeer library as gamers take over
Parents who question the wisdom of encouraging children to play video games can turn to Pohjola for information about setting appropriate time and content limits. She can update them on the latest research that shows gaming can be educational. Pohjola prefers games the require social interaction and avoids games that are violent. Games are rated, she said, and studies show that properly monitored gaming enhances social skills and learning.
Games take center stage at library tomorrow
“It’s just an open day for kids to come with family and friends, play some games and read books,” said Kim Butler, head of the Newburyport Library children’s services. “It’s a good community event.”
The introduction of video games in Ottawa libraries, with the help of a donation from Urbandale Corp., is just another way to serve the community. In Ottawa, library branches have been successfully attracting young children through programs that begin when they are babies. As a result, librarians have been able to help instill a love of reading in many. Summer reading programs, clubs and other incentives encourage children to keep visiting their library.
Video games are an important service that the library offers now, [assistant director Laura] England said. But it wasn’t always that way.
“We used to say that we didn’t want anyone playing video games on the computers. But that’s changed.”
Library to celebrate the popularity of board games
“Gaming is yet another example of how libraries are becoming more than just educational resources for the communities that they serve,” Director Erin Steinsultz said. “They are also places where users of all ages are welcome to have fun together.
McAllen libraries to participate in national gaming day
On Saturday, McAllen’s three library branches will join hundreds of libraries across the nation in conducting a simultaneous game of Pictureka! during the first National Gaming Day @ Your Library.