Gaming at the Library
Libraries have always been a central part of our communities. So, it makes sense for them to become a place where our community can come to connect further with gaming. In fact, the American Library Association has established November as International Games Month. This program has grown since 2007, when a single day was set to encourage people to meet at their local library to play a particular game. Today, it is a program where we see all seven continents participate in a variety of games.
The Beaufort County Library system offers many types of gaming opportunities for our patrons:
Mahjong
Mahjong has had a resurgence across the country. This game dates to the 1800’s. It started as a card game but has morphed into the tile game we know today. Most of our library branches offer a mahjong program. There are introductory classes to teach how to play, as well as open play sessions. To learn more about the game’s resurgence, check out this Good Housekeeping article.
Role-Playing Games
The most popular role-playing game is Dungeons & Dragons. Role-playing games (RPG’s) have seen a shift in popularity due to their use in shows like Stranger Things and the world of LitRPG in books like Dungeon Crawler Carl. But not all role-playing games take place in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. You might find yourself in the world of Star Wars or the Marvel Universe. Our libraries offer gaming sessions for children, teens, and adults. You can see all our sessions in our Event Calendar here.
Video Games
The library can be a great place for children and teens to come and play on video game systems they might not have at home. We offer a variety of programs for our game consoles. These programs include tournaments featuring games like Mario Kart or Madden Football, celebrating Minecraft, or using some VR equipment. There are also days when a variety of games are offered to play. Check your local library branch to see what they have to offer.
So, do video games belong in the library? This Timberland Regional Library employee says yes!
You can find more information about all upcoming Beaufort County Library programs on our online calendar.
