We dont’ feel like sitting on our hands while we’re waiting for the gaming grant to be approved. I’ve been working with our Teen Services Librarian to get a gaming night going. Like many great things, this event will be cheap and easy. Since we don’t own any gaming consoles, we asked if people could bring some in. This turned out to not be a problem.
We have a projector which will display the game, DDR is the last I heard, and some A/V equipment for good sound. So besides a bit of staff time talking about this, and the staff time of running the event, this program will cost about $25. For food. Not too shabby for getting kids into the library on a Friday night.
He’s had an extremely high (and fast) response rate to the email he sent out telling kids about the program, and I’ll be sure to report back after the fact.
What’s so special about video games? It is where kids are at. Think you might have some sci-fi or romance readers passionate about what they like? Kids are even more crazy for video games. We’re happy to provide them with a social, community based outlet in which to enjoy themselves.
Go For It!
It is one of the most enjoyable ways to grab kids in their element. We’ve been running Game Fests here at the Bloomington Public Library since October 2004 and have had great fun and success. We’ve had three fests all with an average attendance of around 45 kids. Right now we are planning a fest for July 15 that will include new DDR pads w/DDR competition, Game Cube competitions (Mario Cart), Battlefield 1942 competitions, movies, board games (twister) and more.
Enough said about us, just keep it up, for consistency is the name of the game with the kids. They may not show up everytime but word gets out, and if you keep it going, they will show.
cheers,
If there are any gaming stores nearby your library-let them know what you’re doing and ask to advertise there (and for a donation!). As the Young Adult Librarian at the Bloomington Public Library, I have never seen so many teens at the library for a program-consistently. It’s been great fun. Keep up the good work at your library!
Update: Defining Library 2.0: Is it More than Technology?
Before Holiday break, I posted a list of ten L2 Events of 2005, strictly my opinion and very much a “brain dump.†Steve Lawson, librarian blogger from See Also commented: “I think that “Rock the Shelves” and the Gaming Symposium…
is it on july 15, 2007?????
because i really want to play in it i am good