2019 Joint Conference ILA/NLA/NSLA

This panel discussion will share how the Council Bluffs Public Library and the Lied Public Library - Clarinda have introduced board games programming and lending at their libraries as well as Virtual Reality. The Lied Public Library in Clarinda hosts monthly adult games nights as well as maintains a growing board game lending library of 40+ titles. The library also has a mobile Virtual reality system with monthly programs at the library as well offsite events Clarinda has also just installed 4 high-end teen gaming PCs in their teen area.
The Council Bluffs Library maintains a collection of 125+ board games, a circulating collection of 800+ video games, a virtual reality station, and three video game console stations supporting six systems. The library hosts regular gaming events for children, teens, adults, families, and assisted-living communities. Outside of scheduled programs, board games can be checked out and played within the library.
With an emphasis on cooperative and social games, the libraries board game collections provide constructive activities for patrons as well as flexible programming opportunities for librarians. As teens use popular video game platforms to socialize, a gaming space allows disadvantaged youth to stay culturally connected and to improve their social standing within their peer groups.