Next week is International Games Week, an initiative started by the American Library Association (ALA) to reconnect communities with the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games. How do libraries fit into this? As one of many places that can help you get your game on! Here at Kitchener Public Library, we have a lot to offer when it comes to games, and we would love to be a part of your next family game night. Read on to find out how!
Board Game Collections
New from KPL this past summer, we have a fantastic collection of board games you to enjoy at home! These games were thoughtfully picked to help foster early literacy, thinking, and social skills among young children while also still being incredibly fun to play together. Browse the collection online and reserve a game for your next family fun night! And while you’re at it, check out the many other nontraditional items KPL has to offer, like sports equipment and outdoor games.
Video Games
It’s true, many video games are designed for solo play which is not super conducive to a family game night. But there are still plenty of fun multiplayer video games that can be enjoyed with the whole family. From Nintendo classics like MarioKart and Super Smash Bros, to wildly popular games like Plants vs Zombies and Overcooked! 2, we’ve got video games for all the major gaming consoles. Take a look online to see what we have available!
Gaming Programs
Are your tweens looking for something to do after school? We have a couple of great after-school gaming programs just for them! If your 9-12 year-old is curious about the imaginative storytelling gameplay of Dungeons & Dragons, our three-week sessions are the perfect introduction to this classic roleplaying game. If video-gaming is more their thing, join our online Minecraft server for some creative gaming fun! All skill levels are welcome. These programs do require registration, so take a look at our Calendar of Events to see if there is space available and when our next sessions begin!
Billie’s Book Picks
Our children’s book collection has loads of books about games, and some are almost games unto themselves! Here are a few great picks for children of all ages.
Crash, Splash, or Moo! by Bob Shea
It’s a game show in picture book form! Your hose, Mr McMonkey, will guide you through a the daredevil challenges that Action Clam (and a cow!) will attempt. Will Action Clam’s highdive end with a crash, a splash, or a moo? Little ones will laugh out loud as they try to decide the outcome of each silly scenario in this book.
Choose Your Own Adventure: The Abominable Snowman by R.A. Montgomery
The original fiction series that’s almost a game, Choose Your Own Adventure novels are an exciting new story each time you read them! You can easily incorporate these books into a family game night by reading one aloud and having a family vote to decide what choice you’ll make. And there’s more than just this series! Take a look here for some more choose-your-path type of stories to read with the family.
Cool Board Games: Crafting Creative Toys & Amazing Games by Rebecca Felix
For some kids, you might want the extra challenge of making your own board game for family game night. This book shows you how to make a few standard favourites, with room to personalize them of course (The Game of YOUR Life, anyone?). With supply lists and full-colour photos, this book will give you lots of ideas to have a truly epic family game night.
We hope that your family game nights are loads of fun, however they play out. If you roll your dice right, you’ll never be bored!
POST WRITTEN BY HANNAH V., CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMER