Teen Gamers Welcome at Library

TEEN LIBRARIAN Sarah DiLorenzo is surprised by the game of “Life” while young patrons Jacob and Nathaniel enjoy her predicament.

THESE DAYS, GAMES MEAN

ANYTHING FROM DICE TO DIGITAL

They’ve been called the Millennials, the Wired Generation, young adults and Generation Digital.

Sometimes they’re still known by their more common name—teenagers.

And one thing about teenagers on which everyone can agree is their love for video games.

 It is with this in mind that McAlester Public Library now offers a weekly “game time” for young people in grades 6-12.

 “The library strives to offer relevant content to our teen patrons, and right now that means gaming,” said Sarah DiLorenzo, Teen Librarian. “We want to let young adults know there is more at their library than just books.

“Gaming at the library provides a safe environment, a social outlet and some interesting conversations. It also can be a gateway to more traditional library fare, like novelizations based on movies or games.”

 One young patron agrees. “Without the teen program, I would not be reading for fun like I am now,” said Colton James, 13-year-old seventh-grader. “The programs have opened my eyes to a wide variety of books.”

 Activity games like “Dance, Dance Revolution” are projected onto a 10-foot screen in the Whiteacre Room East every Friday afternoon from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and the teens enjoy interacting with the games and with each other.

 “Rhythm games like ‘Rock Band’ are active,” DiLorenzo noted. “They require interaction, thought, problem-solving, memory and hand-eye dexterity. You can’t be passive while playing these games!”

THE BIG SCREEN is used when video games are played during game time. Here, patrons Dacota and Brittany get ready for another active round.

But library gaming can slow down long enough for a roll of the dice, too. Board games have been purchased for game time, and DiLorenzo said the young people enjoy those as well.

 All this activity is building toward National Gaming Day on November 15. On this day, libraries across the country will participate in the largest simultaneous national video game tournament ever held.

 “Teens will be able to compete against players at other libraries and see their scores in real time, online, while playing at McAlester Public Library,” DiLorenzo said.

 Hasbro will also donate a copy of the board game “Pictureka” to every public library branch for National Gaming Day.

 All the video games are played on a Wii console purchased by McAlester Friends of the Library. Family Video has given the library a free rental account, for one video game per week.

 “This has helped us try new games and narrow them down to those most popular with the kids,” DiLorenzo said.

 She uses the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) criteria for purchasing video games.

 “I purchase only family-friendly games and games that have multiple-player options, so we have more than one person playing at all times,” she said.

 Teen programs also include a weekly movie every Tuesday beginning at 4 p.m.; a Teen Advisory Group, which meets monthly and plans to host a Halloween Carnival Oct. 31; a teen book discussion group; a Manga Club which meets the first Monday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m.; and other special programs.

 A monthly calendar of teen programs and activities is available at the front desk. For more information on these or any other library programs, call 426-0930.