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Libraries use Video Games to attract teens

July 28, 2007 in News comments 11

Libraries are generally known as an "uncool" place to visit. Teenagers don't want to be seen reading books, in fear that it might harm their reputation. So how are librarians remedying this? By holding Video Game Torunaments, of course!

Librarians hope that, in holding Tournaments for Video Games, they can create a "cool" image for their libraries. And entice young teenagers into the library doors, not only for the gaming - but for reading as well.

Librarians hope a tournament this weekend will draw video game gunslingers interested in blasting away at intergalactic aliens, and maybe perusing a few books.
Sunday's "Halo 2" tournament for 6th through 12th graders at the Mt. Prospect Public Library is a way to lure an audience that's been difficult to get in the door.

"Gaming is one way to make the library more attractive to teenage boys. This is what [they] do." said Marilyn Genther, the library's executive director.

"The challenge is to make the library relevant," said Maggie Hommel, Park Ridge's young-adult librarian. "Reading is definitely not a cool thing. Boys don't want to let their friends know they're a reader, even if they are."

Genther said the goal of the tournaments is to get teens in the door. Once they're inside, she hopes they will discover good fiction or the graphic novels that have gained popularity in recent years. Mt. Prospect requires parents to sign a permission slip before their children can compete in the tournament, she said.
Miss Razz via chicagotribune.com »
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Most recently commented on by on Jul 30, 2007

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  • 3
    Gary Jul 28, 07
    I dunno seems to me like they'll come for the tournament then leave without any books.
    • 0
      Synergized Jul 28, 07
      I agree. The teens aren't going to come for more than the games. They'll play and not even look at a single book.
  • 1
    dxrocks_666 Jul 28, 07
    same i'd go for the tournament then leave.I do read but not that often and if i do i read harry potter
  • 0
    Tom Jul 28, 07
    Well what a stupid thing to do. Why attract teenagers to a library by using video games? If they were going to do that, at least say "Take part in the tournament when you take out two or more books!". Might not get them to read the books, but it works for the library. =D
  • 0
    Storm* Jul 28, 07
    Not a bad idea, but who's to say that stealing won't go on here? Many people do like to participate in these tournaments, but like Gary and others mentioned, it'll be for the games, not the books.
  • 0
    Unforgiven Jul 28, 07
    They should bring books for games if they want to read something. Tournaments will only raise the popularity of the libraries.
  • 0
    Gogetenks Jul 29, 07
    Actually, in reality this would work out quite well, xsynergyx. When you want to participate in a tournament, chances are there will be some waiting involved. That could be in signing up, waiting for the tournament to start, anything. When my old computer broke down, I went to the local library to use one of their computers. I did have to wait until the nearest time I could book it, and I walked out of there reading George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four.

    I would love it if any libraries here would start doing this. Halo or SSBM tournaments would be great.
  • 0
    Final Blade Jul 29, 07
    Good point, i mean kids don't go to the library cause they feel its uncool, however bringing them in can actually make them see a book look at it and in hopes of them taking it out. Its practically genius.
  • 0
    tidus04 Jul 29, 07
    This sounds like a good thing but then at the same time it seems like a bad idea, but I what I want to know is that is this for the States or will they be doing this in the Uk as well
  • 0
    Supernouva Jul 29, 07
    Who wants a Gears tournament at the library?
  • 0
    Deis Jul 30, 07
    If people are more comfortable being in libraries, that can only be a good thing. It'd be nice if, as Catfire said, entry into the tournament was dependant on borrowing one or two books, and maybe part of the prize could be a book or something. Why not?

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