AIE — Adventures In Education

In the News

August 5, 2008

Video games gain popularity in libraries across the U.S.

Video games in the library? While it may seem like an unconventional notion to many, Carrie Schindele-Cupples, a librarian at The Springfield Public Library, in Springfield, Illinois, has embraced the idea.

The Springfield Public Library is now home to video games such as "Guitar Hero," "Dance Dance Revolution," and Nintendo® "Wii Sports" baseball. But why in the world, you may ask, would Schindele-Cupples choose to incorporate such games into her library environment? Her reasoning was simple — to get more kids and young teens into the library. Now that that has been accomplished, according to Schindele-Cupples, the young adult section's circulation has increased by 18 percent.

In addition to video games and books, kids who visit the Springfield Public Library and the Eugene Public Library, in Eugene, Illinois, will discover that there are illustrated graphic novels, Japanese comics and gaming magazines available, as well.

What many still want to know however, is that while these library gaming events are fun, what are the true benefits? Many professionals in the library science field feel that since these games initially bring teens into the library, and ultimately get them reading, literacy skills are being increased.

Due to the growing popularity of library gaming events, the American Library Association has established the first National Gaming Day at libraries on November 15, 2008.

Source: The Register-Guard

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