By Amy Mann and Katie Warrener, WCPL Children’s Services Department

Libraries are known as the place to go to share culture in the form of books, music, movies and even technology. But more and more they are becoming a place to gather as a community for the purpose of playing games. On any given day in the Warsaw Community Public Library children’s room you are likely to find young people and families gathered around a tabletop game.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, the WCPL will celebrate International Games Day at Your Library with over 2,000 libraries around the world. International Games Day is an annual event that recognizes the mutually-reinforcing power of learning and play.

Why have games in libraries? Libraries are about culture and information. Games have been around as long as human culture and they stimulate critical thinking and problem solving. Playing games also fosters cooperation and healthy competition, important social skills. Playing games keeps old folks young and brings generations together.

During the library’s open hours of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, patrons are invited to drop in at the Family Games Open House in Meeting Room AB to play an old favorite, learn a new game or simply watch the fun. We will have a variety of board and card games, geared toward ages 8 and up, available to play on a first-come basis. Choose from such beloved classics as Scrabble, Clue, Monopoly, Jenga and UNO, plus new standards Ticket to Ride, Catan, Dixit, Dutch Blitz and more.

The children’s room upstairs will be decked out with new computer and tabletop games for younger players to engage with their families and friends. Pokémon GO trainers are encouraged to visit our Pokestop, where we will be luring wild Pokémon.

So you think you’ve got game? We invite you to read, learn, and play during International Games Day at Your Library. For more information about the International Games Day initiative, visit here. For details about WCPL programs, visit here or call (574) 267-6011.