Port Moody Public Library is adding board games to books with a day of competition and exploration during International Table Top Day on Saturday, April 5.
For those not aware that board games have become more popular of late, this one-day celebration may seem surprising. But according to the library's programs and youth service co-ordinator, Maryn Ashdown, playing games face-to-face with someone, using a counter, cards, dice or other trinkets has become, for many, an alternative to video and online games, and is more social than smartphone game apps or communicating via text
"Tabletop games are undergoing a renaissance right now but they've never really gone away," Ashdown said. "They're just being rediscovered by a generation that might have grown up with video games." She noted that board games have become the rage at some coffee shops, pubs and restaurants, not just in the Lower Mainland but all over the world.
International Table Top Day last year was a huge success, with 3,123 gaming events in 64 countries worldwide. And while it's new for PoMo library to celebrate the day, Ashdown believes it fulfills the PMPL's mandate.
A NATURAL FIT
"It's such a natural fit for libraries. It's because of the social aspect of the games and the learning experience. It gets people out of their houses and into the community."
What's more, it breaks down barriers between age groups because everyone, young and old, experienced and inexperienced, can enjoy and teach each other their favourite games.
As well, there's much more going on in modern games than in old-school Monopoly and Clue. The graphics are better, the challenges are more interesting and people who play these games go on adventures of the mind, Ashdown said. For people who don't know much about board games, PMPL's board games day is an opportunity to find out what games are out there before committing to the expense and time.
"There are games, such as Pandemic, where you can cure all the world's diseases. You can build a logic castle with Camelot, ride the rails across Europe with Ticket to Ride, recover lost treasurer off a sinking island with Forbidden Island or discover new lands with Settlers of Catan," she said.
And if the International Table Top Day is a success, Ashdown said PMPL will consider adding board games to its collection. "I would definitely be building a case based on this event," she said.
Corene Maret Brown, PMPL's children's librarian, is a board game enthusiast who admits she usually goes for the jugular but promises to turn down her adversarial nature when she demonstrates some popular board games next week.
Outside the library, there will be giant dice people can play with, and maybe even an outdoor game of checkers.
GET YOUR GAME ON
International Table Top Day is Saturday, April 5 and the Port Moody Public Library is celebrating with a showcase of board games that people can try out and explore. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library at 100 Newport Dr., Port Moody No experience necessary, all ages are welcome. A Toyologist from the Village Toy shop will be on hand at 11 a.m. to discuss the best games for younger players
