Libraries Turn to Video Games to Increase Patronage

Here’s an interesting article from the Chicago Tribune about area libraries holding video game tournaments to bring in that most elusive, typically non-book reading audience: young boys. A Halo 2 tournament is aimed at 6 – 8th graders. Next week, a Guitar Hero tournament is expected to draw up to 40 participants.

 

“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.

 

Games are also seen as a way for librarians to reach boys who think reading is decidedly un-cool. There were no worries expressed by the librarians over violence in Halo 2 (rated M), as parental permission slips are required. Local libraries are jumping on this bandwagon by buying up Wii and Xbox units.

 

“Times are changing,” said Catherine Mau, the library’s assistant director. “We think it’s great that kids are here using computers.”

References
Schroedter, A. (2007, July 28). Video games used to draw readers. Chicago Tribune. [Online]. Available: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/northwest/
chi-halo_28jul28,1,7432325.story

Update:
GamePolitics.com has an entry on libraries in Iowa using Guitar Hero to pull in teens, then encouraging them to read. Michael Neary at the Ft. Dodge Messenger writes how local librarians hope the lure of video games will lead to teens transitioning over to books.