Board games are fun! Only a total scrooge would deny this fact. Board games bring people together. Board games entertain, challenge, and connect people. Board games come in a variety of types, for different age groups, and different interests. There are board games for strategy, for drawing, for word play, for pure goofiness, and for education. In short, board games are a great solution for those times when someone might say, "I am bored." When you think about your local library, you may not immediately think about board games. But having a collection of board games that can be checked out by patrons is a wonderful service!
My library has over 30 different board games that can be checked out for a two week period. The games range from memory games for younger patrons to adult games for the more mature crowds and everything in between. We have the "classics" like Aggravation, Chutes & Ladders, Monopoly, Jumanji, Twister, and Risk. We have newer games too such as Kids Against Maturity, Exploding Kittens, and Cards Against Humanity. We have more family-friendly games than any other category because traditionally, games are played as family units.
This takes library services beyond just a Board Game Program, but I am not knocking those programs by any means. The fact is that we are operating in a different time right now, where social gatherings are restricted in our library like never before. And rather than deny our patrons that opportunity to gather, we are providing a means for them to socialize in the comfort of their own homes.
So think about adding board games as an addition to the items that your library circulates. You might just be surprised at the responses from your patrons. If you have questions about how to implement this in your library, including cataloging games for circulation, drop me a message via the contact page. I will be happy to assist you! Happy gaming!
Here are a couple of resources to help you start you own gaming collection!
https://www.nla.gov.au/stories/blog/behind-the-scenes/2020/08/28/board-games-in-the-national-library
