Game On!

Library makes board games available for home play

Board game check outs are now available at Bentonville Public Library. The library also offers TableToppers, a designated time for game enthusiasts to meet up and play together.
Board game check outs are now available at Bentonville Public Library. The library also offers TableToppers, a designated time for game enthusiasts to meet up and play together.

Patrons asked and librarians listened. Board games are now available for checkout at Bentonville Public Library, a first in Northwest Arkansas.

A few years ago the library made games available for patrons to use while at the library, but not for checkout. After receiving numerous requests and researching how other libraries handle board game checkouts, the library decided to allow the games to be taken home, says Dalene Schrier, adult services specialist.

FAQ

Table Toppers

WHEN — 5-7 p.m. Monday & Wednesday

WHERE — Bentonville Public Library, 405 S. Main St.

COST — Free

INFO — 271-3192 or bentonvillelibrary.…

FYI

Bentonville Public Library is accepting donations of games from the public. The library is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

More than 100 games are available.

Games can be checked out for only one week. Patrons must be at least 10 years old to check out the games.

In the few weeks the games have been available, "circulation counts have seen a dramatic increase," she says.

Patrons can get a lot more than just fun from playing board games. Benefits include strategic thinking, critical thinking, coordination and cooperation, Schrier says.

Some of the popular games at the library include Ticket To Ride, Exploding Kittens, Zombie Dice, Catan and Tokido, she adds.

In addition to games to check out, the library also offers TableToppers, a twice weekly meet-up for game enthusiasts to hang out and play games together.

"A big part of what gaming is about is bringing people together," Schrier says.

-- Kelly Barnett

[email protected]

NAN What's Up on 07/15/2016

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