Monday, November 16, 2009 4:08 PM CST
Board/Xbox games highlighted at the Mattoon Public Library
By DAWN JAMES, Staff Writer
djames@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — In conjunction with National Gaming Week, the Mattoon Public Library offered a day of board games, as well as electronic games via Xbox, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We’ve had more than we anticipated but not as many as we wanted,” library Director Ryan Franklin said about participants in the event, which was hosted by teen librarian Jasmin Jones.
Jones said all ages attended the event, from toddlers to adults.
Franklin said a variety of board games are always available for play at the library, and the selection has increased this year.
Through funds raised via an online book sale through Amazon, the library has been able to purchase the board games. Games such as Chutes and Ladders, Yahtzee for kids and adults, Memory, Monopoly, Transformers, Star Wars, Kerplunk and many more are now available.
“Gaming is a great way to teach different skills,” said Franklin. Counting and reading can also be taught through playing games, she said.
“You learn a lot from the act of playing. You also help build and grow your imagination,” she said.
She noted that the Prosser family was playing Connect Four. She said it’s great for teaching spatial patterns and recognition.
Franklin said library personnel held this event last year, but at that time she was still new to the job and it wasn’t as developed as this year. It is planned to be an annual event.
Upcoming events at the Mattoon library include one that poses a challenge to the public. The library has seen a tremendous increase in circulation and is wanting to hit the 100,000 mark this year. All are encouraged to help in this goal, and the person who helps the library hit the mark will receive a grand prize, Franklin said.
Also, the library will participate in the planned downtown merchant Christmas event and will have Santa at the library on Dec. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras and take their children’s photos with Santa.
Also, on Dec. 14, the winter reading program will begin. Grand prizes for all age levels will be available to those achieving reading goals. Franklin said there will be a Swag Bag pile for people to choose from that has many prizes available.
Contact Dawn James at djames@jg-tc.com or 238-6866.
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