GAMERT (Gaming) Round Table

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last person joined: 4 days ago 

The mission of the Games and Gaming Round Table is to provide the following:
  • A forum for the exchange of ideas and concerns surrounding games in libraries;
  • Resources to the library community to support the building and maintaining of library game collections;
  • A force for initiating and supporting game programming in libraries;
  • Create an awareness of, and need for, the support of the value of gaming and play in libraries, schools, and related learning communities.
  • Create an awareness of the value of games and gaming in library outreach and community engagement plans.
  • A professional and social forum for networking among librarians and non-librarians interested in games and gaming.

  • 1.  Introduction from Lorain Public Library System: Games, STEAM, and Community!

    Posted May 01, 2025 10:54 AM

    Hi everyone!

    I'm Tristan Wheeler, STEAM Initiatives Manager at the Lorain Public Library System in Ohio. I'm thrilled to join this forum and connect with others who are exploring the intersection of libraries, learning, and games.

    A bit about me: I support our system's Create Spaces (our name for makerspaces) and STEAM efforts, and I'm currently leading a project to redesign the Teen Room at our South Lorain Branch. It's a compact but exciting space that we're shaping into an introductory makerspace with a strong focus on games culture-think tournaments, hands-on tech, and opportunities for teens to try out new genres and styles of games they may not have encountered before.

    When I'm not working, I'm often gaming. Some of my current favorites are:
    - Bleach: Rebirth of Souls
    - Overwatch 2
    - Tokyo Xtreme Racer 2025

    I'd love to hear from you all:
    – What games are most popular in your library community right now?
    – What age ranges seem most engaged with games culture activities at your branch or institution?

    Looking forward to learning and sharing alongside all of you!



    ------------------------------
    Tristan Wheeler
    STEAM Initiatives Manager
    Lorain Public Library System
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanhwheeler
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Introduction from Lorain Public Library System: Games, STEAM, and Community!

    Posted May 09, 2025 10:53 AM
    Hi Tristan!

    Thank you for reaching out. It sounds like you're doing some awesome things at your library. I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio, but currently unemployed as a librarian. I am a member of GameRT and have served on a few committees and chaired one so far. 

    I did plenty of game-related programs before leaving my last library system. They seemed most popular as family or adult events. I had a hard time enticing teens in for teen only gaming events, at least in the community that I served.

    Neither of the two library systems I worked for circulated games, so my contacts there wouldn't really have a good answer for your first question, unfortunately. 

    When I organized game events, the biggest hits were when we rented arcade machines and brought them in (but, that can be pricey), incorporated an escape room for those waiting to get a spot in a tabletop game, and added some fun/goofy activities for those who are on the shy side, such as: a skee-ball, cornhole, and ring toss sets; and, when it was an adults only event, attendees really enjoyed life-size Jenga as well.

    I'd love to hear what games are doing well where you are!

    When I'm not working, I'm doing genealogy, gaming, reading, or buying Star Trek stuff. Some of my current faves are: Dragon Age (all four video games), Calico (board game), Jaipur (card game), and I'm currently learning Euchre (an old school card game).

    Live Long and Prosper,

    LeeAnn McNabb, MLIS
    Cincinnati, Ohio




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