Thousands to play games on all seven continents on Nov. 16 for International Games Day @ your library

On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, communities across the U.S. and around the world will celebrate the American Library Association’s sixth annual International Games Day @ your library. This year there will be participants from all over the world on all seven continents (Antarctica!) playing a wide variety of games.

International Games Day allows communities to join together in play on a specified day each year at their library to combine their love of games with their love for libraries. Gaming encourages patrons of all ages and backgrounds to work together to accomplish goals and plan strategies together. This play provides a great way for kids to socialize, interact with diverse peers and share their expertise.

Through the generous donations from International Games Day sponsors, this year registered libraries will receive the USAopoly games Tapple and Crossways; Yu-Gi-Oh! demo decks for tournaments from Konami; two Heartland products called Square Shooters and Rodeo Rummy; and free online access to a range of classic multiplayer board games via GameTable Online.

During International Games Day, participating libraries from all 50 states and countries abroad, including Australia, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United Kingdom, will hold a variety of gaming activities, including modern board games, video games, card games and role-playing games, two international video game tournaments featuring the games Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart time trials and a Global Gossip Game that will circle the world.

There is no criteria for participation except a love for games. Libraries have a wide variety of activities available from a table of board games to live action Angry Birds. Once participants experience the excitement and camaraderie, they come back with friends and their own ideas for the next year’s event.

International Games Day @ your library is an annual initiative of the American Library Association to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational and social value of all types of games. In 2012, nearly 17,152 people of all ages participated in gaming events at more than 1,281 registered libraries in the U.S. and around the world. We can't wait to see how many people join us for this year's event.

To find gaming events taking place in your community or for more information on International Games Day @ your library please visit the I Love Libraries website.

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International Games Day @ your library