Libraries Working to Install Great Game Programs For Teens
Who says that gaming isn’t educational? Apparently not the American Library Association, who has just developed a project to experiment and expand on electronic gaming programs for libraries. Using a grant of one million dollars from Verizon Communications, the ALA sought out a few select libraries with well-matured gaming programs to gauge on how the programs help promote literacy and other academic areas. After collecting data, a kit will be pulled together to help start up gaming programs in libraries across America. “There’s growing evidence that games in general, from the traditional board versions to electronic and online ones, support literacy and 21st-century learning skills,” says Elizabeth Danforth, a representative librarian who also works as a freelance gaming artist. So far, there has been an enthusiasm that the games are promoting problem-solving and teamwork– skills which book reading lack. With the ALA picking up the effort to use games to attract the teen demographic to their doors, kids like Luis Aguilar (pictured above) will have a safe place to gather, learn, and have some good ol’ new fashion fun.