Gaming at Rapid City Public Library

By Bryan Carnes, Library Associate

This much is true: video games generate negative press for being addictive and contributing to sedentary lifestyles which are part of the equation for obesity in youth. Yet video games also have positive qualities. They stimulate problem solving centers of the brain, assist in the development of hand-eye coordination, and are fun. Video games also bring people together to discuss strategy and skills, and not just with their neighbors, but people from across the globe. With those elements in mind, the Rapid City Public Library is opening an invitation to the community to join us for our Gaming Day programs.

Gaming Days allow anyone, regardless of age, to play video games using a PlayStation 2 and Wii gaming systems. The library’s featured game for PlayStation 2 is currently Guitar Hero III. The games offered for the Wii system include Wii Sports, Wii Games, and Dance Dance Revolution. Laptop computers are also provided by the library for those who enjoy the wide spectrum of online gaming available via the internet. The library even offers a list of websites for those who are unfamiliar with the online gaming genre. In addition to the aforementioned array of video games, there are more traditional board games provided for those that would like to play a game, not necessarily online.

A new gaming tournament program will start for those adventurous souls who yearn for the challenge and thrill of competition. Beginning Friday, July 25th, the Rapid City Public Library will play host to its firstYouth Gaming Tournament featuring Guitar Hero III. Currently, anyone who is 18 years of age or younger may sign up to challenge other players in head-to head battles. Those who wish to compete in this tournament must sign up no later than Friday, July 18 th. For the competitive gamers ages 18 and up who are feeling left out at this point, fear not, the library is currently exploring opportunities to develop an Adult Gaming Tournament for fall.

There may be some who are thinking, “OK, I understand how gaming tournaments work, but what makes this game, Guitar Hero III, the object of tournaments?” Good question. Guitar Hero III is the latest version of the very popular franchise of the same name. Released in December 2007, Guitar Hero III rocked the gaming world with its music and graphics, making it the “it” wish-list item for Santa to bring to children (and adults). On a personal note, I can confirm this statement as I waited in a line for three hours to pick one up for my niece. She was ecstatic when she opened it on Christmas.

The Gaming Program will continue to evolve as the library is committed to expanding and evolving its Gaming Days as a service to the community. The library is exploring other types of video games for tournament competition as well as the development of gaming programs for families and the acquisition of more video games that allow group participation. We value the community’s suggestions. If you have any ideas stop on in at either library and fill out a suggestion card, or simply go online to www.rapidcitylibrary.org and submit an online suggestion.

While July is the height of the summer season and summer is traditionally a time for children (and hopefully adults) to enjoy long days at the pool, picnics, family vacations, and an abundance of outdoor activities that stimulate the mind and body, we hope you will join us for a few hours a week to enjoy the fun, camaraderie, and mental and physical stimulation that gaming allows. (Dance, Dance Revolution is equitable to Step Aerobics if you are not familiar.) Plus, you should get out of the sun for a couple hours each day; your family physician can confirm that for you if you don’t believe it.

Gaming Days take place at Rapid City Library Downtown every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 pm and at Rapid City Public Library North every Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 pm. Tournaments will take place on Fridays from 1:00-4:00 pm at the downtown library.