National Gaming Day arrives in Ritzville Saturday at the library

The Ritzville Public Library will join communities across the United States this Saturday, Nov. 12, in the American Library Association’s Fourth Annual National Gaming Day @ your library. One and all are invited to participate in the free activity slated during the library’s hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Ritzville Public Library encourages everyone to join in the fun, and asks that people take games to share for the event.

Sponsored by FamilyandPartyGames.com, this year’s event expects to draw more than 20,000 people, young and old, across the nation.

In the 21st century, libraries are about more than just books.

The goal of National Gaming Day is to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational and social value of all types of games.

In 2010, more than 26,000 people participated in National Gaming Day activities at libraries across the U.S. and abroad.

“Playing games of all kinds at the library encourages patrons to interact socially with diverse peers, share expertise with others and develop new strategies for gaming and learning – all while surrounded by a real world of knowledge,” said ALA president Molly Raphael.

But, game play is much more than simply a means for families to connect and socialize.

Several studies are revealing the education benefits of gaming, including a recent online survey among U.S. parents from RealNetworks.

In this survey, 75 percent said they “see educational benefits for their children who play casual games.”

And at a time when so many families are struggling and overwhelmed financially, games are a great alternative for families to play without much pay.

“The nostalgia and positive interaction associated with board games are a perfect match for community libraries,” said Eric Poses, president of FamilyandPartyGames.com. “We look forward to a lot of laughter and memorable experiences on National Gaming Day.”

National Gaming Day @ your library is an annual initiative supported by the American Library Association and 2011 Sponsor, FamilyandPartyGames.com, who has donated 3,000 copies of its bestselling titles, including Loaded Questions, Awkward Family Photos, The Greatest Day Ever Game and Loaded Questions Junior.