Norwich
If so, the Norwich Public Library’s International Game Week may be the event for you.
Beginning today, from noon-4 p.m., the library will host seven days of competitive and friendly game play for people of all ages as part of a national event that was started by the American Library Association.
“We have always loved doing the programming around International Game Day and we were very excited to see it become a whole week,” said Lisa Milchman, assistant director at the library. “This is our fourth year doing it.”
Popular games include the board game Ticket to Ride, a dystopian card game called Coop and a series of Fluxx card games.
One appeal of International Game Day is what Milchman referred to as “sanctioned library eating.”
“It’s fun to be able to say, yes, this is the week you can spend the day playing games and have snacks,” she said.
In previous years, International Game Day has brought about 30 kids and 15-20 adults to the library. It is a joyful day filled with lots of laughter and, contrary to what’s expected at a library, welcome noise.
Milchman recalled a moment during last year’s event when a woman approached the circulation desk. She remembered thinking, “Oh my goodness, is she going to say this isn’t the proper library environment?”
Instead, Milchman was surprised.
“She said this is the most wonderful thing,” Milchman said. The woman then recalled being shushed by librarians as a child, which caused her to be turned off by libraries.
“I hope it gives them a lifelong good feeling about librarians and libraries,” Milchman recalled her continuing.
“I thought, ‘yeah, that’s what it really is about,’ ” Milchman said, slightly choking up with happiness. “The library is a welcoming place. Anything that would help develop a lifelong love of libraries and a good feeling going to the library is something I am behind 100 percent.”
So, if you want a chance to snack in the library — and play games with others — head to the Norwich Public Library this week.
Sunday: Kick off with word games and puzzles for all ages — and snacks! From noon-4p.m.
Monday: Role-playing game party, 3:30 p.m. (grades 5 and above).
Tuesday: Library closes at 3 p.m. for Halloween festivities, tabletop games and puzzlers.
Wednesday: Lego challenges and building for all ages.
Thursday: Tabletop games and puzzlers all day. “Gaming for Good” adult program, 6:30 p.m.
Friday: “Whodunit Mystery Night” for adults and children 14 and above, 7 p.m. (RSVP required).
Saturday: End-of-week extravaganza includes new and old favorite tabletop games, Wii gaming in community room, snacks and prizes. Pizza party at noon. (RSVP by Friday).
Editor’s note: RSVP for International Game Week events by calling the library at 802-649-1184. For more information, visit norwichlibrary.org. Unless otherwise noted, the library is open Monday, 1-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
