When most people think about the library, the first thing that comes to mind is books and our community’s love of reading. But what would you think if you heard that our library was offering a resource that is shown to help protect against cognitive decline, alleviate depression, enhance critical and strategic thinking, foster creativity, support stress management, strengthen relationships and reduce symptoms for those suffering from Alzheimer’s, ADHD and other health challenges? It’s true! You can find this magic at the library and it’s called (drumroll please…) playing games!

Connecting over games is not new to the library, however, gaming is definitely having a moment in our community. With a collection of nearly 60 board games available for loan and a calendar sprinkled with fun game-based events, PDL offers a way for everyone to reap these amazing benefits!

You can request the chess pieces or checkers from the Readers’ Advisory desk, choose a board game to try out or even play video games in the Teen Zone. Jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts can build at the library’s community puzzle table, join in the annual puzzle swap in February or sign up to compete at puzzle building in March.

Gaming is strong in the library’s winter programming lineup! Groups meet monthly to play Chess, Dungeons and Dragons, Euchre and Scrabble. Recently, patrons had a blast with Retro Gaming Day, The Floor is Lava and a live action simulation of the popular game Among Us.

Library staffer Anne Marie Reilly has enjoyed the last few trivia nights with friends and recommends it!

“My friends (a few with trivia / quiz bowl experience) and I were delighted with PDL Trivia Night,” she said. “We're entertained as well as challenged, and the camaraderie between tables gives us a chance to connect with others. We really look forward to this event because it’s local, free and without the rowdiness and expense of bar trivia!”

One of Plymouth District Library’s strategic objectives for the coming three years is to help foster connections among members of our community. Supporting Plymouth’s love for game meetups is one of many ways to do this!

With a few more weeks of isolating cold ahead of us, why not invite a friend or neighbor to connect at the library? The list of potential benefits of playing games together keeps growing – and what more reason do you need than that it’s fun?!