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Norris Public Library has expanded its collection. A generous grant from the Dr. Frank H. Logan Charitable Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, is providing a Teen Nook equipped with a PlayStation5 and games, as well as Nintendo Switch games for circulation.
While books will always be central to the library's mission, offering nontraditional materials like STEM kits, educational tablets, and now video games is part of Norris Library's efforts to diversify its collections and programs, encourage and celebrate the many forms of literacy and learning, and better serve a new generation of library users.
"Two things we have heard from local teens are that they need a space in town to connect with friends, and that gaming together is one of their preferred ways of socializing," says Sarah Ross, Library Director. "We want to help meet those needs, and recognize the value of video games as library resources because they have the power to educate, help develop problem-solving skills, enrich vocabulary, and encourage creative expression. They are a newer form of storytelling, information, and entertainment - all of which are at the heart of libraries."
Local parents are already noting how the introduction of video games has encouraged some reluctant readers to visit and explore the library.
Eric Turner, a Teacher Assistant at East Rutherford High School, says "As a parent with multiple children under the age of sixteen, there's beginning to be a huge problem with getting them interested in reading. There's not many books being presented or hyped up to these kids, because most parents work forty-plus hours a week. Knowing that Norris Library offers iPads and now Switch games and PS5, parents can slowly reintroduce books by negotiating screens."
All of the library's video games have an ESRB rating of E or E10, meaning they are considered suitable for everyone ages 6+ (E) or 10+ (E10). Educational games like Cities Skylines introduce players to real-world concepts like sports, and adventure games available, but the library does not collect or offer any shooter games.
Norris Library's gaming system is available on a first-come, first-served basis during regular open hours, and the library's Gaming System and Collection Development policies may be found on the library's website, norrispubliclibrary.org.
