It is somewhat nerve-wracking to start a new library program. Buy-in is so important for the success of the program, and I just never know what to expect. Will administration and other managers approve? Will there be an audience? Just how heavy is the equipment for “Rockband?” There is no way to predict such things. Okay, maybe I could go lift a “Rockband” box at Best Buy and estimate the weight, but that’s not really my point. When I proposed the adult gaming idea, my manager was not entirely enthused but saw it as a way to pacify the angry post-teens who were suddenly without a library program outlet. Members of the administrative staff were quite excited that I was trying it. Other managers were mostly curious to see how it would go. I tried to remain positive and jumped right in.
As I mentioned in a previous post, my first adult game night kicked off with three people. My first senior Wii program started out with the same number of attendees. One lady was thinking about getting her husband a Wii and saw this as a way to demo it. A male attendee was hesitant to play, insisting he would just observe. By the end of the session, he didn’t want to let go of his Wiimote. The third attendee was very interested in the coffee and doughnut holes, and it was only after she had consumed several that she mentioned she was diabetic. This made me slightly nervous the rest of the program.
Last night was the second meeting for adult gaming. I had four attendees this time, and even though the turnout wasn’t huge it was an intergenerational group. Which seems to be an exciting concept in the library world right now. The two younger guys had attended my first program and are very excited about it. The older lady that came and brought her husband had been to the senior program. She was the one who wanted to get her husband a console. She brought him so that he could try out the system too. They were really good sports about trying the various games, and my two younger attendees did a really great job of helping and encouraging them learn to play. I’m not sure if they will attend after his birthday, but it was a fun evening.
Overall, those that come seem to enjoy the programs. I really think that it is an excellent solution to the problems we were having with disgruntled 19 year olds who were being kicked out of the teen programs. It has also proven to be a program that can have intergenerational participation. I only hope that attendance improves so that I’m not forced to discontinue my efforts. I think my next step will be to try to get flyers out in the community to further promote these programs.
