By JEN BOUTIN

BCPL

Playing games is a great way to bring people together. And the Boyle County Public Library offers many opportunities to gather together and have fun.

Before the invention of modern technological devices, it was easier to stay attuned to each other because there were fewer distractions vying for our attention. While sitting down with friends to watch a favorite show or movie can be a fun way to pass the time, playing games together — such as board games, card games and even some video games — allows for greater interaction with each other.

Board games and game nights once served an important role in communities, and they still can today. Playing board games is a great way for different generations to connect with each other. These tried and true activities are a simple way to unplug from the outside world and spend quality time with the people in our lives.

Board games are fun to play and they offer surprising benefits. Playing board games is relaxing and can provide stress relief. It may lead to better memory and increased cognitive functioning. Playing board games can also help children develop social and communication skills, and help improve their ability to concentrate and stay focused. Simple games like Candy Land help preschoolers learn colors and counting. Strategy games like Clue and Sequence help older kids and teens learn to organize, plan, and make well thought out decisions.

Recognizing the benefits that playing games provides, the library offers fun, game-centric events for families and friends looking to reconnect with each other. From 4 to 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month, the library hosts Family Game Night where people of all ages can gather together, enjoy a free meal and play board games, card games and solve Escape the Crate mysteries.

On the third Saturday afternoon of each month the library hosts a Classic Games Club. Fans of Chess, Scrabble, Checkers, and Yahtzee can gather to play these classic games. Novice and experienced players of all ages are welcome.

Those looking for a different type of game might enjoy playing Magic the Gathering, a fun, fast-paced strategy card game from Wizards of the Coast, typically held at the library on the third Thursday of each month. The library also hosts Dungeons & Dragons clubs for a variety of age groups. Due to its popularity, registration is required for the teen and tween D&D clubs.

The benefits of traditional games are obvious, but library staff also likes to think outside of the box when it comes to its game-playing activities. This month, the library is also partnering with the Heart of Danville to host a “Wizards Unite Walking Tour.”

Fans of Harry Potter can follow along with the mobile game, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, while enjoying a stroll downtown, learning about historic landmarks highlighted in the game. The tour departs from Weisiger Park at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 8, prior to Heart of Danville’s Main Street Live. The tour will return to Weisiger Park, where participants can enjoy the festivities.

More information about these and other upcoming events can be found at www.BoylePubLib.org or by calling the Library at (859) 238-7323.