Life can be stressful for kids, particularly as they become teenagers. However, one program at the Reuben Hoar Library is aiming to address this through the power of board games.

Life can be stressful for kids, particularly as they become teenagers. However, one program at the Reuben Hoar Library is aiming to address this through the power of board games.

Since its establishment last August, the library’s Young Adult Gaming Club is growing into a place where teens and pre-teens can spend time socializing after school in a safe, but fun environment.

The club came into existence thanks to library technician James Taber, who was a fan of Dungeons & Dragons growing up, but couldn’t find a club that was organized to help him fulfill his love of the game.

Taber hopes the club serves a purpose for younger Littleton residents looking to either to learn more about board and card games or just socialize with friends in a safe atmosphere.

“With (the club) you can share interests, you can interact with your friends and at the very end of the day, they might recommend a book or movie,” he says. “But for the most part, my hope is to foster a love of gaming that these kids will take with them the rest of their lives.”

And while there is a similar club already in place at Littleton Middle School, Taber sees the library club as something more relaxed while also offering more structure for kids than what they’d find on their own.

Sixth grader Alex Johnson is a frequent member of both clubs, although he prefers the club at the library due to that balance.

“I think it’s really fun,” said Johnson. “This (club) is way better. Here we can have free time. At school, there are rules. You can go a little bit farther here.”

Johnson already is a frequent visitor to the library, but a secondary purpose, said Library Trustee Laura Beltrami, is for the club is to draw younger patrons for other programs and perhaps a joy of libraries later in life.

Beltrami has brought her children to the club and sees it as an important part of the library’s goals to provide something for all age groups in town while also providing an outlet for kids.

“Learning begins at a young age. We try to get them while they’re young and have them enjoy a life long love of learning,” says Beltrami. “It’s a great opportunity for kids to have somewhere to go while meeting with their friends in a safe environment.”

Currently, the club only meets after school on early release days due to conflicts with other clubs and activities held by many members during normal afternoon schedules, however dates for the club may change in the future depending on participation rates.

The club met most recently today at 11 a.m., with additional dates available on the library’s online events calendar. 
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