The next time you’re bored, instead of looking down at a screen and scrolling through social media, or watching tv, why not try out a new game?
The Rose City Game Library is a non-profit organization that provides a free community gathering space for all ages to enjoy. The RCGL has over 500 games and entertainment options, free for all to enjoy. of all ages to develop healthy social skills like conflict resolution and teamwork. They encourage players to talk face to face and play a game, rather than be looking down at a screen.
RCGL volunteer secretary Travis Weik says, “Rose city game library grew out of my personal card shop. We separated the two so the board game library could focus on providing a free option to New Castle, rather than trying to make a buck”
All of the board of directors are volunteers, who are simply looking to do some good in the community. They also have several teen volunteers who help keep the game library clean.
The Rose City Game Library was born in April of 2021, to provide a safe, fun space to hang out. It provides a fun and safe place for those without much extra spending money to hang out. Secretary Travis Weik says “ We are always accepting donations of well-loved games so we can share them with the community.”
The Rose City Game library is free for all to come in and play a game. People can bring their own games, or food, or use one of the hundreds of games provided at the library too. The game library also has an affordable game rental program, if you wanted to borrow a game for a week.
The game library helps people to develop a healthy competition that you might not get when playing a video game online with a virtual server. “At RCGL, we’ve seen people be able to enjoy healthy competition without being a jerk about it.” When playing a game on an online server, it’s unfortunately easy to be able to throw around insults and trash talk when you hide behind a screen.
Sitting in person, face-to-face with your opponent playing a game, most people think of a healthier and nicer way to express their emotions when gaming. A way that doesn’t bring up cussing or insulting someone.
Heping enforces healthy interaction, Weik says the first rule at the Game Library is “Don’t be a jerk.”
So the next time you’re up for some healthy competition, or just want to try out a new game, stop in and check out The Rose City Game Library. The game library is open between the hours of 5-9pm Tuesday-Saturday, at 235 South Main Street, New Castle.
