Central Coast Council is inviting residents of all ages to discover a new way of learning during International Games Week, 3-9 November 2019.

Since the successful introduction of games programming in Libraries as an alternate education method, Council’s Library Service has become more than a quiet place for reading - evolving into community hubs that offer diverse ways for people to connect, relax and learn.

Council Section Manager Library Strategy and Connection, Benjamin Hartley said International Games Week is a great opportunity to promote the educational and social benefits of play.

“There is a multitude of social, literacy and numeracy advantages for people who participate in games including reading, rule interpretation and mathematical probability,” Mr Hartley said. 

“Games encourage people to take a break from their device and engage with others in person developing key social skills. It also helps develop transferrable skills like creative and critical thinking, negotiation and leadership skills – not to mention it’s fun!

“To celebrate International Games Week, we have created an exciting program for all ages and encourage everyone to visit either Erina, Kincumber, Tuggerah or Toukley library branches and have a go.”

Participants will be able to enjoy classic board games, try their hand at UNO or even test their flexibility in Twister. Should a more modern tactical game be more your speed, Tuggerah Library will be hosting multiple sessions of the popular tabletop fantasy game ‘Kings of War’.

Mayor Lisa Matthews said this was another way Council’s Library Service was helping simultaneously meet the educational and recreational needs of the community.

“Our Library Service is a valuable community resource, and our games programs are just one of the ways we are successfully providing key learning and education services in a format our community can connect and engage with,” Mayor Matthews said.

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents to see what’s on at your local library or become a member today.

ENDS