Legal Niches

Toronto Public Library May Add Games to Lending Inventory

By pete_gallagher

In a bid to lure in more young patrons, the Toronto Public Library is looking for funding that would back a videogame collection.

The library is seeking $300,000 in funds for the project reports The Star, and hopes to eventually offer around 150 titles for checkout across 38 branch locations. Of course the initiative raises the question of what type of games would be stocked; should it be strictly family-friendly fare or should the library also offer more adult-oriented games?

Bruce Ballon, head of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, told the paper, 'The libraries have to really consider the social implications of what they're offering. It could be great ... It's just making sure it's done in a healthy way.'

A library spokesperson cautioned that, for now, stocking videogames is just an idea, and 'not yet reality.'

The library also hopes to host game nights (or game programs), where people can gather to take part in playing games in a social setting.

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Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on March 24, 2010 (boomark / email).