Interesting to see, smart move by Barnes & Noble (B&N), and something for libraries to be aware for any number of reasons.
Yes, of course, many libraries offer similar programming on a regular basis and have been providing it for years, but we’ve seen study after study that show many people are not aware of library services and events in their community. Yes, awareness, marketing, and promotion come into play yet again. Perhaps even possible partnerships.
Last Fall, Barnes & Noble held Mini Maker-Faires in a number of their stores in partnership with Make magazine.
Another maker-faire was announced last month when B&N and Make magazine renewed their partnership.
Today’s News
Today, Barnes & Noble announced a national tabletop gaming meet-up taking place at all of their stores next Saturday (April 30, 2016). This national event follows weekly gaming events that began only last month in several B&N stores.
“The tabletop gaming industry has always had a wide appeal to Americans as a fun, engaging pastime, but we see Barnes & Noble’s entry into events and gatherings as a game changer,” said Andrew Lupp of the gaming industry organization, PSI. “Few retailers can offer a store environment that’s already tailor-made for gaming. Barnes & Noble has always had a fantastically curated selection of games. Now they’re creating the social experience and building new communities to bring these games to many more gamers around the country.”
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Featured games will represent a leading assortment from Barnes & Noble’s vast selection, including:
Machi Koro- The Japanese card game that is sweeping the world. A fast-paced, light-hearted game for up to three players, with the goal of building the city of Machi Koro (in less than 30 minutes!).
Superfight- A hilarious card game based on fights between characters with superpowers and super problems. Players create fighters from these cards, then argue with one another over who would win in a fight!
Ticket to Ride- A cross-country train adventure game. Players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who can fulfill their destination tickets by connecting two distant cities, and to the player who builds the longest continuous railway.
Munchkin- The mega-hit card game about dungeon adventure, with no role-playing. Players can compete to kill monsters and grab magic items.
Qwirkle- A game that is as simple as matching colors and shapes, but also requires tactical maneuvers and well-planned strategy. Players can earn points by building rows and columns of blocks that share a common shape or color.
Participants will have the chance to play against each other to win prizes, including a Machi Koro Diamine Promo Card Pack, aQwirkle Brainteaser Book, Superfight Promo Card Sets, and more. Customers should contact their local store to find out the full list of prizes available.
See Also: B&N/B&N Mini Maker-Faire Website 2016
About Gary Price
