Youngsters to do battle with video games

KATINA CURTIS

KIAMA youth will battle it out at the library this week with the first video gaming night.

The night is hosted by Kiama Library and the Kiama Youth Centre to tie in with Drug Action Week.

Organiser Leanne Webster, the library’s information services officer, said the main aim of the event was to get young people into the library.

“It’s something a lot of public libraries in America are doing,” she said.

“It’s a way of getting young people into the library and then they can see that it’s more than just games here.”

Gamers on the night can choose from a range of X-Box 360, Wii and PlayStation 2 games.

“We’re just going to bring a few in and see which ones fit in best. All the games will be suitable for all ages of children,” Ms Webster said.

In particular, there will be Guitar Hero and Wii Sports competitions, with prizes donated by the NSW State Library and Drug Action Week.

Ms Webster said there would be food and drinks available as well as a range of information promoting drug awareness and plenty of giveaways.

She hopes to make the gaming night a regular event at the library if this first one is successful.

“I think we need more things for young people in the community that are in a safe venue where parents feel safe having their kids go to,” she said.

The gaming night at the library tomorrow (June 26) from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

For more details, contact Leanne Webster at Kiama Library on 4233 1133.

The library also promoted a Drug Knowledge Quiz, for which entries closed yesterday. All entries went in a draw to win a 1GB USB wristband, donated by the State Library of NSW. The winner will be announced at the gaming night.