Library reaches out to teens with new video games

Try getting the attention of teenagers when they are plugged into MP3 players, online gaming or instant messaging friends.

That's what public libraries are up against.

With short attention spans and a world revolving around online and digital entrapments, capturing the eye of an elusive teen population has never been tougher.

Libraries that have tried everything in the book to attract young adults are realizing books just aren't enough.

Ela Area Public Library in Lake Zurich is the latest to adopt a new trend of adding video games to its traditional collections to lure teens.

The library plans to roll out its video games collection for patrons to check out Oct. 1.

"It will hopefully appeal to a segment of the population that sort of drops off from libraries, and doesn't come because they don't think we have anything to offer them," said library executive director Mary Beth Campe.

So far, it has purchased 60 video games for popular consoles such as PlayStation2, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. It's only the beginning.

"We won't have thousands right away," Campe said. "It's going to be a collection that is going to have to be built over the next couple of years. I'm sure we're going to get an overwhelming response."

Suburban libraries are getting creative in trying to attract the teen market.

Some libraries have taken it a step further and introduced gaming tournaments, said Sarah Long, North Suburban Library System director.

"Information, learning, education and recreation comes in many forms," Long said. "And I think libraries are doing the right thing in acquiring what their constituents are interested in. Libraries are wise to do that because these are future taxpayers."

Ela Library's collection will include video games for teens and children, but Campe expects some adults may also check out the video games.