Library Now Loaning Video Games

Spotting a trend among other area libraries, the Fort Lee Public Library began lending video games this week.

“A lot of other libraries are doing this,” said Julia Strohmeyer, the young adult services librarian. She reached out to tother librarians who had undergone the process of selecting games for their collections, because, she admits, “I’m not really a gamer myself.”

But that disclaimer aside, empty shelf space stands as evidence to the popularity of her picks. After only one day offering the games for loan, half of the library’s modest collection had already been taken home by Tuesday afternoon.

The library is currently loaning out 16 games for the Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 systems, all purchased by Strohmeyer on a $500 budget from the library. The collection, she says, will continue to expand with to-the-minute releases.

“Not all of the games we bought have been released yet,” Strohmeyer said.

Many of them are sports or fantasy games, and the library steered clear of graphic violence and games rated “mature.”

“There are not too many fighting games,” Strohmeyer said. “And I think right now we should be avoiding shooting games.”

Patrons can take out up to two games for two weeks at a time, free of charge, with an adult library card.