No One's "Bored" At Teen Gaming

In this era of super-powerful, high-resolution, internet-connected video game consoles, there's something refreshing about a group of kids getting together around a simple, old-fashioned board game and having some digital-free fun.

Teen Gaming is a free, ongoing monthly program running at the Massapequa Public library on Central Avenue, where sixth graders through high schoolers can gather with their peers to take on the challenges presented by games such as Connect Four, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit.

"It's a chance for the kids to sit down in an unstructured environment and play board games," said Peter Cirona, the Young Adult Services librarian."We have about three dozen games to choose from, or they can bring in their own games instead. And they're welcome to bring their friends."

Jessica Azoulay, 10, had just knocked over the Monopoly box, scattering little red and green plastic houses all over the floor.

"Me and my friend always go," she said while cleaning up the mess. "And we always play Monopoly the whole time."

To keep their energy up during marathon sessions of games such as Clue and Checkers, the teens were provided with free soda and pizza to snack on in-between turns.

If interested, kids can register for next month's Teen Gaming event at the Adult Reference counter of either the Central Avenue or Bar Harbor library.

"We only ask that the kids register beforehand so I know how much food to bring," said Cirona. "But they can also just walk in off the street if they want."

Despite the children in attendance clearly enjoying themselves, Cirona expressed a bit of disappointment that more teens weren't taking advantage of the program.

"We just wish more kids would come," he said. "We usually get about fifteen, but we can fit in about two dozen."

In their attempts to drum up attendance the library issues press releases, but mostly relies on word-of-mouth to get kids in to play.

Jackie Blendermann, 11, had just moved to Massapequa with her family from North Carolina and was playing with some new friends she had recently made.

"This is my first time at Teen Gaming," she said. "It's pretty cool, and I like it here in Massapequa. I'd totally come here to play again next month."