by Joseph Hett
Some young people view their local public library as an uninviting place. Well, the complete opposite happens in Georgetown, S.C. Young people finally anticipate their next library visits.
In a society where reading has been becoming dormant, there is hope. A convergence with the oldest form of mass communication — books — and new electronic games is transforming this quiet coastal county into an intellectual haven.
SLIS Assistant Professor Ron Brown says participating children seem to finally enjoy spending time at the library. The Georgetown public library’s game lab has been up and running since early 2009.
When young people come into the library and check out books, they accumulate points they can then use to earn time in the game lab. The more books they read, the more hours they gain in the game lab.
The Georgetown library system received a grant from the BYTES Project, Bunnelle Youth Technology Experience Series. The $600,000 is a grant-funded endeavor for Lowcountry libraries to increase literacy by making reading fun for local youth. The Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation donated the funds for BYTES Project.
Dwight McInvaill, Georgetown Library director, said, “The initial grant paid for a gaming club to entice teens to come in and use the library to earn more gaming time. The club added a video game design component and a digital arts component, Apple computers and handheld cameras to create music, film and art.”
SLIS is currently conducting research on the effects of the grant. Dr. Brown administers the research for the initiative. “Kids learn that reading is not all that terrible and they can have fun while doing it. With the introduction of the electronic game consoles, we saw an increase of children coming to the library,” he said with a smile.
Donald Dennis, BYTES Project manager, said, “With this grant you are bridging the gap between the traditional library and the library of the future. The gaming and technology program will keep young people off the streets and out of gangs, helping to improve their education and self-esteem by making them part of a public gaming community. In the end they will be better educated, more employable, and better members of the community at large.”
So far this year, 96 children have participated in the game lab program. The Georgetown public library system currently has three branches participating in the BYTES Project: Andrews, Carvers Bay and the main branch. The grant is scheduled to run for three years.
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