Public Play: Gaming, VR & AR at the library

A growing number of Victoria’s public libraries recognise the value of public play and gaming as opportunities for education, socialisation, fun and engagement across a range of demographic groups.

Public Play: Gaming, VR and AR at the Library will showcase a range of digital gaming programs delivered through public libraries, highlighting the broad outcomes in terms of learning, health and wellbeing, and social connection. The webinar is presented by Public Libraries Victoria in partnership with the Committee for Melbourne as part of the Digital Innovation Festival 2023.

Date: Tues 29 August
Time: 10.00AM – 11.30AM
Venue: Online
Cost: FREE; registration link

Public libraries provide a safe space for community members from all walks of life to try something new in terms of digital gaming: in a 2022 survey of over 34,000 library users, 92% said they feel safe at the public library.

Digital gaming in public libraries gives community members access to opportunities and equipment that might otherwise be inaccessible, unaffordable and/or somewhat intimidating.

‘Public Play’ showcases different examples of digital gaming in Victoria’s public libraries, outlining how they are conceived, delivered, and funded through partnerships.

Speakers include:

• Felipe Jeges, Children and Youth Services Librarian, Kingston Libraries, ‘Crafting Connections: Building community through gaming’
• Philip Minchin, Acting Service Delivery Team Leader, City of Melbourne Libraries, ‘Play and networks: Using playful tech to connect in person’
• Victoria Rogers, Children’s Librarian, Feelix Library, Vision Australia, ‘Hosting Online Games for People who are Blind or have Low Vision’
• Jonathan Salmon, Library Communications and Promotions Officer, Port Phillip Libraries, ‘Rocket Science at the Library’

This event will be of particular interest to those keen to learn more about the opportunities available to partner with public libraries to deliver innovative digital programs and services, as well as library staff interested in incorporating gaming into your program.

Presented as a feature event of the DIF2023 Festival which runs from 23 August to 6 September. Committee for Melbourne and Public Libraries Victoria are proud DIF Partners and to play our part in the Digital Innovation Futures Victoria initiative.

#DIFvic #DIF2023 #MaketheDIF