The library environment is an ideal one for starting up a gaming club.

A club can help meet library needs by encouraging teenage boys into the library and changing their perception of what the service has to offer them. It is an ideal opportunity to get them reading and using the other services that are available. Most importantly it does this in a way that is relevant to them which they enjoy and which gives them a safe venue to pursue their hobby and meet with others who share their enthusiasm.

By providing a place for the young people you can also raise your issue figures and footfall counts. Most libraries make membership of the library a requirement for joining the club.

There are many elements to the hobby including painting, gluing models together and building an army.

In order to create their army each hobbyist will consider many factors – using probability and maths to help them.

The backgrounds are very detailed for the games and encourage reading and creative writing. There is a wealth of literature based around the worlds that Games Workshop has created and most of the novels are available through your standard bookseller (Askews or Bertrams). This uses numeracy, literacy and motor skills all whilst having fun!

There is also a large social element to the hobby, not only playing the games but, sitting painting together and discussing the merits of each army.

Our games are great at attracting a target audience that is usually difficult for libraries to get through the door, 11 – 16 year old boys! Although there are many girls who enjoy the hobby, it is predominantly boys who will attend a library club.

Games Workshop produces a pack that explains how to set up and run a club in a library. It can be downloaded from the Club Resources page.

You can also speak to the Bek Hawkby the Community Coordinator who will be able to talk you through the basics and explain how Games Workshop can support your club.