Description and History
International Games Month (IGM) is an initiative run by volunteers from around the world to reconnect communities through their libraries around the educational, recreational, and social value of all types of games. IGM began in 2007 as National Games Day - a free event attempting to set the world’s record for the number of people playing the same game at the same time at libraries around the world. National Games Day became International Games Day (IGD) in 2012, International Games Week (IGW) in 2017, and finally IGM in 2022. IGM is a valuable way for libraries and their communities to join together and engage in play each year.
Sponsor
Games and Gaming Round Table (GameRT)
Professional Learning Resources
International Games Month is the landing page for the annual event. This page includes registration and resources. Registration is not required, but sponsors each year donate games and materials for distribution.
Games in School Libraries is a podcast with older episodes that can be particularly useful to new gamers. If you are an elementary librarian, check out episode 16 with T Caires. Haba has many awesome games for elementary students. Secondary librarians may enjoy episode 160 with Scott Nicholson discussing classroom puzzle games and escape rooms.
This blog, a Beginner’s Guide to Hosting a Board Game Night is written for public libraries, but includes useful recommendations to consider when making plans for family events in schools.
Benefits of Using Board Games in the Classroom, a blog pot from Jackie Gerstein, shares the value of learning through board games.
Board Game Geek is an extensive site for gamers, including forums, reviews, and adaptations or how-to-play ideas.
Learner Engagement Resources
Games for Students at International Games Month includes a selection of print-and-play games which can be downloaded and shared in libraries and classrooms.