Game of Loans: Lending out board games now

Libraries are stepping up their game - literally.

This week, 10 Auckland libraries, including Manurewa, Papatoetoe, and Māngere Bridge, launched a free board games lending service for adults.

It’s part of a push to re-engage young adults and make libraries more social, inclusive, and fun.

Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe local board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, says it’s an amazing initiative.

“Many of our Pacific communities have traditions of playing board games and the like, including mū or Samoan checkers.

"Card games and dominoes are also played throughout the Pacific. These games are fun and interactive, but also develop skills and strategic thinking.”

Cardholders can borrow board games for free. Each person can borrow one game at a time for up to two weeks.

Torisse Laulu, founder of Lalaga Card Games, says it’s an “incredible” idea.

“It's so brilliant, honestly,” she says.

She believes the move is progressive and could foster deeper, real-world connections in an increasingly digital age.

Laulu says screen time has taken over much of daily life, affecting how people relate to one another, and that board games could help reverse that.

“[Screen time] plays such a big role in stopping real-life interactions and connections. So if ... we can use board games and find more spaces to connect outside of that and in real life, I think it's nice to revert back to what makes us innately human.” she says.

The pilot is part of Auckland Council’s push to use libraries as community hubs that promote social connection, mental stimulation and affordable fun.

Rally your whānau for a free games night, with board games available through the new Auckland Council Libraries pilot collection. Photo/Auckland Council

Catherine Leonard, Head of Library and Learning Services for Auckland Council, says the motivation behind piloting a board game lending collection comes from the libraries seeking innovative collections.

“National and international data shows a clear trend of libraries diversifying their collections, and communities seeking new kinds of engagement with libraries. After hearing about other library systems offering lending board games collections, we were inspired to investigate a collection of our own,” she says.

“Board games offer Aucklanders a free, sustainable and technology-free entertainment option. A borrowable library collection is fantastic for those living in dwellings with limited storage space for their own board game collection.”

Designed for adults, Leonard says that international trends showed strong growth in board game use among 20 to 30-year-olds.

Board games must be checked out at the front desk, not via self-service. Photo/Auckland Council

“As this is a demographic that we see less frequently in our libraries, the decision was made to target our pilot collection at this age group, with the collection available for borrowing for any customer aged 18+.”

The pilot games were chosen for their popularity, repeat playability, and appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes.

She says most importantly, playing board games brings people together.

“They present us with an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family in real life."

Board games can be reserved online but must be collected from the front desk, not the holds station. Photo/Auckland Council

Borrowing a board game

Cardholders must be 18 or older to borrow from the board game collection. There are no late fees. Borrowers must ensure all pieces are carefully returned in their original packaging.

Games must be returned to the front desk at any Auckland library branch, not through the returns chute, as staff need to check for missing or damaged items. This may incur a fine.

Locations to browse games

Board games are only available at the following libraries: Botany, Central City, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Māngere Bridge, Manurewa, Mt Albert, Onehunga, Papatoetoe War Memorial, and Waitākere Central (Henderson).

Pilot and 12 month review

The pilot's success will be evaluated on checkouts by the target audience, turnover rates, and customer feedback on both the collection and related programmes.

A formal review will take place 12 months after launch, with potential expansion to more libraries, additional game titles, and broader age groups considered.

Each of the 10 pilot branches holds 10 different game titles. Games are reservable across the region.

Find out more on the Auckland Libraries website here.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.