The Thrill of Board Games

January 08, 2013

When I mention board games, what’s the first thing you think of? Playing one with friends? Using a board game as entertainment at family gatherings? Maybe, you played one with friends and family to pass the time during a cold winter storm?

This form of recreation has probably been around as long as reading and writing. The oldest known board game was called Senet, and there are wall paintings that show ancient Egyptians playing. Archeologists disagree on the rules, but it appears that the objective of this game was to be the first person to get your pieces to a certain spot. You can read more by logging into the Gale World History in Context database and doing a search on board games or Senet.

The abundance of video games may have lessened the appeal of board games as recreation in today’s culture, but they still have their place. One advantage to board games is that you don’t need a power source or Internet connection to make them work. Just enough light and a game was all you needed to have fun (I speak from experience on this one).

We will be having Board Game Day at the Library on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. This program is advertised for teens, but anyone is welcome to participate. We will have all sorts of games available to play.

We also have Chess Time, which meets on the first Monday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Because of the holidays, this month’s meeting will be on Monday the 14th. Call us at 816.630.6721 or ask a staff member for more information.

Robert F.
Excelsior Springs Branch