Pokémon at the Library...Fun and Educational!

The word Pokémon may be completely unfamiliar to you, but chances are if you’re the relative of a Pokémon fan you’ve heard about these delightful little creatures more than a few times.

Over the past 10 years, children in more than 30 countries have been enjoying the world of Pokémon creatures, which now includes a TV cartoon, movies, toys, books, videogames, and a collectible trading card game. Parents seem especially fond of the card game, as it promotes literacy skills, strategic thinking, and quick mental math. In addition, the Pokémon organized play program puts a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and respect towards others, while awarding (among other prizes) over $100,000 in scholarships annually.

The Youth Services department, in our continuing efforts to bring free, quality children’s programs to the library, recently began running a program called Pokémon League, much to the delight of Des Plaines’ many young Pokémon enthusiasts. Pokémon League happens every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm now through July 31, and during the first three weeks alone more than 75 children ages 6 to17 have participated. The program is a place for local Pokémon fans to get together with their favorite Pokémon cards or Nintendo DS system and have fun together.

Pokémon League focuses on the kids interacting and learning with each other in a fun, non-competitive environment. While they play, the kids have the opportunity to earn neat prizes, which are supplied to the library free of charge. League is supported by the Pokémon organized play system, which awards academic scholarships in the more competitive tournaments that take place throughout the year.

If you know a young Pokémon fan, be sure to let them know about this wonderful program that happens every Sunday afternoon at the Des Plaines Public Library. For more information contact Adam Vernola, DPPL's Pokémon Professor, at 847-376-2838.

In addition, the library collection offers a wide variety of Pokémon items you can check out and enjoy at home, including early reader books, magazines, graphic novels, DVD cartoon episodes, and full length movie DVDs.