November is International Games Month, making it the perfect time to explore all the ways you can play at the library! Forget the old stereotype of libraries as quiet, formal spaces. Today’s libraries are places to connect, compete, and have fun. From play-based programs and games you can enjoy at the library to online gaming platforms, Richmond Public Library has something for gamers of all ages and interests. Ready to play? Discover how you can level up your library experience this November…and beyond!

Get in the Game — Library Programs

Ready to play? From trivia nights around the city to puzzle competitions and board game afternoons, there are plenty of ways to challenge yourself, try something new, and have fun with your community.

Special this Month:

Can You Beat A Librarian? Trivia

ADULTS — This International Games Month, join us around the city at popular businesses such as Liberty Public House, Southside Community Center, Smoky Mug, and more! Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can outsmart your local librarian.

Each branch will bring its own local flavor, a different librarian in the hot seat, and a fresh set of trivia questions, so every night offers a new challenge. Think you have what it takes? Come play along!

Puzzle Palooza: How Fast Can You Jigsaw? @ Belmont

ADULTS — Join the Belmont Library’s puzzle competition—solo or with a team—and race to finish a 500-piece puzzle for a chance to win and take the puzzle home! Registration required.

Wednesday, 11/18 at 5:00pm 

International Games Month Celebration @ Belmont

ALL AGES — Drop in for an afternoon of board games in celebration of International Games Month! Play with family and friends, try something new, and if you find a favorite, check it out to enjoy at home.

Saturday, 11/21 All Day

Recurring Programs:

Virtual Bowling for Senior Adults @ West End 

Level Up! @ East End, Main, & Broad Rock

Chess Night @ North Avenue  

Tabletop/Board Games @ North Avenue 

Warhammer Club @ Ginter Park

D & D 101 @ Ginter Park

Kids D & D Club @ Ginter Park

Play Your Way — On-Site & On-Demand Play

The fun doesn’t stop at programs! Many Richmond Public Library locations offer games and puzzles you can enjoy right here at the library. Whether you’re looking to piece together a puzzle, challenge a friend to a board game, or try your hand at video games, there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few ways to play at your local library:

Belmont – Take the fun home! Browse a selection of adult puzzles and check one out to enjoy at home.

Broad Rock – Play Nintendo Switch during select special programs.

East End – Explore a variety of games and puzzles available for in-library play. Teens can also enjoy Nintendo Switch during designated programs.

Hull Street – Challenge a friend to a game! Checkers and Connect Four are local favorites, alongside other games available for in-library play. A new Nintendo Switch has also arrived, so keep an eye out for upcoming programs.

Ginter Park – Take a break and enjoy a variety of games and puzzles during your library visit.

Main – Join the fun with the community puzzle at the Information Desk, or explore puzzles available throughout the building. The Teen Department also offers a variety of board games and a Nintendo Switch available upon request.

North Avenue – Stop by to enjoy games and puzzles in the library, or look for Nintendo Switch fun during special programs.

Log In & Play — Digital Gaming

The fun continues online! Use your Richmond Public Library card to access these digital resources and discover free games, puzzles, and more—all from the comfort of home or wherever you play.

Puzzmo

Play thousands of award-winning puzzles and games, updated daily!

Get special unlimited access to some of the best puzzles and games on the web for free! This BingePass gives you seven days of unlimited access to hit games from Puzzmo and award-winning game designer Zach Gage. Puzzmo has classic games with a twist, like: Cross|word, an approachable redesign to a classic, with hints; SpellTower, word search meets Candy Crush, but smarter; Pile-Up Poker, a strategic combo of two classic card games: solitaire and poker; and Really Bad Chess, which is regular chess but with chaos, every day is a unique and wacky board! You can also play brand new games only on Puzzmo, like: Flipart, a quick digital jigsaw puzzle; and Typeshift, an anagram game with a literal twist. BingePass gives you access to the entire Puzzmo games archive and to new games that are updated every day!

Puzzle Palace

All Your Favorite Puzzles in One Place

Now you can easily play a variety of brain-bending sudoku, crossword, and word games. Take a crack at 10 variations of Sudoku, 5 crossword puzzle types, and 4 word games. From “Guesstionary” and “Word Sleuth” to Stacked Sudoku and the Thomas Joseph Crossword, there’s something for kids, beginners, and seasoned experts alike. New games are added daily!

Smile and Learn

Smile and Learn is an award-winning educational platform with over 14,000 interactive activities and games for children aged 3-12. From reinforcing school subjects to developing new skills, such as languages, programming, or even yoga, every activity is created by educators to make learning personalized, engaging, and fun—so kids stay motivated and excited to learn every day.

The platform can be personalized to each child, with adjustable difficulties, fonts, and reading modes—plus it’s designed to support children with special educational needs.

Get seven days of unlimited access to videos, stories, and games that create an engaging learning experience and are available in English, Spanish, Latin American Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Catalan—all for a single borrow.