It’s game on at the Niagara Falls Public Library

This column, written by Laura Chadwick, information resources and connections librarian, was originally published in Niagara this Week on Thursday, May 18.

Library cardholders can now borrow a variety of picnic games from the Niagara Falls Public Library. Games can be checked out for one week with the possibility of up to two renewals. Below is a list of the games that will be available.

Badminton/volleyball: Complete with four badminton racquets, three birdies, a volleyball, a net, and a boundary marker, this set has everything you need for a great game of badminton or volleyball with family or friends.

Bocce ball: Bocce ball is a traditional Italian game wherein two teams compete to see who can throw their bocce (a large, weighted ball) closest to the pallino (a small target ball). It’s a game that is easy to learn, but difficult to master!

Pickleball: Try your hand at pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in North America. This set comes with two paddles, two indoor balls, and two outdoor balls so you can play ball no matter where you are.

Flying discs: Discs are fun for everyone! Whether you’re playing a competitive game, simply bringing them to toss around at the beach, or teaching your little one how to throw, you’re sure to have a blast.

Outdoor races: This set comes with all that you need to organize three fun outdoor racing games, including ties for a three-legged race, spoons and plastic eggs for an egg and spoon race, and sacks for a sack race. It also includes medals if you want to get a bit competitive.

Ring toss: Ring toss is a classic picnic game. It can be played one on one or on two teams and the rules are dead simple; just score the most points to win!

Skittle scatter: This game is a variation on bowling. Basically, there are 12 numbered pegs, or skittles, and one throwing pin. All you need to do is toss the pin and try to knock down the skittles with the highest numbers.

Cornhole: Grab a beanbag and see who has the best aim! Cornhole is a great game that everyone in the family can enjoy, plus it’s easy to transport, set up, and take down again.

Spikeball: Spikeball is a challenging and fast-paced game that’s perfect for a picnic, the beach, or anywhere you don’t mind working up a bit of a sweat! You can play with as many people as you like, you simply need to bounce the little ball off the net with your hand and make sure it doesn’t touch the ground.

Horseshoes: Throw your horseshoe on a stake and score points. Seems simple enough, right? Well, these are heavy duty horseshoes and it takes a lot of practice and skill to become an expert at this picnic game.

Croquet: It sounds a bit snooty, but it’s a lot of fun! To play croquet, first you put metal hoops in the ground to make a course. Then you grab a mallet, a ball, and some competitors and try to make it through the course in the fewest possible strokes.

If you’d like more information, call the library at 905-356-8080 or visit one of our locations and a staff member will be happy to assist you.