The Detroit Public Library Franklin Branch has partnered with MagiKids, a 501(c)(3) charity, to introduce teens to the popular trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a popular table top (and now digital) collectible card game that began 30 years ago and influenced a number of other trading card games such as "Pokémon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" Librarian Cameron Socha played when he was younger, and is now excited to introduce a new generation to the game. “While the game is easy to learn, it can get fairly complex and difficult. I was surprised to see how popular the game still is and wanted to provide an accessible introduction for anyone interested in learning the game,” according to Cameron.
The nonprofit MagiKids collects and reuses unwanted Magic cards and provides access by giving the cards to teachers and mentors—free of charge. The goal is to help teach kids critical thinking skills, as well as strengthen reading and math comprehension, and even improve socialization and focus, all through game play. The Franklin Branch recently received Magic cards from MagiKids that will be used to help teens and young adults begin to build decks. Cameron will be providing an introduction on building a deck of cards, followed by some guided practice so that everyone can become familiar with the basic rules through hands-on instruction. Hopefully there will be time to start some games, but attendees will get to take home a deck (60 cards), a deck box, dice counters and booster packs so they can continue playing at home!
The first event will take place at the Franklin Branch (13651 East McNichols) on Saturday, November 18 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The even is open to teens ages 13 – 18, as well as accompanying adults, parents and even older siblings. Cameron is hoping for more events and even tournament play in the future.
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/l...