Once upon a time, tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons was considered a niche teen activity.

That has changed. A recent survey found that more than 1 in 8 Americans collect and play tabletop role-playing games and/or wargames. And with the increasing interest in programs like Critical Role and Dimension 20, role-playing games have reached new heights of popularity. 

But not everyone knows how to start playing, or may find game materials too expensive to join in the fun. Many respondents to the survey noted that they had spent hundreds of dollars on the hobby, which could be a significant barrier for entry into this growing activity. 

The Fond du Lac Public Library, however, can help new gamers leap past those barriers. The library offers both materials and events that enable people to try the game without paying a dime.

The library, for instance, has a wide selection of guidebooks and even game kits available as a part of its regular circulating collection. These include handbooks for Dungeons and Dragons, each of which can cost $25 to $75 or even more. People can even check out entire kits for other unique games such as Wisconsin Adventures: Myths and Legends of Wisconsin, where players “battle” mythical Wisconsin creatures such as the Hodag.

“Games like these really have something for all ages. They encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and community, whether you’re 6, 16, or 64,” said Hannah Kane, librarian at the Fond du Lac Public Library. “It can be intimidating to figure out where to start if you want to get started, though, so the library can be a great entry point.”

The library also has Dungeons & Dragons gaming events scheduled for both adults and teens. 

For instance, adults who want to learn how to run a Dungeons & Dragons “campaign” can join the library for How to be a Dungeon Master on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. It’s a chance to learn the basics of storytelling, worldbuilding and more, all for free. Registration is required for this event; space is limited.

Teens, meanwhile, can join the monthly Ready, Set, Roleplay! event at the library. Held the first Thursday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Space, the program welcomes all experience levels; drop in to play. The next event will be held Thursday, Oct. 2.

Curious to learn more? Fond du Lac Public Library staff can help answer questions about these events and items in the collection, as well as others.

Fond du Lac Public Library operates two locations: the Main Library at 32 Sheboygan St. in downtown Fond du Lac, and the Allen J. Buechel Branch at 1139 E. Johnson St. near Festival Foods. The main library is open daily: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Chapter 52 Bookstore at 52 Sheboygan St. is open Monday through Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Allen J. Buechel Branch is open weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about any of these locations, visit fdlpl.org.