Charles City Public Library rolls for initiative with new Dungeons and Dragons program

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

A new program at the Charles City Public Library is inviting people to roll for characters for a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Last November the library started running sessions of the popular table-top role playing game, bringing in people to try their hand at the dice-rolling adventure.

“It pretty much started up because I’m a big nerd,” said Kamryn Kronschnabel, the patron services librarian in charge of adult programming.

Dungeons and Dragons is the seminal table-top role playing game where players create a character and take on a fantasy adventure with other players, crafting a unique story based on how they interact with each other and the “dungeon master” leading the game.

Having run her own campaigns of Dungeons and Dragons, along with similar tabletop role playing games for the last five years, Kronschnabel said she is excited to have an opportunity to give other people in the community an avenue to enjoy the game as she does. So far, response to the program has been well received.

“It seems like people have been pretty receptive to it,” she said. “I’m hoping that most of them come back.”

Whether they are old players looking for a chance to play again or new players interested in trying the game out, the library is working to make sure everybody feels welcome to join in on a game.

The library campaigns are using the most recent 5th edition of the game, and keeping things simple by not getting too far into the expansions and supplemental material. Campaigns consist of one-off adventures that can be completed in a single session, keeping things flexible for people who may not be able to attend every gathering.

“It seems like everybody had a good time,” said Kronschnabel.

Along with adult sessions, the library is experimenting with a kids session as well. On Wednesday, Dec. 28, the library hosted its first kids-only D&D session where kids under 12 were able to pick from pre-made characters and go on a short quest.

The next adult session is scheduled for Jan. 28, with future sessions beyond that to-be-determined due to upcoming floor renovations to the library disrupting the schedule.

“We’re hoping that it will become a recurring thing,” said Kronschnabel about the gaming. “I think it’s really fun to lead sessions like this and I enjoy seeing what creative things players come up with.”