Go for Libraries & Community Centers

Looking for fun things to do after school? Looking for new community center programs? Looking for ideas for library youth programs? Go is a simple game of strategy that brings generations of people together. Go helps libraries and community centers build welcoming spaces where people learn, connect and keep coming back week after week, whether for scheduled recurring activities, family events or drop-in game sessions.

A Flexible Activity for Every Age

Go is one of the few things that children, teens, adults and seniors can all enjoy together. The basics can be learned in one session, and the experienced player continues to discover new strategies over time. This versatility makes Go a great choice for libraries and community centers that serve diverse populations and want to provide programs that everyone can enjoy.

Easy to Add to Existing Programs

You don’t need a dedicated gaming room or a big budget to get Go going. It is a natural complement to existing after-school programs, board game afternoons, family programs, cultural celebrations, senior programs, open recreation hours. No matter the space or the schedule, Go adapts to your needs, whether you are hosting weekly meetups or monthly workshops.

Free Library Starter Set

A $36 value free to all AGF-approved Go programs! Up to 14 kids can begin playing right away. Contains:

3 reversible vinyl boards: 9x9/13x13
1 Full set of plastic stones, enough for 4 small board games
10 Way to Go booklets
4 cardboard 9x9 sets, with punch-out cardboard stones

The Library Starter Set is perfect for a smaller group of kids that doesn't have a dedicated teacher who already knows how to play Go. If you have more experienced players and larger numbers, order the Classroom Starter Set instead.

Project Application Form

How to Start

Fill out our online Project Application Form and we will follow up. Once you are approved as an AGF program, you do not need to reapply for further requests - just email us at mail@agfgo.org.

Manga and Anime Clubs

If you have an anime club or Asian study group, you already have a starting point. Hikaru no Go is the best selling series about young kids who play Go professionally. Go was commended by Confucius in ancient times, and was one of the four Scholarly Arts in ancient China. Go is also an ideal window on Asian culture.

Build Meaningful Community Connections

Libraries and community centers are at their best when they’re places of gathering. Go encourages conversation, friendly competition and teamwork, and helps players to meet new friends and develop lasting relationships. A typical Go meeting can soon turn into a friendly community tradition that keeps people coming back again and again.

Support Lifelong Learning

Go rewards the curious, the patient and the perpetually improving. Each game is a new challenge that forces the player to come up with new ideas, adjust their strategy, and learn from their mistakes. These qualities make Go a wonderful activity for lifelong learners of all ages, from young children to seniors seeking stimulating mental activity.

Start a Local Go Community

Many successful Go communities begin with a handful of interested players who meet regularly. Libraries and community centers often become local hubs for information exchange, events and the sharing of love of the game between newcomers and veterans as more people get involved.

Want to bring Go to your community? Check out our Start a Club page for practical advice. If you would like to help us grow Go access in more libraries and community centers please consider contributing at our Donate page.

Gaming is one example of how libraries continue to change to meet the needs of their communities and users, offering innovative programs and services that educate, entertain and expand interaction with their patrons.

- Beth Galloway

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