Gen Con Names Indianapolis Public Library as Literacy Partner

Convention to Host Bookmobile, Promote Literacy in Indy Libraries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS (April 13, 2018) Gen Con, the largest and longest running gaming and hobby convention in North America, has named The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation as its Literacy Partner for the August 2-5, 2018 convention. As part of this agreement, Gen Con will supply the Library Foundation with more than 100 convention badges to support youth literacy, summer reading programs, and summer costume contests that take place in Indy libraries. Gen Con also will have a presence for the Library Foundation in the Indiana Convention Center during the event, and will host a bookmobile on-site on Sunday, August 5.

“We are grateful Gen Con has named us as their literacy partner,” said Roberta Jaggers, president of the Library Foundation. “The Library Foundation supports many of The Indianapolis Public Library’s literacy initiatives because we believe in the power of reading to transform lives. Both reading and playing games are immersive experiences that open doors to new worlds. Reading and gaming go hand-in-hand.”

Those interested in participating in library programming and learning more about the badge giveaways should go to the Library Foundations social media pages on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/IndyPLFndtn/ and Twitter @IndyPL_Fndtn to learn more. Participation with the bookmobile on Sunday, August 5 will not require a Gen Con 2018 badge, and any local residents are encouraged to attend.

“The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation provides a tremendous resource and bedrock for the Indy community,” said Jake Theis, Director of Marketing for Gen Con. “The relationship between gaming, literacy, and learning is strong, and we’re delighted to help the library’s efforts in any way possible.”

Gen Con 2018 will return to the Indiana Convention Center Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 5 in Indianapolis. Last year marked an historic milestone when the convention celebrated its 50^th show, setting record attendance numbers and selling out for the first time in its history. Gen Con expects to sell out of attendee badges prior to the convention this year as well.