Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Tabletop Role-playing Games (TTRPGs) are for Libraries
Date/Time
11/5/2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Eastern
Event Registration
Competency
Programming
Event Description
Since its introduction in the 1970s, Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) has brought to life players' dreams of fantasy adventure and glory. The franchise largely overcame the stigma of the "Satanic Panic" and the supposed immorality of the game in the 80s, but more recent scrutiny illuminates racism, misogyny, and other discriminatory game attributes. The organization has released edits and updates that address many of these issues, and the game continues to evolve in ways that make play more inclusive. As the popularity of TTRPGs continues to grow, gaming options beyond the D&D platform are rapidly expanding, providing players with a seemingly limitless pool of fantasy worlds, characters, and adventures to explore.
In this panel discussion, presenters and attendees will explore the basics of TTRPG, highlight different game platforms and their advantages, discuss the myriad benefits to children and adults alike in roleplaying games, and illustrate how TTRPG programs put the library's mission and values into practice.
Carolyn Bagley is the intermediate/teen librarian at Firestone Park Library, part of the Akron–Summit County Public Library system. Drawing on 15 years of experience as an educator, she is a vocal advocate for middle and high school students, dedicated to helping adults shift their mindset about teenagers toward seeing them as capable, thoughtful, and worthy of trust. Carolyn is excited to explore new ways to engage with the public, support their learning and growth, and expand their horizons through use of the library and its resources.
William Richardson is a professional Game Master with over twenty-five years of experience running, designing, and playing roleplaying games. He is a published game designer with writing and editing credits on nine products for sale on the Dungeon Master’s Guild website. He currently facilitates youth D&D programs at public libraries in Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls.
In this panel discussion, presenters and attendees will explore the basics of TTRPG, highlight different game platforms and their advantages, discuss the myriad benefits to children and adults alike in roleplaying games, and illustrate how TTRPG programs put the library's mission and values into practice.
Presenters:
Carolyn Bagley is the intermediate/teen librarian at Firestone Park Library, part of the Akron–Summit County Public Library system. Drawing on 15 years of experience as an educator, she is a vocal advocate for middle and high school students, dedicated to helping adults shift their mindset about teenagers toward seeing them as capable, thoughtful, and worthy of trust. Carolyn is excited to explore new ways to engage with the public, support their learning and growth, and expand their horizons through use of the library and its resources.William Richardson is a professional Game Master with over twenty-five years of experience running, designing, and playing roleplaying games. He is a published game designer with writing and editing credits on nine products for sale on the Dungeon Master’s Guild website. He currently facilitates youth D&D programs at public libraries in Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls.Location
Setting: Live Virtual
Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES
Online via Zoom
UNITED STATES
Contact Person
Details
Who should attend: Anyone wanting to know more about Tabletop Role-playing Games
Competencies: Programming
Non-Member Cost: $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $20
Can't attend on the date or time listed? Sign up anyway! This webinar includes archive access for later viewing at your convenience.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
Competencies: Programming
Non-Member Cost: $40
NEO-RLS Bronze Member Cost: $24
NEO-RLS Silver Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Gold Member Cost: FREE
NEO-RLS Individual Member Cost: $20
Can't attend on the date or time listed? Sign up anyway! This webinar includes archive access for later viewing at your convenience.
It’s never too late to save your library money. NEO-RLS Memberships are pro-rated! Call us today to join.
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