Here are some of the resources and programming ideas shared on the NHAIS-L list about Pokémon Go.
I have been running a Pokémon program in Manchester since March that has been very well attended, and I plan to review Pokémon Go with kids and parents in it, next week. Feel free to email me with any Pokémon-related questions; I am always happy to talk about this subject. – David, Manchester City Library
I believe that since the Pokemon Go map is based on the Ingress map that you can contact Ingress to get your information changed. It may take a while for the information to make its way to Pokemon Go. This is where you should go: https://support.ingress.com/hc/en-us/articles/217695748-How-do-I-get-a-Portal-moved-or-correct-its-location-– Gail, Keene Public Library
I can think of great displays if your’e a gym! I love the idea of a display with the three team colors and a little bubble that says which team owns your gym that you can easily change as the ownership of the gym changes. Since we’re just a stop, I have “team rosters” out for people to sign their name on. So far only three takers, but I’m finding the people playing the game aren’t really coming in. I’d love to get all the passerbys in here. I was thinking about putting something outside that says you can come in, collect pokeballs and charge your phone. I’ve also heard the idea of free water and free ice pops. Any other fun ideas to get all those teens and young adults off the front steps and into the library? – Justine, Walpole Town Library
We are going to buy some tiny Pokémon figures and when the person shows us their phone that shows the captured Pokémon on the map here (and today’s date), and their library card, we’ll give them a tiny figure. One per day per person. (we’ll have a small log book for name and date so we don’t have double dippers) We hope maybe some folks without cards might even take the time to sign up for one (and use it to check items out off our Pokémon display)! We are going to make sure we say “while supplies last” in our PR. May start this next week once we have supplies and PR done. – Amy, Barrington Public Library
This afternoon we held a meetup in the shade in front of our building. We set up some chairs, a table, and extension cords to our outdoor outlet. We had a cooler full of water available too. We advertised it as a place to “recharge and refresh.” We set out some lures at the beginning and then others did the same. Hard to say how many people came; they would come and go, and I was in and out of the building, but I’d guess 25-40 over the course of about an hour. Mostly young adults; many new faces.We advertised it (for $18) on our Facebook page and on other local Facebook groups. – Carol, Nashua Public Library
This is the request form to have Niantic add a Pokestop or Gym! https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=319928 – Justine, Walpole Town Library
One of our most popular books is the Pokemon Deluxe Essential Handbook! – Laura, Dummer Public Library
I’m seeing a bunch of libraries on Facebook who are Pokestops advertise times when they’ll be dropping lures (which cost money but not much and basically lure pokemon to your location for half an hour). Definitely a fun, inexpensive programming idea! Catching Pokemon is more fun with friends =) – Justine, Walpole Town Library
We had an impromptu Pokemon ‘program’ this evening after our scheduled story time was over! It just happened. Patrons were talking about it, asking about it so my assistant pulled out her tablet, took everyone outside and they all went ‘hunting! The longer they were outside, the more joined up. She looked like the Pied Piper out there with the trail of kids and parents following her. What fun they all had, it was a very happy time! They were all over the library grounds. One little guy even got a Zubat at our front door. So exciting! We might just have to have another session tomorrow too! – Leslie, GEP Dodge Public Library
Additional Reading:
http://galaxybookjockey.tumblr.com/post/147240001718/everything-librarians-need-to-know-about-pokemon – Linda, Dudley Tucker Library
https://www.facebook.com/CityofMiamiPoliceDepartment/videos/1108867302537145/ – Judy, Converse Free Library
http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2016/07/pokemon-go-library-perfect-partnership/ – David, Manchester City Library
http://www.macworld.com/article/3094801/software-games/the-beginner-s-guide-to-pok-mon-go-an-faq-on-how-to-catch-em-all.html – Bobbi, NHSL
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-go/ – Judy, Converse Free Library
http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/13/12172056/how-does-pokemon-go-work – Judy, Converse Free Library
http://lifehacker.com/a-parent-s-guide-to-playing-pokemon-go-with-your-kids-1783525769 – Judy, Converse Free Library
http://lifehacker.com/how-to-save-your-phone-s-battery-while-playing-pokemon-1783445442 – Judy, Converse Free Library