FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291
There was a mob of twenty-somethings duking it out at Calvert Library Prince Frederick on Saturday! And it appeared that the library was awarding prizes to the winners! It turns out that it was a Super Smash Bros. Brawl tournament with prizes sponsored by Kevin Chronister’s Lusby business Play ‘n Trade. Chronister ran the brackets while librarians served as referees. When asked why he would sponsor a tournament in direct competition with his own tournaments Chronister said, “I love Calvert Library and I think it’s important for businesses to give back to their community. I can’t think of a more enjoyable way to do so. Look what fun everyone is having!”
The day actually started with a MarioKart Tournament for the younger crowd, ages 6-12. Though there was only space for 30-couple competitors, the spectators brought the numbers to nearly 80. Each participant had four races in which to try to score the most points or at least, the second-most points in order to be able to move on to the next round of races. The second place winner, Carson King from Dunkirk, received a $30 gift card from Play ‘n Trade while the champion, Benjamin Voelker from Prince Frederick received a $50 gift card. All participants also received a coupon book with hundreds of dollars in savings for games and services at Play ‘n Trade.
After a break for lunch, the Smash Bros. Brawl competition started for ages 13 and up. Each round was a one-on-one bout with the loser getting a second chance in the losers’ bracket. There were some hard-fought matches with fancy flying and fierce aerial battles. Some contestants were thwarted in their plans to conquer all by the news that they could only use the stock characters and no special items but there were “oohs” and “aahs” when a contender won with Mario, often considered a rather weak character. The field was full with 32 players, the majority of whom were college age and male. Steve Thompson from Huntingtown described the tournament as “very intense.” He further said, “I hope there will be more in the future.” Charlie Dulka of Mechanicsville ultimately defeated second place winner Tyler Burton in their final match on the big screen. Luis Tirado-Garcia didn’t win but said, “It was an awesome experience! Can’t wait till the next tournament!” Charlotte Sanders of Chesapeake Beach said, “I brought my son John and his friend Daniel Corteville to the Smash Brothers competition and found it to be a well-organized event by the library and Play' n Trade. Everyone was very friendly, all of the gamers from ages 14 up to young adults all seemed to have a great time and showed excellent sportsmanship! Although I know nothing about the game, I too enjoyed sharing the afternoon with the gamers and other parents that attended.”
Gaming Team leader and Public Services Librarian for Calvert Library Lisa Wieland said she was thrilled with the turnout and felt like the day was a great success. Public Relations Coordinator Robyn Truslow took the opportunity to question an ad hoc focus group of twenty-something young men to ask what else they would like to see the library do for their demographic. She said, “We might see some of these guys here working on a project for school but not often at library events. We have movie nights and concerts that would make perfect (and cheap!) date nights but those seem to attract the next age group so I wanted to find out what would work better for this age bracket.”
Overall, it was a happening day at the library and Wieland said she’s looking forward to their next gaming event on Monday, April 9. In an effort to give kids an excuse to get out and be social during their Spring Break, Calvert Library Prince Frederick is hosting “School’s Out Wii Gamin’!” at 2pm. For more information, call the Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
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Photo: Play ‘n Trade owner Kevin Chronister, cheers on players during a Wii Smash Bros. Brawl tournament at Calvert Library Prince Frederick.
Robyn Truslow
Public Relations Coordinator
Calvert Library
850 Costley Way
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
phone: 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862
fax: 410-535-3022
rtruslow@somd.lib.md.us
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