1. The Washington State Library's Tabletop Gaming Program has been awarded a $249,500 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This grant will enable the library to expand its successful tabletop gaming program, which has been running since 2018, to reach more communities across the state.

2. The grant will be used to create a comprehensive toolkit and training program to help other libraries establish their own tabletop gaming programs. The toolkit will include resources such as game recommendations, programming ideas, and best practices for engaging with the local gaming community. The training program will provide hands-on support and guidance to librarians interested in starting or enhancing their own tabletop gaming initiatives.

3. The Tabletop Gaming Program has already demonstrated its impact, with over 20,000 participants engaging in gaming events and activities since its inception. The program has been particularly successful in attracting diverse audiences, including youth, families, and older adults. The National Leadership Grant will allow the Washington State Library to further expand the reach and impact of this innovative program, helping to foster community engagement, lifelong learning, and social connections through the power of tabletop gaming.