Auraria Library Launches Game Collection for Students

New library initiative aims to help students connect and build community on campus.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A visually striking, abstract grid of brightly colored board game boxes, conceptually representing the diverse game collection available for students to explore and enjoy.The new game collection at Auraria Library provides students with a diverse array of gaming options to connect, unwind, and build community.Denver Today

The Auraria Library in Denver, Colorado has launched a new game collection with over 200 board games, card games, and role-playing options that students can check out for two weeks. The collection, supported by an Inclusive Excellence grant, is intended to help students unwind, learn new things, and connect with their peers.

Why it matters

Games are a great way for students to take a break from studying, meet new people, and build a sense of community on campus. The diverse game collection at Auraria Library provides an accessible resource for students to explore different genres, from fast-paced party games to cooperative strategy titles that teach new skills.

The details

The game collection at Auraria Library includes a wide variety of options, from classic board games like Checkers and Catan to newer hits like Codenames, Pandemic, and The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine. Librarian Kelly McCusker highlighted several standout titles, including the quick-playing strategy game Love Letter, the hilarious word game Scattergories, and the educational ocean-themed game Oceans. The library also has role-playing game systems like GURPS and Dungeons & Dragons to allow students to immerse themselves in fantasy worlds.

  • The Auraria Library launched its new game collection earlier this year.

The players

Auraria Library

A library serving students at the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Community College of Denver.

Kelly McCusker

The collection development program lead librarian at Auraria Library who curated the new game collection.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great way to create community with your family, with your friends, or on a campus that you might be new to.”

— Kelly McCusker, Collection Development Program Lead Librarian

What’s next

The Auraria Library plans to continue expanding its game collection and promoting it to students as a way to connect and unwind.

The takeaway

The new game collection at Auraria Library provides students with a fun and accessible way to take a break from studying, meet new people, and build community on campus through a variety of board games, card games, and role-playing experiences.