Brown County Library Hosts 'Celebration of Video Games' for Retro and Modern Gamers

Event unites gaming community to mark milestone anniversaries of iconic franchises like Pokémon and Super Mario.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Brown County Library and Game Trade of De Pere partnered to host another 'Celebration of Video Games' event on Saturday, bringing together gamers of all ages to play classic and modern titles. The event featured cosplay, Pokémon adoptions, and art activities all centered around the love of gaming.

Why it matters

The event highlights the enduring appeal of video games, from retro classics to contemporary hits, and how they can bring diverse communities together around a shared passion. As major gaming franchises like Pokémon and Super Mario reach milestone anniversaries, events like this help celebrate the evolution and cultural impact of the medium.

The details

The 'Celebration of Video Games' featured a wide variety of playable titles, from vintage arcade games like Tetris and Galaga to modern hits like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Attendees also got to 'adopt' Pokémon action figures and participate in gaming-themed art activities. The event was part of the library's 'Level Up' program, which aims to unite the gaming community around both retro and contemporary experiences.

  • The event took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary on Friday, February 27, 2026.

The players

Brown County Library

A public library system serving Brown County, Wisconsin, which partnered with Game Trade of De Pere to host the 'Celebration of Video Games' event.

Game Trade of De Pere

A local gaming store that co-organized the event with the Brown County Library.

Katie Boecher

A research librarian at the Brown County Library who described the event as a 'celebration of video games and a wonderful coming together of community around people who enjoy video games.'

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What they’re saying

“It's a celebration of video games and a wonderful coming together of community around people who enjoy video games. We're celebrating the wonder of video games and how they bring communities together.”

— Katie Boecher, Research Librarian, Brown County Library (wearegreenbay.com)

The takeaway

Events like the 'Celebration of Video Games' demonstrate the enduring appeal of video games, from classic titles to modern blockbusters, and how they can foster a sense of community and shared passion among diverse groups of players. As major gaming franchises reach milestone anniversaries, these types of celebrations help highlight the cultural significance and evolution of the medium.