Are you free this Thursday after school? If you are, I suggest taking the short 13 minute walk to the Durango Public Library. Every Thursday at 3:30PM-4:30PM is the event Teen Game Zone, where games and snacks are available. Ages 13-17 are allowed in Teen Game Zone, and it’s a fun way to meet more people your age.
It isn’t just DHS students though, students from different middle/high schools go as well. There is a wide variety of board games, a Nintendo switch with multiple options, and card games as well.
Worried about not getting the chance to finish homework? Teen Game zone lasts for just an hour, and the library has multiple areas that are perfect for studying. Going upstairs guarantees pretty much complete silence, and there are even desks with charging stations nearby.
For more information on current events at the Durango Public Library, check their event calendar on their website.
Interview with Jenny Gaechter:
- How does Teen Game Zone connect high schoolers?
“Teen Game Zone creates a consistent, welcoming space where middle and high school students can connect through shared interests. Games act as a low-pressure entry point for conversation, collaboration, and friendly competition, helping teens build social connections with peers they may not otherwise meet. The environment supports relationship-building in a way that should feel natural, inclusive, and teen-driven.”
2. Why does the Library offer this event weekly?
“Offering Teen Game Zone on a weekly basis provides reliability and routine, which is especially important for those seeking safe, structured spaces outside of school. Regular scheduling is intended to allow friendships to develop over time, encourages ongoing participation, and reinforces the library as a trusted community space where teens belong.”
3. If you could change anything about this activity, what would you change?
“If resources allowed, expanding the program to include additional game formats, consoles, and screens would diversify the experience. Continued teen input is essential, and the program should evolve alongside participants’ interests.”
4. If a teenager asked you what the best part of this program is, what would you say?
“The best part is that Teen Game Zone is a place where you can show up as yourself. There’s no pressure to perform or compete at a high level. It’s about having fun, meeting people, and feeling comfortable in a space that’s designed with teens in mind. And we always have snacks!”
5. Do you recommend this event to younger people you know?
“Teen Game Zone is a dedicated space for middle and high school students and is not intended for younger participants. By maintaining age-specific programming, the library is able to offer experiences that align with teens’ developmental needs and provide a social environment where they feel ownership and belonging.”
6. Where do you see this event in five years?
“In five years, I expect Teen Game Zone to look very similar to how it does now, but it may evolve along with participant interest. Its strength is in its consistency by offering a reliable, welcoming space for teens to connect. If funding allows, new games or technologies could be incorporated over time, but the core purpose of the program would remain the same.”
