KENT — A low-key monthly gathering of young adults in the Kent community has created an opportunity to get together, socialize and play games. Some months the gathering attracts more than 30 people and some months it is only two, but those attending enjoy it.
“It’s a fun thing to do that doesn’t cost a lot,” said Kate Zarin.
Kent Memorial Library started the Young Locals Game Night in March 2023. It is advertised as “games and refreshments for young adults 21+ years old” on the third Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public but the library does request registration.
The original idea came from one of the library board members, Ellen Gutierrez, who thought the library should offer a fun regular activity for this age group.
Zarin, who is the director of Youth Services for the library, always attends and there is a core group that usually join her.
During the June 20 program, she brought a new game, Hues and Clues, for everyone to try. It involved guessing one of four colors on a card through a one-word clue and then a two-word clue for the second round. Points are awarded based on how close a player gets to the actual color selected.
Andrea Schoeny is a regular at the monthly event. “I usually bring a party game that you can play with a number of players,” she said, adding she always has something that can also be played with just a handful of people. “Some months we’ve had 35 people and some there has only been two.”
Another participant who is a library employee, Dorothy Shackelford, has two young children at home and was enjoying an evening out. Music plays in the background.
“I’m so glad I made it to this one,” Shackelford said, adding her husband has a monthly commitment that was canceled and this allowed her to attend the game night.
“For some of us it is the only adult time we get,” said Schoeny.
Two additional players arrived, Alex Zarin and Mike Horten, and they settled into learning the game. An easy banter could be heard between the players as they worked their way through the rules of the new game. Laughter was frequent.
Friendships have definitely been formed through the game night, Kate Zarin said. Cultivating relationships with like-minded people has been one of the best results of the monthly event.
“I think it is a great way to meet your community and it is a great way to decompress after a stressful week, without the need to go to a bar and those social pressures,” said Alex Zarin. “It is a more wholesome grounded experience.”
Focusing on the games works to make people comfortable.
“It is a great community event that brings people together,” said Kate Zarin.
