By Karina Martinez-CarterThe Daily Northwestern
Sisters Deairra and Danyel Hudson trained for the Evanston Public Library’s Dance Dance Revolution arcade game tournament for years without even knowing it.
Deairra, 11, and Danyel, 8, were sweating, hopping and dancing on the game’s metal pads when they faced off against each other in the finals of the tournament, which was held Saturday afternoon at the library, 1703 Orrington Ave. The older sister claimed the championship by a small margin, but both Deairra and Danyel were laughing when it ended.
“We’re very competitive with each other,” Danyel said.
The event was the culmination of Teen Tech Week, a nationwide program sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Teen Tech Week took place during the week of March 4, but the DDR tournament was held Saturday due to scheduling conflicts.
Teen Tech Week’s goal is to break the image of libraries as places for only research and quiet, and to encourage teenagers to take advantage of the technology available outside their homes, according to a press release.
The Evanston Public Library’s teen advisory board spearheaded the event, said librarian Christie Chandler-Stahl, who sponsors the teen advisory board. The board decided to end the week with DDR, a popular arcade game where players step on four arrows corresponding to arrows that appear on a screen to the beat of the music.
“The board decided on DDR because it’s something that everyone can do,” said Sam Stahl, Chandler-Stahl’s son and a member of the teen advisory board. “It’s not just for girls, guys, teens or adults. People of all ages can play.”
Eight people ranging from ages eight to 16 participated in the tournament, with others choosing to watch. Families and librarians who heard the music stepped in the room to watch. One person who had never seen the game before pointed to the screen and commented on how fast the arrows were moving, surprised that the players could keep up.
Chandler-Stahl purchased the arcade-style mats for DDR because she is planning to hold another tournament in April, eventually wanting to make it a regular event a few times a month.
“This was great for the first time,” she said. “I think it will be a nice after-school activity. There are always a lot of events (at the library) on weekends, but not much during the week, especially for teens.”
A new teen space is being built on the third floor of the library – another move to attract students. The space will include a stage and performing area, modern lighting and furniture, and three media walls, which will display Evanston teenagers’ photography, videos, writing pieces and collages. It is scheduled to open in August.
“The library already has a teen corner, but adults usually sit there and take it over,” Chandler-Stahl said. “Now there will really be a space that is geared to literacy and learning in a way that fits their needs.”
Reach Karina Martinez-Carter at [email protected].
