Siblings Andrea and Shawn Konkle battle it out in a Pokémon card game.

By Amanda McFarland
WCPL Adult Programming Administrator

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Public Library invites patrons to try out a “catch”-y new club all about a not-so-new card game.

Pokémon Club convened for the first time Wednesday, March 14, drawing a larger-than-expected first crowd. It will continue meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month and organizers are confident it will grow even larger.

Pokémon Club features a drop-in format that focuses on the card game. Additional activities will include a Pokémon-themed headband game and Pokémon Mad Libs. those who enjoy maker activities can assemble a Pokémon craft or stage their own stop-motion Pokémon battles. Organizers also hope to offer Pokémon video games in the future.

The library also serves as a “Pokéstop” for Pokémon Go.

Volunteer Shawn Konkle has been instrumental in launching the club, along with his sister, Andrea Konkle. Andrea was the first to suggest the idea of a Pokémon Club.

“The purpose is to expose more people to Pokémon as a community activity and to bring more people in to learn more about the Pokémon card game and the Pokémon community itself,” Shawn said.

Because the game appeals to a variety of ages, organizers have decided to open Pokémon Club up to grades 4 through adult age. They ask that kids younger than age 13 come with an adult who is available to remain in the building during Pokémon Club.

“The colorful characters can appeal to a younger crowd, but the complexity of the card game and the strategies you use can appeal to the older fan base,” Shawn said.

Those who are new to the world of Pokémon are also invited to come out and learn how to play and to enjoy the social aspects of the game.

“We hope that providing a new way to experience Pokémon will brings fans of the Pokémon game closer together,” Shawn said.

While the focus remains heavily on Pokémon, fans of other deck-building games, like Yu-Gi-Oh!, are also welcome, though they will need to bring their own cards.