Staff photo / Bob Coupland Susan Campbell of Warren, left, moves her Candyland game piece Wednesday at an America250-Ohio event at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library. The event featured games from different eras such as Atari, cornhole, Monopoly and Game of Life, along with the history of each game. Also watching and playing the game is Bobbie Brown of Warren, in background.

WARREN — Board games and other types of games from over the years were set up Wednesday evening in a room at the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library as part of the library’s kickoff for celebrating America250-Ohio.

Joshua Nauman and Alaina Sprockett, both adult services librarians, said the event was the first of many programs and activities planned at the library throughout the year.

Nauman said all the games were made in America from different decades and included Scrabble from 1938, an Atari game system from 1977 and cornhole from the 1980s, which was made popular in Cincinnati to give it an Ohio connection.

“Doing the research on the different games I was surprised how long some of these games have been around,” Nauman said.

Nauman said for each game, there was an informational sheet telling about the history of that game and how it was developed.

He said the Wednesday event was aimed at adults, but there also was programs for children.

“We are already planning programs through the summer and plan to do America 250 events all year at all the library branches,” Nauman said, noting some are guest speakers on a particular topic and hands-on crafts and activities.

He said he and Sprockett wanted to have a fun night for people while also learning about the games and activities that are part of America’s history.

Nauman said American originals such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Cornhole, Candyland and the Game of Life were among the many game choices available on Wednesday.

Nauman said guests also received a special passport book where they can write information about how they are celebrating America250-Ohio. He said people are encouraged to read a book or watch a movie from different decades and then write about it in their book.

“You read a book or watch a movie based on a different era. You write a review of the book or movie and bring it back to the library and we stamp it. After someone completes the passport book, we give them a pin,” Nauman said.

Sandy Guarnieri of Warren said she enjoys the guest speakers at the library.

“I always try to be at the special speaker programs,” she said.

She said pickleball has been around for years and all of a sudden it just blossomed and now it seems that everyone is playing it.

Nancy Nader of Warren agreed, saying she also enjoys guest speakers at special library programs.

“We are fortunate in Warren to have a wonderful library here that offers so many programs,” Nader said.

Ron Crawford of Warren said he enjoys cornhole and was planning to try that game.

Pat McLean of Warren said she always enjoys attending events at the library and brought her friends with her,

“I like the historical aspect of this. You learn a little history while you are here,” she said.

Gloria Gillen of Warren said McLean suggested she attend and she is glad she came,

“This is a wonderful event. I plan to attend others,” she said.

Five women said you are never too old for a board game and sat at a table to play Candyland.

Library patrons can explore American history through the W-TCPL’s new America 250: Passport to History program. The free program features a curated selection of books and videos that highlight defining moments and voices from the nation’s past.

Participants can track the history-related books they read or movies they watch to earn a small commemorative keepsake while supplies last. Booklets are available at any library branch,

Upcoming America250 events include:

• A talk on the history of NASA Glenn Research Center 2 p.m. Jan. 24 with Robin Unger, a librarian at the NASA Glenn Research Center, who will explain why NASA is in Cleveland and its Cleveland origin.

• American History Trivia at 6 p.m. Feb. 11 with people competing on American history facts.

Also as part of America250, the Warren-Trumbull County Local History and Genealogy Center will celebrate the role the local community has played in the nation’s history by highlighting people and places that have shaped Trumbull County. Historic photos from the library’s archives will be featured on social media each week, pairing the photos with the stories behind them.