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The Toronto Public is seeking to get reluctant readers (ie. young boys) back into the realm of literature by offering video games across its shelves. The allowance of Manga and Graphics Novels in the classroom and library has significantly improved reading amongst young boys.

The program is already in full swing in other provinces in Canada and in New York  - while it is more like a rental service than anything else, it is the first step to video games becoming more accepted as “fiction” works.

The Toronto Star writes:

_{“Make room, Holden Caulfield and Huck Finn, Sonic the Hedgehog is moving in…There’s method in what sounds like madness for a library: Players can learn literacy and problem-solving skills through the games themselves, while the gaming programs will convert the library into a hub for youths who would otherwise never consider entering one.”}

If the program takes off the ground, the collection will start at a 150 titles. I hope they choose DS games as that will get younger kids into the library who have a chance of becoming life-long readers.

If the program was concerned about the “classic” video game experiences what would you choose? I got my list of five after the jump:

1. Shenmue – Hands down, one of the most important games needed for a classic collection. By extension Shenmue 2 is also required.
2. Shadow of Colossus – Beautiful and stunning…if a gamer has a PS2 and has not played this game, I tell them to go get it. Ico deserves to mentioned here as well.
3. Snatcher – Yeah, I know this isn’t going to happen but if I could, I would include it.  It should be remade on the DS or PSP or made as DLC and not turned 3D.
4. Portal - I love the way the narrative of this title works in conjunction to the game play. Playing the game with the developer commentary on is a must.
5. Typing of the Dead – Seriously, it can expand your vocabulary and increase your typing potency 10x fold!

I love how the Toronto Star references Sonic the Hedgehog in conjunction to literary classics like Huck Finn and Holden Caulfield instead of one, fat plumber. You know why they chose Sonic? Because Sonic like Huck and Holden before him all have pluck and attitude. That or they just wanted to nail all that alliteration.

_{[Source: Toronto Star]}

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