Gen Con is about gaming and more. For those interested in simply trying and playing games on their own while at Gen Con, you can check out the Gen Con Gaming Library. In this 10th article in my series of things newbies might want to know about regarding Gen Con, I talk about this library.
The Gen Con Games Library is an area said to contain over 3500 games including the newest releases from this year as well as popular games from previous years. The library operates similarly to a regular library in that you can check out a game for a period of time. It differs from a regular library in that an event ticket is needed to use the library. You can access these event tickets via the Gen Con event system usually under an event name starting with “Gen Con Games Library”. Most of the event tickets are for an 8-hour slot either from 8:00am to 4:00pm or from 4:00pm to midnight. On Sunday the pass is from 8:00am to 3:00pm. The cost depends on the time slot, with the cheapest being at a cost of around $8 Thursday Morning and the most expensive being around $16 for Friday or Saturday evening. During the time slot for which you have a ticket, you have unlimited access to play any of the games from the library one at a time. The following were the costs at the time this article was written. You should check the Gen Con event site for tickets and to verify the cost.
- Thursday 8 – 4 : $8
- Thursday 4 – 12: $14
- Friday 8 – 4: $12
- Friday 4 – 12: $16
- Saturday 8 – 4: $14
- Saturday 4 – 12: $16
- Sunday 8 -3: $10
Gen Con Newbie Tip: If you’ve end up at the Gen Con Game Library, there is a fair chance that you can use generics tickets to get access if you didn’t get an official ticket.
There is also a second library of games you can access with a different event ticket. This library is the BoardGameGeek (BGG) Hot Games Room. I’ll cover a few details about this library as well.
Where is the Gen Con Game Library.
You will find the Gen Con Game Library at Lucas Oil Stadium on the field. There should also be tables in that area that can be used to play the games. You have the option to take your checked out game anywhere you want to play it.
BoardGameGeek Hot Games Room
The BoardGameGeek’s game library features titles released in 2025. Similar to the Gen Con library, you can grab any of the available games to play. The library will also have guides available to help you select a game if needed, but for the most part you’re on your own to explore any of the available games.
To use the BGG library, you need a ticket for the given time. You can check out one game at a time, but are able to return it for a different game at any time during your event time slot.
The BGG library is located in the Hyatt within the Regency Ballroom A-E. As mentioned, you will need an event ticket for your time slot. Time slots are generally 2 hours running from 10:00 am to midnight and then 10:00 to 3:00 on Sunday. The rate varies but is generally between $6 or $8 depending on the time of day. It is more expensive in the evening. Again, if not all tickets are sold, then you might be able to use generics.
Playing the Games
The libraries are set up as a bit of a self-service. They provide the games, but you are on your own to learn the game. Some of the open gaming areas might have people that can help you, but chances are that you will need to read the instructions and learn on your own if you are unfamiliar with a game.
Gen Con newbie tip: There is an open gaming area in the JW Marriott where you can simply grab a table and play. If you are using a table anywhere else within the gaming areas or conference areas, (outside of the eating areas), you should note assume an open table is free to use. Rather, you should ask at a HQ stand if a table can be used. They will let you know. Additionally, there are a few areas near food stands that have tables. It is common curtesy to leave those tables for people eating.
Clarification on the Library
While I’m referring to the game library as the Gen Con Game Library, the library is actually run by Lending Library Logistics as events. You can search what is likely to be in the library at https://tabletop.events/libraries/gen-con-games-library-the.
# # #