Libraries & Lizards - Playing D&D at Public Libraries Program Framework

Oct 5, 2026

Libraries & Lizards outlines a public-library framework for running Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) sessions for young adults, using the Curse of Strahd campaign guide. The program supports either a one-shot or a multi-session campaign, offered virtually or in person, and includes guidance for introductory character-creation and gameplay sessions. Designed for 3–5 participants aged 15–18 and typically one staff DM per group of 3–5, it targets multiple Search Institute developmental assets through supervised play, creative storytelling, peer connection, reading for pleasure, and skill-building in responsibility, planning, interpersonal competence, and conflict resolution.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time12 min

AccessFree to download

Program Overview

Game Structure and Delivery Options

Target Audience and Staffing

Developmental Assets Alignment

External Assets

Internal Assets

Materials & Equipment

Libraries & Lizards: Playing D&D at Public Libraries Program Framework Kate Anderson Description: Dungeons & Dragons, colloquially referred to as D&D, is a tabletop role playing game in which players take on the roles of adventurers and go on epic quests facilitated by a non-player Dungeon Master (DM), who acts partly as a narrator and partly as a referee. The game is part improvisation, part storytelling, and part dice rolling, with twenty sided dies determining the degrees of success of a player’s action and other types of dice having other roles. The game is increasing in popularity, but finding a game to play can be difficult, especially for young players who don’t know where to start. The library, as a familiar and safe space with resources, can help teach young adults about this hobby and provide a space to play. This adaptable program provides a framework for public libraries to run a D&D game for young adult users at a public library (or school libraries) using the Curse of Strahd campaign guide. This can bea one-off game, known as a one-shot, or a multi-session campaign adventure, and can be run virtually orin-person. Attendees will be able to create characters, learn the rules of the game, and help craft an epic adventure for themselves and other players at the table. This resource has a schedule for an introductory and character creation session, as well as a framework for gameplay sessions. There are ways to run this program virtually as well. This program was developed specifically for a group of 3-5 players ages 15 to 18. It was designed to be run by 1 library staff member but could be altered to account for up to 6 players and multiple player groups run by multiple staff members. At least one staff member or librarian can act as DM for the game for every 3-5 young adults. Familiarity with D&D is an asset for staff interested in running this program. Objectives: This program supports the following 40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents from the Search Institute (1997): | | No. | Asset | Rationale | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | External | 3 | Other Adult
Relationships | Young adults will have the opportunity to interact with library staff in both informal and game play settings and form relationships. | | | 10 | Safety | This program allows young adults to try out a new hobby in a safe and supervised environment. Young adults will develop new skills and interact with each other under the supervision of library staff, who will make sure that the participants are physically and emotionally comfortable and safe during the sessions. | | | 15 | Positive Peer
Influence | The program allows participants to find and play alongside like-minded young adults with similar interests, and could lead to lasting friendships. | | | 17 | Creative
Activities | This program combines narrative storytelling, acting, and gameplay into an interactive and creative experience. | | | 18 | Youth
Programs | This program is designed to be recurring, either by the same group of young adults or by several groups of young adults all in their own games. | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | 25 | Reading for
Pleasure | Participants will be able to read and peruse game related books and resources. The library may also choose to create a display of fantasy books and resources that could be of interest for players to check out from the library. | | Internal | 30 | Responsibility | Young adults will see the consequences of their actions in the game and take responsibility for their actions and their character’s actions in a safe and contained space. | | | 32 | Planning and
Decision
Making | Young adults will navigate the social and strategic world of the game and collaborate with each other to plan and make decisions that impact the characters and their story. | | | 33 | Interpersonal
Competence | Gameplay and roleplaying within the sessions will develop social awareness, communication skills, conflict resol

FAQs

What kind of D&D sessions does the program support?

It supports a one-off one-shot or a multi-session campaign adventure. Sessions can be run virtually or in person, following the Curse of Strahd campaign guide.

Who is the intended audience and what staffing is recommended?

The program is designed for 3–5 players ages 15 to 18. It is meant to be run by one library staff member, with at least one staff member acting as the DM for every 3–5 young adults.

Which materials and equipment are required?

Requirements include copies of the Curse of Strahd campaign guide and core D&D books (Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide), optional starter set, players’ handbooks, and a DM screen or method to hide DM material. It also calls for character sheets, writing tools, dice sets, and optional D&D Beyond support, plus library resources like relevant fantasy and role-playing books.

Oct 5, 2026

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