Game Library
Our game library and playing area, organized by Buckeye Game Fest, uses the Columbus Area Boardgaming Society (CABS) library containing over 1,000 games! You can of course bring your own games to enjoy in the playing area, or check out one of the many games in the library. Regardless of what you choose to play, you’ll enjoy a quality playing experience with mats provided by Game Toppers!
2026 GAME LIBRARY HOURS
6/17 WED: 12 p.m.* - 12 a.m.
6/18 THU: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
6/19 FRI: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
6/20 SAT: 9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
6/21 SUN: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m**
LIBRARY CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT
The library strictly closes all check outs & check ins at midnight. If its AFTER 12a, even by a couple minutes, our check outs have to stop so we can reconcile remaining IDs & games.
This means if you still have a game and we are locking up the library you will have to wait until the next morning to return the game and get your ID back.
If you are planning to leave and require your ID please ensure you return your game BEFORE midnight. The Library closes 1hr earlier then the hall.
* - We aim to be up and running by noon, but if there is a delay, we will advise on Facebook/Discord/and on the show site.
** - Checkout stops at 2p.m. on Sunday and all games must be returned by 3 p.m.
F.AQ.
-
Attendees will be able to enter the library cabinet space where the games are stored (with a valid badge type), find the game they want, and take it to check out.
What are the rules about being in this library spaceYou must have a valid badge
No Bags; the Only Exception is medical equipment bags.
To check out a game, you must have a valid government-issued ID (Driver's License, State ID, Passport, Military ID).
Only the original person the ID belongs to can get the ID back - NO EXCEPTIONS
-
You can view the current CABS Library listing here: https://tabletop.events/libraries/buckeye-game-festivals-library
-
The Game Library is now included with your badge! There is no extra cost to check out games or use the tables.
-
1. What if I want to join a game being played?
As long as you have a valid Origins badge of any type you are welcome to enjoy the gaming table space, whether it's playing a game you brought yourself or joining in with others.
You are specifically unable to check games out from the board game library.
-
The tables available outside of the Library are considered open gaming space where attendees can use the tables for game play. There can be no marketing materials or events being held on these tables.
1. Can I check out games from the library cabinets?
Yes, as long as you follow the noted rules above and have a valid badge type
2. Does the no bags rules apply to the gaming tables?
No. That rule is specifically meant for the physical board game library space that an attendee enters to check out a board game.
Speaking of bags, there is limited table space in the open gaming area, please be mindful of other gamers as only the tables with the mats on them in the sectioned off area is a part of open gaming. Any tables outside of the space is apart of individual GM gaming events and should not be played on
When in doubt check in with EVENT HQ to see where you can game!3. No events... does a prearrange meet up with friends to play a game count as an event?
No, this scenario is completely acceptable. By events we mean advertised official events that should be handled through Origins Event Staff. You are more than welcome to have pre-coordinated meet ups or to setup a game and use the "players wanted" signs we provided to attract people. -
Yes. The games are meant to be checked out for you to play during your time in the Game Library. Once you are done playing the game, bring it back to the desk and check out another one if you like. Any games not returned by the time the library closes down at midnight, will result in the attendee's ID being kept overnight and not available for pick up until the next morning.
-
While we have signs to attract gamers to your board game in the hall, we are also offering space on our discord server for attendees at Origins to use for game meetups & looking for games.
LFG thread: https://discord.gg/JkY5JDaBwp
BGF Discord: https://discord.gg/pFvkF3dKth
Origins LGF thread: https://discord.gg/2QrdScDJP -
We lock up our library at midnight each night of the show. Any unclaimed IDs will be locked up & secured until the next morning when we open.
1. WHAT GAMES ARE IN THE LIBRARY?
There will be a few ways you can see what games are in the library without going into the board game library space.
Scannable QR Code: these will give you access to see what titles are available within the library at that moment.
Volunteers in the library space will have tablets to look up titles for you and direct you to the location.
2. WHAT COUNTS AS A VALID GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID?Driver's License, State ID, Passport, Military Issue ID
3. CAN MY CHILD CHECK OUT A GAME FROM THE LIBRARY?
Anyone wanting to check out a game from the library must have a valid Origins Badge & a valid Government-Issued ID. So if the child has one of the above then yes they can. Otherwise they will need an adult or someone with a valid ID to check the game out. Remember we only return IDs to the person on the ID. -
We certainly hope so! Depending on the sponsorship support for the Game Library, there may be game giveaways. If they are available, it will be announced on this page and in the Facebook group before/during the show as details become available.
-
BGF currently runs the Origins Game Library as well as the local gaming convention Buckeye Game Fest. Buckeye Game Fest grew from CABS. We are the original convention committee that worked on behalf of CABS previous years in the Game Library. We are partnered with CABS to bring you a great experience in the Game Library.
