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Pokemon Go is the newest sensation and all over the news and social media.  It is an augmented reality game you play on your Android or iPhone.  Unlike virtual reality, which substitutes your visual experience, augmented reality takes the real world and adds an extra layer to it.  Just like how we used Aurasma to see into the future of the library’s renovation project, Pokemon Go lets you see through the eyes of a Pokemon trainer.

Here’s what the world looks like in Pokemon Go: 

You may recognize a slice of Des Plaines.  The library is near the bottom of the map, and looking north you’ll see Metropolitan Square as well as the McDonald’s in the distance.  The concept of the game is to walk between these landmarks, and Pokemon will pop up along the way.  Throw a Pokeball just right and you’ll catch them!  The more you catch, the more experience you’ll gain, and every trainer dreams of catching them all.

Certain spots on the map are marked with a floating blue cube.  Those are Pokestops.  You can find Pokemon or pick up Pokemon catching supplies at these spots.    The Peace Garden is our nearest Pokestop.  If your feet need a break from all the exercise, you can attach a lure to a Pokestop, and the Pokemon will come to you!

The big, floating arenas are gyms.  That’s us!  DPPL is a gym, and currently guarded by a mean, looking Flareon.  Gyms are where your Pokemon can spar to gain experience, or battle for supremacy.  Certain Pokemon are strong against other types of Pokemon.  Fire-type Pokemon are stronger against ice-type Pokemon, for example, providing strategy to which Pokemon you choose to cultivate for battles.

So, come to the library to lure, battle, catch, and collect all the pokemon you can handle with Pokemon Go.  We also have Pokemon games, strategy guides, graphic novels, and more to check out at DPPL!