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Donkey Kong Frogger Ms. Pac-Man Pac-Man Tetris |
June 6 - August 30, 2025
Get retro at the Library this summer at the Arcade Age Exhibit!
Through engaging displays and interactive gameplay, the Arcade Age Exhibit tells the story of video arcade games--from the pioneers in the early '40s and '50s to the golden age in the late '70s and early '80s to its ultimate decline in the '90s. It's a story of the creative and innovative people who explored groundbreaking technologies, the games that sprung from their ingenuity, and a culture that was shaped by their developments.
From June 6 - August 30, 2025, the Library will transform part of its space into an arcade complete with unforgettable favorites such as Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Tetris, and more. Make sure to check out this exhibit along with the fun themed programming we're offering this summer. Arcade games will be open for free play starting 30 minutes after the Library opens until 30 minutes before closing each day.
Exhibit curated by the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Arcade Adventure - CANCELLED
Friday, July 25 at 7:30 pm | Adult Services and Lee Maternowski Meeting Room
Entering Grades 6-12
Join us for some after-hours fun! Enjoy snacks, make a craft and participate in a glow in the dark scavenger hunt at this after-hours event for tweens and teens. Experience what gaming was like back in the day—when you had to leave the house to play!
Classic Character Perler Bead Craft
Saturday, July 26 at 10 am - 1 pm | Makerspace
Entering Grade 6 - Adult
Drop in for a pixel-perfect, classic video game character with Perler beads and turn it into a cool backpack tag! While supplies last.
Totally Awesome '80s Trivia Night
Thursday, July 31 at 7 pm - 8:30 pm | Lee Maternowski Meeting Room
Adults 18 and older
Break out your leg warmers, tease up that hair, and get ready for a blast from the past! Join us for a Totally Awesome '80s Trivia Night at the Library! Test your knowledge of '80s music, movies, TV, pop culture, and more. Highest score wins a prize! Refreshments will be served.
Retro Rewind: GenX Arcade After-Hours
Friday, August 1 at 7:30 pm - 9 pm | Adult Services and Lee Maternowski Meeting Room
Adults 18 and older
Get ready for a totally rad ‘80s night! Dress to impress for the costume contest, play arcade and board games, snack on retro treats, and vibe to classic MTV.
Creative Cubes & Classic Consoles Needlepoint Craft
Wednesday, August 6 at 4 pm - 6 pm | Makerspace
Adults 18 and older
Drop-in to handcraft an '80s themed Rubik's Cube or Gameboy inspired needlepoint keychain. While supplies last.
Staff Picks
Videos
About the Exhibit
When is the exhibit open?
The exhibit is open from June 6, 2025 until August 30, 2025 during the following hours:
- Monday - Thursday 9:30 am - 8:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Sunday 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
The exhibit will be closed daily at 2 pm - 3 pm.
NOTE: Due to the Summer Concert Series, the exhibit with be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
For what age is the exhibit recommended?
The exhibit is for all ages and adults.
Where does the exhibit take place?
The exhibit is located in the Quiet Study Room in Adult Services at the Elk Grove Village Public Library at 1001 Wellington Ave in Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.
What arcade games will be available?
- Defender
- Donkey Kong
- Frogger
- Mortal Kombat I
- Ms. Pac-man
- Pac-Man
- Qbert*
- Scramble*
- Space Invaders
- Street Fighter II
- Tetris
*These games are backups in case our headlining games need maintenance.
Can I play the arcade games?
Yes! All arcade games on display are playable for FREE! No quarters needed.
