To think a library is merely a place to house books would be to underestimate the versatility and opportunity a library presents.

One example would be the Marshalltown Public Library, where community members come once every two months and dodge in and out of the bookshelves, creeping up on one another with Nerf guns in hand.

What would seem to some as a librarian’s biggest fear became a goal for Library Assistant Jenelle Klavenga and Reference Services Librarian Jasmine Fisher, who co-head the library’s Nerf battle program. The third bimonthly Nerf Battle will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

“I don’t think people realize that we’re not just places to store books and where you can come and grab a book and then leave and that’s all you ever do with it,” Fisher said. “We’re community hubs now. We want to be able to offer a place for people to come and have fun or just sit and chat with people.”

The event, which is open to anyone in high school and older, is part of an after-hours program that allows students and adults to reenact their favorite scenes from “Cops” or put their “Call of Duty” skills to the test. They play capture the flag, a team-based game where each team hides a flag and the other has to capture it without being shot. Another game played is the apocalyptic Zombies vs. Humans, where the people must avoid the undead. At the end of the program, participants are able to engage in a “freestyle” round.

The idea was born after Klavenga heard of a similar program which takes place at the Dubuque Public Library. It aims to not only provide community members with a fun-filled evening, but also to bring in teens and young adults, an age group which typically does not spend much time at public libraries.

“From high school up to 30, they don’t really come into the library so I don’t think they know the things that we have to offer,” Klavenga said.

Participants must bring their own Nerf guns, but are supplied with darts. For those wishing to participate who do not own any Nerf gear, a limited number of Nerf blasters are available. Interested individuals can register online at the library’s website at ​https://www.marshalltownlibrary.org/event/holiday-nerf-battle-2/ or by calling the library at 641-754-5738.