Chess in the community: library chess

[John Townsend]

Library chess is a good way to attract new players to the game because they can meet opponents and try it without any commitment.

Jon Lloyd has an initiative going with Bracknell Forest Council. He is currently promoting chess free at Crowthorne Library, 4 - 5 pm every Thursday; and also free at Bracknell Library, 1.30 - 3.30 pm every Friday.

In addition, he will be promoting Bracknell Chess Club outside Bracknell Library, 10am - 3pm this Saturday 23rd June. He will have chess sets with him and will take on all-comers. There should be other members of the club there too.

[Neill Cooper]

Library chess is quite popular in Surrey. See https://www.scca.co.uk/lib/lib.html

[John Townsend]

Yes, I see Surrey has an enlightened view of library chess. Back in Berkshire, there was a group at Woodley Library a few years ago, where I dropped in once and got a decent game. I don't know if it's still going.

[Simon Rogers]

Before lockdown, Fleetwood library in Lancashire had a thriving social chess club with up to 12 members attending.
I visited it a few times and had games.
The standard of play was mixed but I thoroughly enjoyed myself and was provided with a free cup of tea and even a biscuit on one occasion.