More Than a Game: Community at the Library!

Posted by lclemons on 30 March 26

Some programs take on a life of their own — and at the Crown Point Community Library, Mah Jongg is one of them.

Since 2015, volunteers Vicky Klein and Cindy Beckman have led the library’s weekly American Mah Jongg program, quietly building something special long before the game became a national phenomenon. What started as an introduction to a beloved tile game has grown into one of our most vibrant community traditions: a Thursday afternoon gathering where regulars and newcomers alike find friendship, fun, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Why It Matters

The epidemic of senior loneliness is real, and public libraries are uniquely positioned to respond. Programs like Mah Jongg show how a simple, recurring gathering can become a lifeline — a reason to get out of the house, reconnect with friends, and meet new ones. Participants don’t just come to play; they come to be part of something. That’s the power of the library as a “third place” — a community hub that belongs to everyone.

How to Join

New to the game? No problem. Beginners are invited to drop in on the first Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Crown Point meeting rooms for an introduction to American Mah Jongg. From there, the regular Thursday group — friendly, welcoming, and always happy to see a new face — meets every Thursday at 1 p.m.

Prefer a different style of play? The Winfield Branch now offers Cantonese Mahjong every Wednesday at 1 p.m., bringing even more players into the fold.

Even More Ways to Connect

Mah Jongg is just one thread in a rich tapestry of adult programming at the Crown Point Community Library. Under the direction of Head of Information and Engagement Erika Wagner and Winfield Branch Manager Cindy Baumeister, both locations offer an ever-growing lineup that includes card crafting, knitting, crochet, bunco, cooking classes, crafting workshops, and several monthly book clubs.

Whether you come for the tiles, the yarn, or the conversation — there’s a place for you at the library.

Visit us at the Crown Point or Winfield Branch location to see the full calendar of programs at www.crownpointlibrary.org/events