Community Gathers for Jigsaw Puzzle Swap at East Hills Library

The St. Joseph Public Library is set to hold a jigsaw puzzle swap on Sunday, August 24, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. This event will take place at the East Hills Library, inviting puzzle enthusiasts of all ages to participate in a community gathering centered around sharing and enjoying puzzles. Attendees can bring their own puzzles to exchange, although participation is not mandatory for those who simply wish to browse.

Elizabeth Murray, a programming librarian, noted the event’s appeal, stating, “I like to do jigsaw puzzles and a lot of people do, and when you’re done with it you don’t usually want to do it again. So having a swap is a good way to refresh your collection while sharing.” The swap has been a staple at the library for the past four years, occurring every six months, and aims to foster a sense of community among participants.

The event is free and will feature gently used puzzles available for purchase in the library’s lobby. Guests can choose to keep the puzzles they find, return them for future swaps, or simply enjoy the selection on offer. Murray emphasized the cost-saving aspect of the swap, remarking, “Puzzles are expensive, so it’s a good way to share puzzles without impacting your budget, and everything here is for free.”

Puzzles provide an opportunity for families to bond while engaging in a relaxing activity. Rochelle Greenwood, a regular patron, expressed her enthusiasm for the swaps, saying, “I have come to every single one of them. I have just always done puzzles, and I was excited to do some trading because it’s fun to just swap it out, and you don’t have to pay full prices.” Greenwood described the event as a fantastic way to keep her mind active and focused, encouraging others to join in: “You can always walk out of here with some puzzles, even if you don’t already have one.”

The library’s organizers aim to strengthen community ties through this simple yet engaging activity. They hope to see the event grow, with more puzzles available and an increasing number of participants eager to trade. Another swap is already scheduled for February 2025, during which attendees will also have the option to donate puzzles to support the library’s annual book sale.

As the jigsaw puzzle swap approaches, the St. Joseph Public Library continues to be a hub of community interaction, offering a welcoming space for sharing hobbies and fostering connections among residents.