Community-driven chess programme checks the boxes

THE Chess@Libraries initiative, a collaboration between the City's Library and Information Services Department and the Western Cape Chess Federation, has seen remarkable growth.

- STAFF REPORTER

Since its inception in 2023, the number of participants has more than doubled, with 33 City libraries represented in this year's tournament.

This year’s tournament finals, held on October 9 at the Parow Civic Centre, marked another milestone in the journey of embedding chess as a vibrant, community-driven programme in libraries across the city.

According to the City, chess has proven to be far more than a game, across more than 30 participating libraries, it has become a tool for developing concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while also creating opportunities for recreation and social connection.