Learn how to play the 19th-century Chinese tile game mahjong at Guernsey Memorial Library at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23. Sessions will be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. (Sun file photo)

NORWICH - Adults can learn to play the Chinese tile game mahjong at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Guernsey Memorial Library, located at 3 Court Street in Norwich.

The next session will be held on Wednesday, July 23, in the main library section near the fireplace.

"Mahjong is a tile-based game that developed in the 19th century in China, and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century," explained Guernsey Memorial Library Director Connie Dalrymple.

Retired Norwich City School District Librarian Lorry Chwazik will be leading the groups and teaching individuals how to play the game.

The group is open to adults, and no prior registration is required; simply show up and enjoy learning a new and popular game.

"We used to have a group that stopped meeting during COVID, and we are bringing it back due to popular demand," said Dalrymple.

The library will provide mahjong tiles to play, as well as the 2025 National League Card, the official card for American mahjong that includes a variety of hands and tile combinations used in mahjong.

Upcoming sessions to learn mahjong will be held on August 13 and 27, September 10 and 24, October 8 and 22, November 12, and December 10.

Adults can also enjoy improv classes for beginners held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Meeting Room, led by community member, professional songwriter, and actor Gil Polk.

Or, adults can get creative at the Guernsey Sewing Club meeting from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12 in the Meeting Room. This is an open-sew group for individuals to work on projects, share tips and resources, and learn from each other. Attendees must bring their own machines and supplies.

There will also be two adult crafts held in July: making twig dragonflies at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 12, and making wind chimes at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 31.

Those looking to get active can attend Dancing for Wellness led by local dancer Martha Ryan at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23 in the Meeting Room. Each month, attendees learn different styles of ballroom dance, with an emphasis on Latin dancing styles.

A full schedule of activities and programs at the Guernsey Memorial Library can be found at GuernseyMemorialLibrary.org or on the Guernsey Memorial Library Facebook page.