CSC in Libraries

Libraries make excellent settings for community chess clubs. They can provide much needed space for both children and adults of all backgrounds to learn and enjoy an intellectual pursuit. At the same time, the club can attract visitors to the library who might not otherwise make use of their services.

CSC has supported several hundred libraries around the country in establishing community chess clubs. Many of these appear on our Library Directory (see below). We tend to help libraries in several ways:

  • Providing free chess sets and other equipment

  • Training volunteers to run chess sessions

  • Offering free access to our curriculum and other learning resources

  • Supplying a tutor to run library chess sessions (subject to local funding)

Clubs in libraries typically last two hours and are suitable for players of all abilities, including complete beginners. All CSC clubs are free are the point of delivery.

If you work for a library and would like to start a library chess club, please complete our form located here. If you are a library user and would like to see chess offered at your local library then please contact them directly and point them towards this page on our website. If you have any questions about chess in libraries please contact our Libraries Coordinator, Dan Staples - dan@chessinschools.co.uk.

Library Directory

Below are useful contact details for libraries with their own chess clubs. Many of these have been supported with sets, equipment, and volunteers from CSC. Please note: all CSC-supported library chess clubs are free of charge. While every effort is made to keep this information up to date, we recommending contacting the library before attending to confirm the club is still taking place at the stated time