Mah Jongg Fever at Hampton Park Library

Our community is showing signs of a substantial case of "Mah Jongg Fever." Whenever our libraries have offered a Mah Jongg class or meetup, the community has asked for more, more, more. 

What is Mah Jongg? For those who haven't yet been initiated, Mah Jongg is a popular tile-based game that originated in China. Players work to collect sets and sequences of beautiful tiles that feature bamboo, characters, and circles to build a winning hand. It’s often compared to the card game Rummy, requiring a mix of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck to win. Beyond the strategy, it’s a wonderful way to sharpen the mind and build lasting friendships. 

Why is everyone so eager to play? Beyond the fun of the tiles, Mah Jongg is a powerhouse for brain health. Studies suggest that the pattern recognition and strategic planning required can help improve memory, mental sharpness, and enhance cognitive flexibility. Mah Jongg also reduces stress through focused, rhythmic play.

Perhaps most importantly, it is a social catalyst. In a world that is increasingly digital, Mah Jongg brings people together around a physical table. It’s a wonderful way to combat social isolation, build lasting friendships, and engage in meaningful conversation while exercising your mind.

When Hampton Park announced our upcoming Mah Jongg classes for April, May, and June, we expected a positive response—but we didn't expect all spots to be claimed in just 48 hours!

We’ve heard your requests for more opportunities to play this captivating game, and we are thrilled to show that we’re listening. Whether you’re a seasoned "Bam" and "Dot" expert or a graduate of our recent classes, we have some exciting news for you. The Hampton Park Library hosts a weekly Mah Jongg Open Play every Thursday afternoon from 1:00–4:00 p.m.!

The open play time is a casual, drop-in environment where you can meet fellow players and enjoy a few rounds in a friendly atmosphere. Can't make it on Thursday afternoons? Our neighbors at the Sharon Forks Library also offer a Mah Jongg Meetup once a month. It’s a great way to connect with the wider Forsyth County gaming community.

If you missed out on the spring classes, don’t worry! Due to the incredible demand, Hampton Park is already working to schedule more classes starting in August 2026. But fair warning, class sign-ups open on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and will fill quickly.

Keep an eye on our event calendar for other class and registration dates. We can’t wait to see you at the tables!

Cynthia Julian-Simmons
Information Services Supervisor
Hampton Park Library

FCPL’s Book Clubs - Find the one that’s right for you!

We’ve had some subtle additions to our choices for book clubs at FCPL in the past year. There is something for everyone and any schedule! Need help finding the one that's right for you? Read on: 

Only read fiction bestsellers? 

Check out OverBOOKed, Novel Diversions, or Hooked on Books!

Consider yourself a true crime connoisseur? 

Sharon Fork’s new book club Crime Time was made just for you!

Prefer discussions around a topic rather than one book? 

BYO Book at Denmark Library is just that! 

If you’re not already a member of one of our book clubs, check out these reasons on why it’s a good idea to join one.

• Combat Isolation: Book clubs, particularly for older adults, offer significant social benefits, reducing the risk of depression and chronic health issues.
  
  
• Expand Your Horizons: They encourage reading outside your usual comfort zone.
  
  
• Explore New Perspectives: Library book clubs, unlike algorithmic social media, expose you to opposing viewpoints in a neutral setting.
  
  
• Make New Friends: A fantastic way to meet like-minded people in your community.
  
  
• Accessible Learning: A low-cost, engaging way to "travel the world" through literature.
  
  
• Bring Joy: Regardless of whether you finished the reading, your presence alone will delight the librarian hosting the session.

The following list is in alphabetical order by the hosting library. For a more detailed description of each book club, visit the Book Clubs section of the Adults tab on ForsythPL.org. If you have any questions about joining a book club, visit your local branch or reach out to us by phone at 770-781-9840 or email at ask@ForsythPL.org.

Cumming Library

OverBOOKed – 4th Thursday of each on month | 10:00 a.m.

Over-stressed? Overworked? Over-BOOKed? Look no further! Delight in books featuring unforgettable characters.

Denmark Library

BYO Book – 3rd Sunday of each month | 2:00 p.m.

Read your own book based on the genre or topic. Warning: your TBR list may get a lot longer!

Page 2 Screen – 1st Saturday of each month | 11:00 a.m.

What was better - the book or the movie? Discuss and find out in this book club featuring book-to-screen adaptations.

Hampton Park Library

Hooked on Books – 3rd Saturday of each month | 10:30 a.m.

A fun, flexible book club focused on you and the books you’re hooked on.

Post Road Library

Book Sleuths – 4th Tuesday of each month | 2:00 p.m.

Perfect for mystery and suspense readers!

Novel Diversions – 2nd Wednesday of each month | 10:00 a.m.

Enjoy a lively discussion on interesting books as a diversion from your everyday life.

Sharon Forks Library

Crime Time – 3rd Thursday of every other month | 7:00 p.m.

Calling all armchair detectives! Discuss true crime cases by reading a book or listening to a podcast on the crime.

Novel Realities – 2nd Tuesday of each month | 7:00 p.m.

Take a break from reality and explore all that’s possible–and impossible–with fellow readers in this speculative fiction book club.

Jessica Dillard
Information Specialist
Denmark Library 

Bookworm Garden Level-Up at the Denmark Library

As we rounded our first year at Denmark Library, the youth team felt like we were missing an opportunity to fully utilize the outside spaces. We wanted to shift the focus back towards the educational intent behind the space’s design. In other words, it was time for a Bookworm Garden level–up! 

Our solution? Learning stations. 

Each month, we will rotate through three different types of activities:

Building Activity

This could be anything from blocks, giant magna tiles, or (my personal favorite) giant Lincoln logs. 

Magnetic Board

Our brand new magnetic board is brilliant and lets us do letter activities, magnetic ramp ball mazes, and gears. 

 

Pretend Play

We have lots of options for pretend play activities, including a fake grill and a washing machine complete with clothes to fold! 

 

These activities are meant to be fun educational opportunities first and foremost. We have designed instruction sheets for parents to learn how to use these activities as a collaborative learning experience. For example, our sandwich shop pretend play is an opportunity to learn how to sort, sequence, brainstorm, and more. This exemplifies just how important pretend play is for education!

Sarah Grace Moses
Youth Specialist
Denmark Library