Chess Club is back! Please join us at Hillview Branch for this fun program to play chess with friends - 3:30 PM, Saturday, November 3, 2012.

Chess set and snack will be provided.

The origins of chess go back 1500 years ago to India where the precursor of the game was called chaturaṅga, which translates as four divisions of the military (infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots). The modern form of chess has its roots in 15th century Europe, though other forms of chess had been around much earlier, and was a favorite pastime of the upper classes of society. The game was even denounced by the church as being a source of revelry and violence!

If you want to know more about the stories behind the game, then join us on Saturday, July 23rd at 2pm at Santa Teresa Branch Library to listen to author Frisco del Rosario talk about his book Capablanca: A Primer of Checkmate. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the program.

And if you still can't get enough chess, we have plenty of books in the library:

• Chess Openings for Dummies by James Eade
• The KGB Plays Chess: The Soviet Secret Police and the Fight for the World Chess Crown 
• Knack Chess for Everyone by Al Lawrence

written by Robert D.

Coming this summer to a branch near you: Chess Classes tought by Rob Soul from Kids & Chess!

These six week long classes are a fun way to learn the basics and will create a solid foundation for future master chess players.

Rob has a great website to acccompany the classes, so even if you miss a session or two, you can follow along online.

Join us for this fun summer activity at one of these locations:

Joyce Ellington Branch: Mondays @ 5pm

Rose Garden Branch: Wednesdays @ 6pm
Almaden Branch: Thursdays @ 2pm
Santa Teresa Branch: Fridays @ 2pm

Hillview Branch: Saturdays @ 2pm

All classes will start in the first week of July except for Joyce Ellington Branch, where classes will start on 07/11.

Please sign up for the classes in person or by phone at the branch where the classes will be held.

And while you are waiting for the classes to start, check out one of our new chess books:

Checkmate for children : mastering the most important skill in chess

Chess in action : from first attack to checkmate

Chess for kids : how to play and win

The 2nd annual San José Public Library Scholastic Open will take place in the Santa Teresa Branch Library Community Room on Saturday, July 9 from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Tournament Information

2 sections: USCF and unrated. (50 players maximum each)

Schedule: 6 rounds, G/30, round times: 9:30 am, 10:45 am, 12:00 noon, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:00 pm.

Half point byes: OK all, limit 2, must commit before round 1.

Tournament Organizers/Directors: Mathew Benson (SA), Chris Black (KL).

Prizes: Trophies to top 3 in each section. All others will receive chess puzzles.

Special Rules: All players must be pre-K through 12 grade during 2010/2011 school year. Players in USCF section must have valid USCF membership at time of event. USCF section must follow USCF rules.

Notes:  Swiss tournament. Players will only play others in their section. Please bring clocks, all other equipment is provided. USCF section will be USCF rated.

Registration: Call (408) 808-3068 or register in person at the Santa Teresa Branch Library information desk. 

This program is co-sponsored by Let's Play Chess and the Friends of the Santa Teresa Library.

Want to learn more about chess? Find chess books at the library such as Capablanca: A Primer of Checkmate. Or visit chessthings.com where you'll find information about chess activities and education in the Bay Area.