Chess Lessons Offered at Bernardsville Library

Bernardsville Public Library will offer a free series of chess lessons on Wednesdays, September 18 through October 23.  The lessons, taught by Martin Sobin of Jersey Chess, are for children in first grade and up, both beginners and beyond.  Beginners' lessons start at 4:15 pm; players with previous experience will meet at 5:30 pm.  The lessons are made possible by support from the Friends of the Bernardsville Public Library.

Mr. Sobin, through his company, Jersey Chess, has been teaching chess programs at numerous schools, libraries, summer camps and to individuals throughout northern and central New Jersey for many years.  He has taught at least two programs every year since 2007 at Bernardsville Library.  "My goal," he said, "is not just to teach children how to play chess, but to instill in them a love for the game, so that they will play often, get better at it, and hopefully, for some, play competitively at tournaments.”  He has several students from Bernardsville Library who have come back to his programs year after year and some play regularly at chess tournaments throughout the region, often winning individual and team trophies.

There is no charge to take the chess lessons, but advance sign-up is required and donations to help underwrite the program are welcome.  Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link under Kids or call the library at 908-766-0118.