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.

Featured
CSC at the Global Chess League
CSC at the Global Chess League

Thirty children from Malorees Junior School in Brent enjoyed a trip to the Global Chess League (GCL) in central London.

Read More →
Entries are now open for the CSC Junior Grand Prix
Entries are now open for the CSC Junior Grand Prix

The tournament will be held on Saturday 19th October 2024 at South Hampstead High School, London.

Read More →
Evelyn Partners Cup, featuring CSC head office
Evelyn Partners Cup, featuring CSC head office

The Evelyn Partners Cup, an exciting new corporate chess event, took place this month in partnership with the City Chess Association and CSC.

Read More →
Thomas Buxton Primary School takes on Judit Polgar
Thomas Buxton Primary School takes on Judit Polgar

A Year 6 class from Thomas Buxton Primary School had an unforgettable opportunity to take on the legendary Grandmaster Judit Polgar.

Read More →

Latest News

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. 

  • Battersea Library - Children's Chess Club
    Saturdays, 13:00 - 14:30
    265 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JB
    For further information, please call 020 7223 2334

    Battersea Park Library
    Tuesdays, 15:30 - 17:00
    Contact: Paul Stokes - paul.stokes858@btinternet.com

    Becton Globe Library
    Tuesdays, 15:45 - 17:15
    1 Kingsford Way, London E6 5JQ
    Contact: russtaylor555@aol.com

    Carnegie Library
    Saturdays, 14:00 - 16:30
    188 Herne Hill Road, London SE24 0AG
    0207 9266050

    Church Street Library
    Thursdays, 16:00 - 17:00
    67 Church Street, London, NW8 8EU
    Telephone: 020 7641 1220
    Email: churchstreetlibrary@westminster.gov.uk

    Green Street Library
    Wednesdays, 17:30 - 19:30
    337-341 Green Street, Upton Park, London E13 9AR
    Tel: 020 3373 0857

    Higham Hill Library
    Fridays, 15:30 - 17:00 (term time)
    North Countess Rd, London, E17 5HS

    Kensal Rise Library
    Wednesdays, 19:00 - 21:00 (starting from May 15, 2024)
    Bathurst Gardens, London NW10 5EU

    Keats Community Library
    Every fortnight on Saturdays
    Ages 6-12: 12:00 - 13:00 (advanced beginners)
    Ages 6-12: 13:00 - 14:00 (beginners)
    10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RN
    Tel: 0207 431 1266
    Email: keatscommunitylibrary@gmail.com
    Website: keatscommunitylibrary.org.uk

    Kenton Library
    First weekend of the month, 14:30 - 15:30
    Kenton Lane, HA3 8UJ
    Contact: Manoharan Dilukshan - manoharan.dilukshan@harrowchessclub.org.uk

    North Harrow Library
    Pinner Road, HA1 4HN
    Contact: Nevil Chan - nevil@harrowchessclub.org.uk

    Pancras Square Library
    Wednesdays, 17:15 - 18:45 (Starts March 17, 2023)
    Pancras Square, London, N1C 4AG

    Pimlico Library Chess Club
    Fridays, 17:00 - 18:00 (Children only)
    Lupus Street, London, SW1V 3AT
    Contact: Kennan Kesterson - kennanakirak@gmail.com

    Streatham Library
    Tuesdays, 16:30 - 19:30 (5.00-7.30 until June 21, 2016)
    Contact: Richard Tillett - tillett.richard@gmail.com

    Victoria Library
    Wednesdays, 17:00 - 18:30
    160 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 9UD
    Contact: Imaan J. Williams - nwht@talktalk.net
    Mob: 07505174522

    York Gardens Library - Junior Chess Club
    Fridays, 15:45 - 17:00
    34 Lavender Road, London, SW11 2UG
    Tel: 020 8871 7471

  • Newcastle City Library
    Saturdays, 12:00 - 14:00
    33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8AX
    'Chess for All' Club

    Hartlepool Library
    Last Saturday of every month, 10:30 - 11:30
    Community Hub South, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool, TS25 3LQ

    North Harrow Library
    Ordnance Road Library, Enfield

    Richmond Relaxed Chess Club
    Thursday evenings
    Castle Tavern, 3 Market Place, Richmond, North Yorkshire, DL10 4HU
    Contact: milestempletonboxing@gmail.com

    Wibsey Library
    Thursdays, 17:00 - 18:30
    North Road, BD6 1TR
    Contact: David Bar - davidbar@blueyonder.co.uk

    York Explore Library
    Sundays, 14:00 - 15:15 (Juniors only, starting January 8, 2023)
    Library Square, Museum St, York YO1 7DS
    Contact: Peter Cloudsdale - cloudsdale_c@hotmail.co.uk
    First Saturday of every month (Adults & Juniors): 10:00 - 12:00
    Contact: Dan Staples - dan@chessinschools.co.uk

  • Billingham Library
    Saturdays, 10:00 - 12:00
    Kingsway, Billingham TS23 2LN
    Tel: 01642 528084

    Blaydon Library
    Thursdays, 17:00
    Wesley Court, Gateshead, NE21 5BT
    Contact: Lynne Corder - lynnecorder@gateshead.gov.uk
    Tel: 0191 4336201

    Bolton (Thornton)
    Wednesdays, 17:00 - 18:30
    Thornton Community Centre, Market Street, Thornton, BD13 3HW
    Contact: David Bar - davidbar@blueyonder.co.uk

    Wigan Library Chess Club
    Saturdays, 10:00 - 13:00
    Wigan Library, entrance via Hewlett Street, WN1 1NH
    Email: wigan.library@wigan.gov.uk
    Tel: 01942 827621

    Golborne Library
    Fridays, 15:00 - 17:00
    Tanners Lane, Golborne, Warrington, WA3 3AW
    Tel: 01942 777800

    Leigh Library
    Wednesdays, 13:30 - 15:30 (free drop-in session)
    Civic Square, Market Street, Leigh, Greater Manchester, WN7 1EB
    Tel: 01942 404404

  • Crowthorne Library
    Thursdays, 15:30 - 16:30 (older persons)
    162 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AT
    Contact: Jon Lloyd - 01344 454000

    Egham Library
    Saturdays, 10:30 - 12:00 (for juniors, ages 7-11)
    Egham Library, Egham
    Email: egham.library@surreycc.gov.uk

    Heathfield Library
    First Saturday of every month, 10:30 - 11:30
    21 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8LU
    Enquiries: 0345 6080196

    Isle of Wight - Cowes Library
    Tuesdays, 14:00 - 17:00
    First Saturday of the month, 10:00 - 15:00
    Beckford Road, Cowes, PO31 7SG
    Tel: 01983 293341

    Isle of Wight - Ryde Library Chess Club
    Wednesdays, 17:00 - 19:00
    101 George Street, Ryde, PO33 2JE
    Tel: 01983 823825

    Isle of Wight - Sandown Library Chess Club
    Thursdays, 14:30 - 17:00
    High Street, Sandown, PO36 8AF
    Tel: 01983 402748

    Isle of Wight - Ventnor Library Chess Club
    Wednesdays, 14:00 - 16:00
    High Street, Ventnor, PO38 1LZ
    Tel: 01983 852039

    Twickenham Library
    Thursdays, 15:30 - 17:45 (ages 7-16)
    Garfield Road, Twickenham, TW1 3JT
    For more information: Click Here

  • Bournemouth Library Chess Club
    Saturdays, 10:00 - 12:00
    22 The Triangle, Bournemouth, BH2 5RQ
    Contact: eric.sachs@btinternet.com

  • Chapel-en-le-Frith (Derbyshire) - Rems Café
    Alternate Saturdays, 14:00 - 16:00
    29 Market Street, Chapel-En-Le-Frith, SK23 0HE
    Contact: Claire A White - claireawhite1@outlook.com
    Tel: 07403288146

    Glossop Library
    Fortnightly Wednesdays, 13:30 - 15:30 (Adults only)
    Talbot Road, Glossop, SK13 7DG
    Contact: David Fowler - djfpawnpusher@hotmail.com
    Tel: 01457 514654

    Nottingham (Wollaton Library)
    Thursdays, 16:30 - 18:00
    Bramcote Lane, Wollaton, Nottingham, NG8 2NA
    Contact: Joshua Passey - Tel: 0115 915 2809

  • Acock's Green Library
    Mondays, 16:00 - 17:30
    Shirley Road, Birmingham, B27 7XH
    Tel: 0121 464 1738
    Contact: Abby Murphy

    Bleakhouse Library
    Term-time Wednesdays, 16:00 - 17:00
    Bleakhouse Road, Oldbury, Sandwell
    Contact: Riz Ahmed - ChessMateUk@gmail.com

    Coventry Central Library
    Mondays and Wednesdays, 14:00 - 16:00
    Smithford Way, Coventry, CV1 1FY
    Contact: Nigel Benton - 02476 832314
    Email: nigel.benton@coventry.gov.uk
    Or central.library@coventry.gov.uk

    Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library
    Thursdays, 15:30 - 16:30
    Earlsdon Avenue North, Earlsdon, Coventry, CV5 6FZ
    Contact: Jenny Danielson - jennymdanielson@gmail.com

    Thimblemill Library
    Wednesdays, 16:00 - 17:30
    Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, B67 5RJ
    Contact: Leroy Douglas - leroi.douglas@gmail.com

    Stoke-on-Trent Libraries Chess Club
    City Central Library - Wednesdays 14:00 - 16:00
    Tunstall Library - Fridays 14:00 - 16:30
    Kidsgrove Library - Saturdays 09:00 - 12:00
    Contact: Andrew Crosby - atcrosby@icloud.com
    Tel: 01782 787131

  • Abergavenny Library
    Saturdays, 10:00 - 12:00
    17 Baker Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5AT
    Tel: 01873 735980

    Chepstow Library
    Thursdays, 15:30 - 17:00
    High Street, Chepstow, NP16 5LH
    Tel: 01291 623 772

  • Aylsham Library
    First and third Wednesdays of the month, 10:00 - 12:00
    7 Hungate St, Aylsham, NR11 6AA
    Contact: Jonathan Reeve - 01263 733744
    Email: aylshamchessclub@gmail.com

    North Walsham Library
    Fridays, 16:15 - 18:00
    New Road, North Walsham, NR28 9DE
    Contact: Library enquiries - 01692 402482
    Email: north.walsham.lib@libraries.norfolk.gov.uk

    Sprowston Library
    Contact: Claire Sharland - claire.sharland@norfolk.gov.uk
    Tel: 07785 400032
    Recreation Ground Road, Norwich, NR7 8EW

    Grays Library
    Saturdays, 10:00 - 12:00 (first hour for youngsters only)
    Grays Library, Grays, Essex
    Contact: Andrew Offord - offord34@live.co.uk

    Heathfield Library
    First Saturday of every month, 10:30 - 11:30
    21 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8LU
    Enquiries: 0345 6080196