Chess at the Belfast Free Library
09.08.07 The Belfast Free Library will be expanding its offering of chess classes to children. Made possible by a grant from the Golden Rule Foundation, the library now offers chess instruction to students in first grade through high school. Scholastic chess coach Russell Kahn will be the instructor.
The following article appraerd in the Waldo County Citizen on September 7, 2007.
Play chess, it's the golden rule
BELFAST (Sep 7): Thanks to a generous grant from the Golden Rule Foundation, the Belfast Free Library will be expanding its chess offerings.
Instructor Russell Kahn announced a beginner’Äôs class for youngsters ages 6 to 8 (grades 1-2 ) will meet 5’Äì5:25 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Sept 12. The class will be limited to 12 students. Children ages 9-11 ( grades 3-5) are invited to enroll in the intermediate class, which will meet 5:30-6:25 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 12. Middle and high school students are encouraged to attend 6:30’Äì7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, also beginning Sept. 12.
Kahn utilizes several teaching aids, including an oversized, hanging chess board, videos, quizzes and handouts to help students improve their games. Tournaments are held from time to time to acquaint youngsters with competitive play.
Students are also given the opportunity to attend state chess tournaments in March at the University of Maine. Frequent family nights include the whole clan in a fun night of chess and other board games. This season, Kahn will set aside several evenings to work with parents and other community members wishing to hone their skills and develop strategies.
Contact the library at 338-3884, ext. 24, to enroll or for more information.
VillageSoup/Waldo County Citizen Editor Beth Staples can be reached at 207-338-0484 or by e-mail at bstaples@villagesoup.com.
