Belgrave Library has come up with a fun way for puzzle lovers to connect and share their passion with others through a monthly jigsaw swap and the next one is this Saturday, 1 August.
The monthly event is held on the first Saturday of each month and invites visitors to bring in their puzzles and swap them for something new.
The library is currently appealing for donations of good-quality, intact second-hand jigsaws with at least 500 pieces.
This ensures the collection remains challenging and enjoyable for all participants.
Belgrave library user, Elaine Hartley helped establish the event after seeing a similar event at Bayswater Library.
She said puzzles can offer a range of benefits, from keeping the mind sharp in old age to providing a therapeutic way of dealing with issues like insomnia.
“Jigsaws are fantastic for focus and relaxation,” Ms Hartley said.
“I discovered through sending them to my sister, who has MS, that they’re a great way to keep the fingers active and settle the mind, especially when you can’t sleep.”
The idea for the swap was sparked by the growing popularity of jigsaw puzzles, particularly as a mental workout.
Ms Hartley who’s a frequent library user, thought it would be a good fit for the community, however, after the first two months, it became clear that not everyone had a jigsaw to swap when they visited.
“We found that people were coming in and saying, ‘Oh, I love the idea but I didn’t bring a jigsaw.’ We’re thinking of introducing an alternative to ensure everyone who’re interested can be involved,” Ms Hartley said.
While the event has been a success, the library encourages donors to provide high-quality puzzles.
The goal is to create a lasting collection that remains intact and inviting for all users.
The swap has quickly gained momentum, with puzzles being exchanged between locals and offering a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
There’s no time limit for returning a jigsaw, but the only rule is that it must be complete – no missing pieces.
Ms Hartley emphasises that it’s important to maintain the quality of the collection for everyone to enjoy.
For those who don’t have a jigsaw to swap, a small donation helps ensure that the library can continue growing the collection with puzzles from op shops and other local sources.
“Puzzles can get expensive these days,” Ms Hartley said.
“Some places are charging up to $10 for second-hand ones, which can be a bit much, especially for pensioners. The swap table is a great way to keep it affordable and accessible.”
In addition to jigsaws, the library has recently expanded the swap collection to include a few games, adding even more options for visitors to enjoy.
