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Wickliffe Public Library hosting Puzzle Competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 10:50 GMT by The News-Herald
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Wickliffe Public Library Announces Annual Puzzle Competition to Spark Community Curiosity

The Wickliffe Public Library will host its second‑annual Puzzle Competition on Thursday, September 20, 2025, promising an evening of brain‑teasing challenges, friendly rivalry, and a chance to win prizes from local businesses. The event, slated to run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the library’s downtown branch, is part of the library’s broader “Engage & Explore” initiative, aimed at turning the community’s love of learning into fun, hands‑on experiences.

A Growing Tradition

The inaugural competition, held in June 2024, drew more than 100 participants, ranging from middle‑school students to senior citizens. According to the event’s co‑organizer, Library Director Mary Jenkins, the response “was a testament to the town’s appetite for creative problem‑solving.” The first‑year contest featured 12 puzzles—ranging from logic grids and cryptograms to a scavenger hunt that had competitors searching the library’s archives for clues. The winning team from Wickliffe High School was awarded a gift basket of local treats and a $500 donation to their math club.

“The excitement was contagious,” said Jenkins. “It proved that our community values learning beyond the classroom.” The success of the 2024 competition prompted the library to expand the program for 2025, adding more puzzle categories, a “Junior Challenge” for ages 8–12, and a “Senior Sprint” that will test memory and speed.

What’s on the Menu?

This year’s competition will feature a total of 18 puzzles spread across five categories:

1. Logic Puzzles – 8 problems that challenge participants to deduce information from given clues.
2. Wordplay – Cryptograms, crosswords, and rebus puzzles that test vocabulary and lateral thinking.
3. Math Riddles – Problems that blend arithmetic with spatial reasoning.
4. Scavenger Hunt – Teams will locate hidden items in the library’s exhibits and answer trivia about the town’s history.
5. Team Challenge – A cooperative puzzle that requires all members to work together to reveal a secret code.

Participants may sign up as individuals or in teams of up to four. A separate “Junior” bracket will feature easier puzzles suited to younger minds, while the “Senior Sprint” will offer a timed challenge to celebrate the wisdom of the older generation.

Community Involvement

The library has secured sponsorship from several local businesses that will contribute prizes. A local coffee shop will donate cups of espresso, a hardware store will provide tool kits, and the Wickliffe Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a $1,000 cash prize for the overall winners. The library’s community outreach coordinator, Lisa O’Donnell, said, “These partnerships help us keep the competition free for all ages while offering meaningful rewards that connect us with the business community.”

In addition to prizes, the library will feature a “Puzzle Gallery” where past puzzles and solutions from 2024 will be displayed, giving participants a chance to learn from previous challenges. There will also be a “Puzzle Corner” for those who want to try a few quick challenges before the main event begins.

Registration and Logistics

Registration opens at 7:00 p.m. and will be conducted online via the library’s event page (see the “Events” link on the library’s website). The library has a dedicated registration portal that allows participants to choose their preferred puzzle categories and indicate dietary restrictions for the post‑event community potluck.

The library will provide snacks and beverages throughout the evening, and the event will adhere to current health guidelines, including mask requirements and social distancing protocols for those who wish to maintain them.

A Story of Community Engagement

The competition is more than a fun night out; it’s a demonstration of the library’s role as a hub for lifelong learning. Jenkins explained that the library’s mission statement emphasizes “inclusivity, curiosity, and community.” By hosting events like the Puzzle Competition, the library provides an avenue for people of all ages to engage in problem‑solving, sharpen critical thinking skills, and connect with neighbors who share similar interests.

The library’s efforts to create accessible, engaging programming have earned it recognition from the Illinois Library Association, which cited Wickliffe Public Library as a “model for community engagement” in its 2025 Annual Report. The association’s report highlighted the library’s use of innovative programming, including workshops, author talks, and now, puzzle competitions, to keep library visitors engaged during the pandemic and beyond.

Looking Ahead

The Wickliffe Public Library plans to make the Puzzle Competition an annual tradition, with the possibility of expanding it into a regional competition. The library’s board is currently exploring partnerships with neighboring towns to bring in a wider pool of participants, and they are investigating funding opportunities to enhance the event’s educational components.

“We hope to create a space where people can celebrate their love for puzzles, learn from each other, and strengthen the ties that bind our community,” Jenkins said. “Puzzle-solving is a universal language, and here at the library, we want to speak it with everyone.”

As the library prepares for the September competition, residents of Wickliffe and the surrounding area are encouraged to register early, bring a friend or family member, and look forward to an evening that promises laughter, learning, and a little healthy competition. For more details and to sign up, visit the library’s website under the “Events” section, or contact the library directly at (555) 123‑4567.