Scrabble Rousers

By Susan Coney

Wandering up the stairs of the Booth Library on Thursday afternoons around 2 and you may hear laughter and lots of chatter coming from what is usually referred to as the “quiet study room.” That’s when a regular group of enthusiastic word enthusiasts meet to play Scrabble.

Librarian Margaret Brown explained, “Last year we started a Scrabble Club here at the library for all ages. Games are available at the main floor desk to be checked out for use in the library at any time. We have eight deluxe rotating boards and two Scrabble Junior editions.” The Scrabble games were donated by the Newtown Junior Women’s Club and Milton Bradley.

Newtown resident Pat Gauvain truly enjoys the weekly games and a chance to test her skills. “We are so fortunate to have this library, with the beautiful carpet, chairs, and tables. We play all year long and sometimes have two large tables of groups playing,” she said. “More people come when the weather is nice than in the winter; it’s just fun,” Ms Gauvain added.

Rodney Amable, originally from Ghana, learned about the group shortly after it became organized and comes regularly. Mr Amable speaks several languages and the regulars in the group say jokingly that they always fear being matched against him because he is so knowledgeable. Ms Gauvain speaks highly of Mr Amable, saying that he has so much to offer and adds so much to the group.

The group welcomes anyone wishing to participate to join them on Thursday afternoons for a challenging, as well as entertaining, game of Scrabble.