Some libraries host chess groups where enthusiasts get together to play friendly, informal chess. Juniors and adults of differing abilities often play and improve together, and usually there's nothing to pay, while some library groups cater exclusively for juniors. Most operate on a 'drop-in' basis but a few of the junior groups require prior booking.
Listed below are the library groups that we know about, but there may be more so if there's nothing suitable below check with your local library to see if they have a group. If they do, please let us know so that we can include them in our listing. And if they don't, why not ask the library staff if they would support a chess group - you may even be able to obtain sets and boards at no expense through the chess charity Chess in Schools and Communities. We have some experience of library chess at the Surrey County Chess Association and are happy to give advice - just email us.
We advise that you contact the organiser or library before visiting to check that the information given here is correct and up-to-date.
The information on this page is provided in good faith. None of the library chess organisations listed are managed by the SCCA. The SCCA is not responsible for and makes no warranties or representations in relation to the safeguarding practices, services, products or other materials available from such organisations outside of SCCA control.
If you have comments, corrections or additions to the information provided here, please let us know.
Battersea Library
265 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1JB
Email
Fridays 4.00 to 5.30pm
Free drop-in group during school terms for juniors up to age 15.Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Battersea Park Library
309 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4NF
Email
Tuesdays 3.30 to 5.00pm
Free drop-in group during school terms for juniors up to age 15.Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
Brixton Library
Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ
Email
Saturdays 11.00am to 2.00pm
Free, all ages and levels welcome.
Clapham Library
Mary Seacole Centre, 91 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7DB
Tel 020 7926 0717
Sunday afternoons, library opening hours are 1.00 to 5.00pm.
Juniors only.
Dorking Library
St Martin's Walk, Dorking RH4 2PW
Email
Tuesdays 4.15 to 5.15pm
Free, adults and children over 9. Please phone Dorking Library, telephone number 03456 009 009, to register before coming.
Colliers Wood, Donald Hope Library
Temporarily relocated to Colliers Wood Library, 65 Clarendon Road (next to
MertonVision), London SW19 2DX
Email, tel 020 8274 5799
Free, juniors only, to be accompanied by adults.
Saturdays 10.00 to 12.00am
Selsdon Library
Addington Road, Selsdon CR2 8LA
Email
Tuesdays 4.00 to 5.50pm
Free, assortment of board games including chess.
Streatham Library
63 Streatham High Road, London SW16 1PN (in the Mark Bennett Community
Centre)
Email
Website
Tuesdays 4.30 to 7.30pm
Free, all ages and levels welcome. Children under 10 must be accompanied by
an adult.
Sutton Central Library
St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA
Email
Free, all ages and levels welcome. The group meets on the ground floor
towards the back of the library.
Tooting Library
75 Mitcham Rd, London, London SW17 9PD
Website
Saturdays 11.15am to 12.15pm
Free junior club, 5 years to teenagers. Pre-booking only (call in during
one of the Saturday sessions to book with the organiser).
Wandsworth, York Gardens Library and Community Centre
34 Lavender Road, London, SW11 2UG
Tel: 020 7223 2341
Fridays 3.45 to 4.45pm, during school terms only
Free junior club, call the library for further information.
Wimbledon Library
Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NB
Email,
tel 020 8274 5757
Fridays 2.00 to 5:00pm
Free drop-in group for adults.