Sheppard Memorial Library is partnering with a local chess club (Highway 264 Chess) to host the Pitt County Chess Open on February 23, 2019, at the main branch of the library located at 530 South Evans Street.
The tournament, which begins at 9:30 a.m., is sanctioned by the United States Chess Federation. It will be the first in a series of such events hosted at the library on Saturdays throughout the year.
"Libraries promote activities that are healthy, relaxing, and illuminating - chess fits right into that model" Library Director Greg Needham said. "We built the chess park outside to promote the game - now we are going to see games inside the library at a tournament level. We are very excited!"
Sheppard Memorial Library installed a giant chess board along Evans Street last fall after a successful private fundraising campaign. Actual tournament games will not be played on the outside board, but informal games by tournament players and guests are expected.
