Puzzle swap set for sunday at East Hills Library

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) --  The St. Joseph Public Library will host a jigsaw puzzle swap on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 1:30 p.m. at the East Hills Library. 

Guests are welcome to bring puzzles to exchange, but participation does not require a swap. The library will also have gently used puzzles available for purchase in the lobby. 

The event is free and open to all ages, offering the community a chance to enjoy an afternoon centered around puzzles and connection.  

“I like to do jigsaw puzzles and a lot of people do and when you’re done with it you don’t usually want to do it again so having a swap is a good way to refresh your collection while sharing,” Elizabeth Murray, programming librarian said.  

The puzzle swap has been a regular event at the library for the past four years, taking place every six months. Anyone is welcome to join—whether they want to keep a puzzle you find, bring it back for another swap, or simply browse the selection.  

“Puzzles are expensive, so its a good way to share puzzles without impacting your budget, and everything here is for free,” Murray said.    

The library hopes the event offers people a relaxing Sunday afternoon to spend with family while working through puzzles together.  

Another swap is already planned for February, when participants will also be able to donate puzzles to support the library’s annual book sale.  

“I have come to every single one of them. I have just always done puzzles and I was excited to do some trading because its fun to just swap it out and you don’t have to pay full prices,” Rochelle Greenwood, patron said.  

Greenwood also says she enjoys picking up puzzles to take home, calling it a great way to keep her mind active and focused.  

“I come to the library all the time and you can always walk out of here with some puzzles with you don’t already have one so just come out and do some swapping,” Greenwood said.  

Organizers say their goal is to bring the community together through a simple activity that sparks connection.  

They’re hoping each event will continue to grow with more puzzles to choose from and more people to trade with.