Youth Chess

Youth Chess is back at the San Carlos Branch Library on Tuesday, October 13, and it's one of those things that's easier to understand as a regular habit than a one-off. It runs every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 5 PM to 7 PM, so if you miss this one, there's another session coming right along behind it. It's open to anyone 18 and under, and you don't need to know a thing about the game to show up.

That's the best part: it's for all levels. If you've never touched a piece, you can come in and learn the basics from scratch. If you already know your way around the board, you can spend the evening sharpening your strategy and playing people who might push you to a better game. The sessions are open to everyone, so beginners and seasoned players end up in the same room.

It's part of the larger San Diego Public Library system, which frames chess as the world's most popular game—played by more than 600 million people—and promotes it for how it helps brain function, memory, cognitive abilities, and strategic thinking. The San Carlos Branch is one of the spots where that translates into something you can actually do. The branch itself got a renovation in 2014, which happened to mark its 40th anniversary, and its children's programming is supported by the San Carlos Friends of the Library, the same group that sponsors the Robotics Extravaganza. There are other regular children's offerings there too, like Preschool Storytime and the new LEGO Builder Club, so if you're already bringing kids over for those, this is an easy one to add to the mix.

Youth Chess runs every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 5 PM to 7 PM at the San Carlos Branch Library, 7265 Jackson Dr, San Diego, CA 92119. It's open to anyone 18 and under, from total beginners to experienced players.