Puzzle Pros Piece Together Victory at Norwell Library

NORWELL — Puzzle enthusiasts gathered at the Norwell Public Library this month for the third installment of its growing Jigsaw Puzzle Championship, a competitive event that continues to gain popularity among residents.

“This is the third time we're doing this puzzle championship. So it's been really fun. People like it,” said Zoe Rath, adult services librarian at the Norwell Public Library. “We have six teams of four, and they're each competing with the same puzzle, 500 pieces.”

The March event followed successful competitions in January and February. Rath noted the format was inspired by similar events held at other libraries, and the community’s response has exceeded expectations.

“I was pleased to find out that people really like it and enjoy just working on their puzzles,” she said.

Victory went to a local team led by Norwell native Abby Mariano.

“Our team ended up winning. This is our second time doing it,” said Mariano. “We had a lot of fun, really happy that Norwell Library organizes things like these.”

Mariano, who has enjoyed puzzles since childhood, said she appreciated the challenge of turning “lots of disparate pieces all over the place” into a complete image.

“It’s nice to do it in a way that makes it a competition. It's a little bit a different feel,” she added.

Winners received a box of cookies for completing the puzzle in the shortest time.

Rath said the event is likely to return again.

“We probably will be doing this again, so we hope you join us for the next puzzle challenge,” she said.

Mariano agrees. “This is a blast. I hope that we keep doing these at the library and would love to do some more.”

Video for this story was captured by Norwell Spotlight TV.

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