Hello, 

Our library has offered a weekly Mah Jongg program since 2010. I talked to the organizer, a former staff member, about how they began.

It initially had an official teacher for a few weeks; after that, the more experienced players taught newcomers.

They play the American version and recommend that all players purchase the official rule card annually from the National Mah Jongg League so there is "no arguing".

Not everyone owns sets, but the group itself doesn't own any; some people have more than one set and will share for awhile. Each set should have 152 tiles. They use racks and pushers.

A recommended table size is 36 inches square, for elbow room. A typical card table is 32 inches. The group pooled finances to buy that size of tables a few at a time; we keep them in our storage closet. Yesterday, there were five tables full!

They also bought quilted material for the table tops, and someone in the group put elastic on the corners so they'd attach under the tabletop, to quiet the clacking of the tiles. 

Our organizer recommends weekly meetings if possible, so players better remember how to play, especially at the beginning.

The first week of every month, they bring in snacks. 

One person quit a few years ago because talking was allowed during play; she was looking for a more serious group. The rest enjoy the banter. So each group will probably settle into its own style.

Those are our two cents. Good luck on a successful program!

---

Susan Riegler

Susan Riegler, Director

Alden District Library

231/331-4318

Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:39:47 -0400
From: Laura Orlowski <info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org>
Subject: [Michlib-l] Mahjongg at the Library
To: Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
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Hi everyone;

Recently, we have had requests to start a Mahjongg group at our library.  I
know nothing about the actual tile game (only the online matching version).

If your library offers Mahjongg, I would love to hear from you.
What supplies did your library purchase?
Did/do you have an instructor come teach everyone how to play?
What advice can you give for a beginner library thinking about doing a
Mahjongg program?

Thank you for all your input!
-Laura Orlowski, Library Director
Jonesville District Library
517-849-9701
info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org