Hello,

I’m in the process of starting a Mahjong program at my library, and thankfully, I found a volunteer through the Friends group who has experience playing the Chinese version of Mahjong. She mentioned that Chinese Mahjong is generally much less complicated than American Mahjong.

Here’s a simple overview of the differences:

Chinese Mahjong

● Generally simpler to learn

● No annual Mah Jongg card

● No jokers

● No Charleston

● Players build their hands using traditional tile combinations

● Requires 4 players

American Mahjong

● More complicated rules and scoring

● Uses an annual Mah Jongg card with specific winning hands

● Uses jokers

● Includes the Charleston, where players exchange tiles at the beginning

● Requires 4 players

Since we won’t be starting until the fall, I’m not exactly sure what the program will look like yet, so we’re open to trying different things and seeing what works best for the group.

For now, I’m planning to have 8 people register for the introductory Mahjong class. One volunteer will teach and play with a group of 4, while another volunteer will do the same with the other group of 4. She did mention that a game can take quite a while, so we’ll see how things go once we get started.

We’ll also need a small square table for each group which I may have to purchase later. I already purchased an inexpensive Mahjong set from Amazon, and I’ll also be borrowing a set from the volunteer. I may purchase additional sets once I become more familiar with the game and have a better idea of what the program will need.

The tiles can also be fairly noisy, so I’m planning to have the groups play in a room with carpeting to help reduce the noise. My volunteer also invited me to watch her play so I can get a better feel for how the game works before we begin.

The plan is to offer the program once a month so participants can gradually become familiar and comfortable with the game. Eventually, the hope is that participants will be able to form their own groups and play independently.

For now, I think it’s best to start small, see how it goes, and adjust the program as we learn what works best for everyone.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you need help finding instructors, and I’d be happy to ask around.

Also, if anyone has any additional ideas or suggestions as we develop the Mahjong class at the library, I would greatly appreciate your input!

Best, 
Julie Kwon
Adult Services Librarian
Rochester Hills Public Library
julie.kwon@rhpl.org
(248) 650-7139

On Sat, Aug 8, 2026 at 3:14 AM <michlib-l-request@liblists.org> wrote:
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   1. CIDL is hiring! (Bill Bowman)
   2. Passport to Reading Program (Lorry Traver)
   3. Mahjongg at the Library (Laura Orlowski)
   4. Upcoming workshops from MCLS! (Gwen Haviland)
   5. Re: Mahjongg at the Library (Connie Doherty)
   6. Re: Mahjongg at the Library (Carrie Drops)
   7. Re: Mahjongg at the Library (Jeff Milo)
   8. Re: Mahjongg at the Library (Olivia Duong)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bill Bowman <bowmanb@cidlibrary.org>
To: "michlib-l@liblists.org" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 17:56:08 +0000
Subject: [Michlib-l] CIDL is hiring!
Clarkston Independence District Library seeks an enthusiastic and organized individual to join a positive, team-oriented work environment to assist with volunteer recruitment, engagement, and outreach. Applications accepted through August 16th. Apply today at the link below!


https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/445df381-dd3b-4885-a17e-32ee81bd1fcb/CLARKSTON-INDEPENDENCE-DISTRICT-LIBRARY?source=MichLib


1502148271475_Bill_2.png



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Lorry Traver <ltraver@brandonlibrary.org>
To: michlib-l@liblists.org
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 14:23:19 -0400
Subject: [Michlib-l] Passport to Reading Program
Hello Library Land,

I am working on putting a "Passport to Reading" program together for our winter season, and was curious if other libraries had ever done something like this. We will have lists of books/authors from other countries for patrons in different age groups to read, then once they finish their lists, they will get entered to win an "Around the World" gift basket with various items from around the world.

Has anyone else done a program similar to this? If so, do you have reading lists and possibly prize ideas that you could pass along to me to make the amount of work on this program a bit less time consuming?

Thank you!

--
“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world."
—Voltaire


Lorry Traver (She/Her)
Public Services Librarian
Brandon Township Library
248-627-1460



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



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Gwen Haviland <havilandg@mcls.org>
To: "INlibraries <inlibraries@lists.library.in.gov>" <inlibraries@lists.library.in.gov>, "List Serv : Indiana Small Libraries" <insmalllib@lists.library.in.gov>, Indiana Public Libraries <inpublib@lists.library.in.gov>, publib <publib@oclclists.org>, "mclsinfo@liblists.org" <mclsinfo@liblists.org>, "acad-ref@liblists.org" <acad-ref@liblists.org>, "michlib-l@liblists.org" <michlib-l@liblists.org>, "Masl@remc.org" <Masl@remc.org>
Cc: MCLS Training <training@mcls.org>
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 19:49:39 +0000
Subject: [Michlib-l] Upcoming workshops from MCLS!
Take a look at these upcoming workshops!

Object Cataloging for a Library of Things  
3-day class, August 18-20, 2-4 p.m. Eastern (1-3 p.m. Central)

Supervisor Series: Effective Communication Strategies for Managers  1 spot left!
1-day class, August 20, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Eastern (9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Central)

For these and other great workshops please visit our Training Store 
Learn about our Certificates of Library Staff Development in cataloging and essential workshop skills
Earn contact hours for LEUs (IN), PGPs (IN), and SCECHs (MI) from most MCLS workshops

Please email training@mcls.org for any questions.
 
***************************************

Gwen Haviland

Membership & Training Coordinator/Project Specialist 

Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)

517-455-7612

training@mcls.org


Connect with MCLS

Website  |  Newsletter  |  Facebook  |  LinkedIn

  




---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Connie Doherty <cldwins@wowway.com>
To: michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:58:25 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Mahjongg at the Library
We would love this info at the Troy Public Library as well!

Thanks very much.

Connie Doherty

Constance L. Doherty | Head, Adult Information Services

510 W Big Beaver

Troy, Michigan 48084

248.619.7591


From: "Laura Orlowski via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
To: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2026 3:39:47 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Mahjongg at the Library

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
[ mailto:info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org | info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org ]

_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Carrie Drops <cdrops@lib.lapeer.org>
To: Connie Doherty <cldwins@wowway.com>
Cc: michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 15:59:53 -0400
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Mahjongg at the Library
I would love information on this as well.


Carrie Drops

Reference Desk Assistant

Lapeer District Library

Marguerite deAngeli Branch

921 W. Nepessing St.

Lapeer, MI 48446

810.664.6971 Ext. 3217

cdrops@lib.lapeer.org


Not every book is for everyone, but every book is for someone.



On Fri, Aug 7, 2026 at 3:58 PM Connie Doherty via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:
We would love this info at the Troy Public Library as well!

Thanks very much.

Connie Doherty

Constance L. Doherty | Head, Adult Information Services

510 W Big Beaver

Troy, Michigan 48084

248.619.7591


From: "Laura Orlowski via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
To: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2026 3:39:47 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Mahjongg at the Library

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
[ mailto:info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org | info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org ]

_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org
_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list -- michlib-l@liblists.org
To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jeff Milo <jeff@fadl.org>
To: Carrie Drops <cdrops@lib.lapeer.org>
Cc: Connie Doherty <cldwins@wowway.com>, michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 16:13:17 -0400
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Mahjongg at the Library
Ferndale is also intrigued 

On Friday, August 7, 2026, Carrie Drops via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:
I would love information on this as well.


Carrie Drops

Reference Desk Assistant

Lapeer District Library

Marguerite deAngeli Branch

921 W. Nepessing St.

Lapeer, MI 48446

810.664.6971 Ext. 3217

cdrops@lib.lapeer.org


Not every book is for everyone, but every book is for someone.



On Fri, Aug 7, 2026 at 3:58 PM Connie Doherty via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:
We would love this info at the Troy Public Library as well!

Thanks very much.

Connie Doherty

Constance L. Doherty | Head, Adult Information Services

510 W Big Beaver

Troy, Michigan 48084

248.619.7591


From: "Laura Orlowski via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
To: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2026 3:39:47 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Mahjongg at the Library

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
[ mailto:info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org | info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org ]

_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org


--

jeff@fadl.org
Jeff Milo
Head of Marketing and Communications
Ferndale Area District Library




---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Olivia Duong <oduong930@gmail.com>
To: Carrie Drops <cdrops@lib.lapeer.org>
Cc: Connie Doherty <cldwins@wowway.com>, michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Bcc: 
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2026 16:16:09 -0400
Subject: [Michlib-l] Re: Mahjongg at the Library
Hi,

My cousin teaches American mahjongg lessons in the metro Detroit area. If anyone is looking for someone to come in for a mahjongg program, I highly recommend reaching out to them! They provide the game components and instructions.

https://linktr.ee/mahjgirlcollective


Olivia Duong

On Fri, Aug 7, 2026 at 16:00 Carrie Drops via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:
I would love information on this as well.


Carrie Drops

Reference Desk Assistant

Lapeer District Library

Marguerite deAngeli Branch

921 W. Nepessing St.

Lapeer, MI 48446

810.664.6971 Ext. 3217

cdrops@lib.lapeer.org


Not every book is for everyone, but every book is for someone.



On Fri, Aug 7, 2026 at 3:58 PM Connie Doherty via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:
We would love this info at the Troy Public Library as well!

Thanks very much.

Connie Doherty

Constance L. Doherty | Head, Adult Information Services

510 W Big Beaver

Troy, Michigan 48084

248.619.7591


From: "Laura Orlowski via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
To: "Michlib-l" <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2026 3:39:47 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] Mahjongg at the Library

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
[ mailto:info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org | info@jonesvilledistrictlibrary.org ]

_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list -- michlib-l@liblists.org
To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org
_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list -- michlib-l@liblists.org
To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org
_______________________________________________
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To unsubscribe send an email to michlib-l-leave@liblists.org