Hi Molly

I have been researching how to play Mahjong for myself, and I wanted to point out that the notes you sent here are for American Mahjong. There are also different variations for Chinese and Japanese Riichi games. I know the Chinese versions do not use the racks because the tiles are bigger and are able to stand on their own. They also do not use National Mahjong League cards and do not have Jokers.

I personally want to learn the Chinese Mahjong version so I have been looking at those rules and set up. I haven't gotten very far in learning it though.

Irene (Jones)

ZV032 BSCL

Berrien Springs Community Library

215 W. Union St.

Berrien Springs, MI 49103

269.471.7074

269.471.4433 fax

www.bsclibrary.org

On 08/07/2026 5:07 PM EDT Outreach via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org> wrote:

Hi Laura,

We're in the process of starting a group and just got a great run down from the Board President at the Charlotte Community Library. Here are a few notes that have been important for me in the process:

There is a large learning curve (IMHO) so it will be helpful for the staff member who will facilitate the group to be somewhat knowledgeable on the game rules and play. I'm learning myself and hope to show instructional youtube videos at the beginning of meetings for beginners.

Sets are (relatively) expensive and there are several accessories required (racks, a mat). Some of the more expensive kits will have these. Hopefully some patrons will have sets they can bring too.

You might want to try out registration for every meeting - the game requires 3-4 people per table so it's nice knowing how many to expect (and arrange for).

The game calls for rule cards from the National Mah Jongg League - these are available for purchase through that organization and are about $15. The cards show which hands can win and has the rules. The cards change every year (so the winning hands also change), so each player in a game needs to be working with the same year card (e.g. all 4 players have the 2026 card). I'm considering finding a simplified version (perhaps something for kids) so it's easier for absolute beginners. The cards can be hard to decipher at first (just part of the learning curve).

While there are (I'm sure) many sites out there for info and advice, I've enjoyed The Mahjong Project. The creator of this site has also published a recent book. She also wrote a blog post on cultural appropriation which is a must-read for anyone starting a group.

Just a few thoughts! I'd love to hear from others too!

Best,

Molly McBride

Dorothy Hull Library

From: Laura Orlowski via Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
Sent: Friday, August 7, 2026 3:39 PM
To: Michlib-l <michlib-l@liblists.org>
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

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