Cape Town: The Library and Information Services Department of the City of Cape Town in collaboration with the Western Cape Chess Federation introduced Chess@Libraries programme. The event observed more than doubled participants since the first tournament held in 2023.
Reportedly, this year 33 city libraries were represented. The tournament finals were arranged at the Parow Civic Centre on Oct 09, 2025 that marked another milestone in the journey of embedding chess as a vibrant and community driven programme in libraries across the Cape Town.
Chess has proven to be far more than a game. Over 30 libraries have participated in the event, and it has become a tool for developing concentration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. While also creating opportunities for recreation and social connection.
Over half of the 102 City Libraries now run regular chess clubs. On an average, the libraries host between three and five chess sessions per month with no age limit or experience required.
Also, preparing for the annual Finals Tournament, the qualifying rounds were held at more than 50 libraries between April and August. Local qualifiers in libraries such as Southfield, Gugulethu, Woodstock and Elsies River drew over 50 participants and many of whom advanced to the city-wide finals.
This growth builds on the programme’s steady expansion since its inception from 70 players in 19 libraries in 2023, to 120 players in 24 libraries in 2024 and now to more than 160 participants from 33 libraries in 2025.
Notably, the finals have brought together dozens of representatives from libraries across Cape Town with especially strong participation from Goodwood, Moses Mabhida and Kensington.
The event was made possible through the collaboration of library staff, volunteers, community partners and the Western Province Chess Federation, who provided essential equipment and support.
Concluding the finals, the top three winners were announced alongside the Best Female Player that highlighted both the talent and the inclusive spirit of the programme. Their achievements underscored the opportunities that chess provides for young people and community members alike to shine on a city-wide stage.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that the libraries continue to prove that they are some of the coolest spaces in the City of Cape Town, which are finding innovative ways of inspiring and developing young and old alike.
In 2025, the libraries have introduced a developmental section for players to represent libraries without formal ranking or extensive experience, as a way of motivating and developing them.
The Chess@Librraies programme does not hold to specific age groups, instead they encourage keen or interested players from across the metro to visit their library and participate in this fantastic skill.
The youngest player this was seven-year-old and the oldest one was of age seventy-one, and with chess they proved that age is just a number.
Francine Higham further added that by weaving chess into the fabric of library services, the City of Cape Town has fostered sharper minds and stronger communities.
A special word of thanks was extended to the library staff who worked tirelessly to prepare for and run the tournament. The Friends of the Library groups whose donations supported catering and prizes and the many volunteers, YeBoneers and community partners who helped with set-up, registration and smooth coordination on the day.
Their collective effort made the 2025 Chess@Libraries Finals Tournament a true success and a memorable celebration of strategy, skill and community spirit.