By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Residents and visitors to the Westborough Public Library are invited to participate in the ongoing community jigsaw puzzle project, Puzzle Away.
The project was made possible by a grant from the Tuft University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine’s Service Fund. According to Jean Poteete, a member of the selection committee at Tufts, the grant was awarded because the project met the committee’s criteria for an award: it is located in one of Cummings School’s host communities and is sponsored by a nonprofit with an educational mission.
In her grant request to the Cummings School Service Fund, Library Director Maureen Ambrosino wrote, “Puzzle Away will bring individuals and families together to foster a greater sense of community, to allow them to reconnect on a shared project ‘without the distractions of technology.”
Overseeing the project is Adult Services Librarian Donna Martel.
“The goal of the project is to provide space and puzzles for the community to work on together and it fits in perfectly with our adult summer reading program this year, ‘Exercise Your Mind,’” Martel said.
To date, about 20 puzzles – donated by members of the community and ranging from 300-1,000 pieces – have been completed.
According to Martel, the library is planning on hosting a puzzle swap later this year where people can bring in a puzzle and swap it for one of the puzzles that has already been completed by the community.
Puzzle Away will continue indefinitely as long as there is interest. All are welcome to participate.