Seminole County Library Builds Community, One Mah-Jongg Tile at a Time

Mah-jongg, a tile-based game that originated in China in the 19th century, has a long history of bringing people together. And at the Seminole County Library, that tradition is thriving.

What began as a simple introductory mah-jongg course has grown into weekly meetups, creating a space where friends and neighbors gather, learn, and enjoy the game side by side.

In March 2024, library patron Tracey Jodhan Fojo graciously offered to teach a nine‑week course on Wright‑Patterson mah-jongg (a unique, strategic variation of the game) at the Northwest Branch in Lake Mary.

“I learned to play mah-jongg with my mother and her friends and came to love the game just as much as she did,” says Tracey. “When I began volunteering to teach the basics, it opened a pathway to give back, and it’s been wonderful to witness the joy it’s brought to so many. Mah-jongg is a fun and challenging game. While playing, you also form friendships, laugh and joke, and share your lives.”

The Northwest Branch mah-jongg group has grown substantially over the past two-plus years, with a typical game day drawing multiple tables of players. Adults of all ages join in, from recent high school graduates to retirees. The popular program has also expanded to the West Branch in Longwood.

Playing mah-jongg can be beneficial in several ways. The game supports mental well-being by offering a screen-free way for people to connect in person, and it is beneficial for brain health. Mah-jongg blends strategy and luck and challenges players to analyze patterns, remember tile combinations, and make quick strategic decisions, all of which strengthen important brain functions.

Research has shown that activities like playing mah-jongg can help maintain memory, improve attention, and support overall brain vitality as people age. The physical act of handling and arranging the tiles also adds a gentle motor-skills component, making the game both mentally stimulating and physically engaging. It’s a wonderful blend of wellness and enjoyment: a form of brain exercise wrapped in community connection.

Like Tracey, other patrons eagerly anticipate the game days.

“I look forward to playing mah-jongg at the library,” says Sally Timmons. “It’s all about making new friends and having fun. Mah-jongg is great therapy.”

Adds Paula Mooty: “They are a wonderful group of people who are very patient, and it’s lots of fun. I’m so fortunate to have found this at our library.”

While library staff can help teach novice players the Wright-Patterson version of mah-jongg, all variations of the game are welcome at the meetups. Participants of all skill levels are welcome at both the Northwest and West branches. Plenty of players are familiar with more than one style of the game, and they are always happy to share their knowledge with newcomers.

“Try it,” adds Tracey. “You might just come to love the game, too!”

Wright-Patterson mah-jongg games are held on the first and third Monday of the month from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Northwest Branch (Lake Mary) and on the second and fourth Monday from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the West Branch (Longwood).

Katharine Fintak is the Regional Branch Manager for the Northwest and West branches of the Seminole County Public Library.