It's been almost 1 year since our organization has been established so on behalf of my team, I want to give a big thank you to everyone for their support! Without all of our supporters (volunteers, librarians, donors, sponsors, others who gave us words of encouragement) the Chess in the Library program wouldn't have gone as far as it is today. It's not just our chess program that you sponsored, it's a hope. A hope that chess in Canada would not die off (it seems to get worse), or even a hope that this game will become very popular one day.
We currently have 9 libraries hosting this program and 4 more are in contact. The program is growing at a very quick pace. Our goal by the end of this year is 15 locations in total, as I mentioned in my new year resolution!
During the past year, we've been receiving requests from librarians wanting a cross-library chess match. Thus, we've decided to celebrate our 1 year anniversary (by the end of June) by hosting a grand tournament in which the top 10 participants from each library will come together and compete to see which library does the best. The tournament information is listed on our website (the Events page) at www.chessinthelibrary.com.
We've been receiving many donations of chess-related materials (trophies, books, magazines, etc) so we'll be giving out a lot of prizes at this tournament. Also, it will be CMA rated because many of our kids only have that rating. The entry fee, as stated in the flyer, is technically free, but we will be accepting donations. Perhaps this is the first large-scale rated tournament that doesn't force the participants to pay at all! Are we making history or what?
Also, we really really want to get a permanent trophy for the top library to keep and bring back to this tournament every year. You know the ones that are big and you can keep sticking plates on it? Although both individual and team prizes will be given out, the tournament emphasizes the team spirit. Teamwork is an important factor in everyday life, no matter what you do, it's impossible to accomplish something big without teamwork. Just like the Chess in the Library organization. You might always see me posting on chesstalk, but in reality, theres are tons of people working for our organization behind the scenes. You don't see them, but they are there, and without them, CITL would be nothing. Thus, my team and I would really appreciate it if someone kind could help us out with this permanent trophy!
Other than the main event, we also plan to get some media coverage (if anyone of you have media contacts, please help me out) and host a few side events. That would include activities with our giant chess set, a puzzle competition and someone to teach the rules of chess to the waiting parents so that they don't get too bored!
If you know anyone that wants to play in this tournament (gr12 and under), it is important that they become a member of the chess club at a library first! We welcome everyone to come out and celebrate our 1 year anniversary with us on June 26th, 2010 from 1-5pm at the North York Central Library (stated on flyer).
Again, thank you all for your support during the past year! We've certainly gained lots of experience and enjoyed this journey so far. If you'll like to make a donation,email me at yuanling_1@yahoo.com!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Chess in the Library New Logo!!
Ever since my team and I started expanding the Chess in the Library Organization, we've been always working hard on the logo for our organization. Many people help us out with the design and below is the logo-designing process:
Designs by CITL Webmaster Yutong Luo:
The original idea was to incorporate the word "Library" from the Toronto Public Library logo to the CITL logo. Yutong did a good job with capture the whole idea, but when we put everything together, it just didn't seem right.
Designs by Artist Rachel Ng:
Rachel is the artist in my school, haha. She's an awesome designer and worked really hard to create 3 different versions of the logo. The second one was really nice and professional but unfortunately, my team and I are concerned about the library copyright issues as it looks way too close to the actual TPL logo!
Designs by former Pleasant View Library CITL's organizer Yuan Dai:
By the time Yuan knew about this logo designing thing, it was already 8 months since the first design. We've tried again and again, but nothing seems to stand out. However, it's Yuan's design that finally brought us hope! Take a look at the 3 versions of the CITL logo below. The very first model already blew me away and after suggesting some changes, we have finally created a satisfying logo (that would be the very last picture in this post)! :)
I want to take this opportunity to thank all three logo-designers: Yutong, Rachel and Yuan! Regardless of whether we actually use your logos or not, I know how much effort you've put into it, and we will forever remember you guys and your logos. With the previous logos, there wouldn't be a final product at all. A special shout-out goes to Yuan Dai for designing a successful logo! Congratulations!!
Come to think of it, famous scientist Thomas Edison failed 2000 times before inventing the light bulb. This journey was nothing compared to that! I never failed to believe in us once during this process, and even if one after one failure, I would still tell myself that I cannot give up. I will find someone who will design the perfect logo. And guess what? Not so long after, we've created the official CITL logo!! All I want to say is that no matter what obstacles you meet in school, work, or just life in general, NEVER GIVE UP because obstacles are just nature's way of showing us what we can do. The path to success is always paved with mistakes, just like all the logos that we designed before the final one! :)
Designs by CITL Webmaster Yutong Luo:
The original idea was to incorporate the word "Library" from the Toronto Public Library logo to the CITL logo. Yutong did a good job with capture the whole idea, but when we put everything together, it just didn't seem right.
Rachel is the artist in my school, haha. She's an awesome designer and worked really hard to create 3 different versions of the logo. The second one was really nice and professional but unfortunately, my team and I are concerned about the library copyright issues as it looks way too close to the actual TPL logo!
Designs by former Pleasant View Library CITL's organizer Yuan Dai:
By the time Yuan knew about this logo designing thing, it was already 8 months since the first design. We've tried again and again, but nothing seems to stand out. However, it's Yuan's design that finally brought us hope! Take a look at the 3 versions of the CITL logo below. The very first model already blew me away and after suggesting some changes, we have finally created a satisfying logo (that would be the very last picture in this post)! :)
I want to take this opportunity to thank all three logo-designers: Yutong, Rachel and Yuan! Regardless of whether we actually use your logos or not, I know how much effort you've put into it, and we will forever remember you guys and your logos. With the previous logos, there wouldn't be a final product at all. A special shout-out goes to Yuan Dai for designing a successful logo! Congratulations!!
Come to think of it, famous scientist Thomas Edison failed 2000 times before inventing the light bulb. This journey was nothing compared to that! I never failed to believe in us once during this process, and even if one after one failure, I would still tell myself that I cannot give up. I will find someone who will design the perfect logo. And guess what? Not so long after, we've created the official CITL logo!! All I want to say is that no matter what obstacles you meet in school, work, or just life in general, NEVER GIVE UP because obstacles are just nature's way of showing us what we can do. The path to success is always paved with mistakes, just like all the logos that we designed before the final one! :)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Black Creek Library Settled and Ready to Go
I visited the Black Creek library last Saturday and discussed a few things with the branch head there. Since the Chess in the Library program will be an after school program at that branch, none of our volunteers would be able to attend (high school students are busy busy busy :)
The staff will run the program and they hope to do some teaching. Recently, other than teaching on a demo board, we also taught some beginners the basic rules in a group (view my last post about the Humberwood library). It's really awesome to see such a great interest in chess from those who never touched the game before! However, explaining the basic rules of chess each week is getting a bit repetitive for the volunteers. Teaching something different every week is totally fine, it's just that we get new members each week coming in and telling us that they don't know how to play chess. Thus, our next project is to create a children-friendly brochure that explains the rules of chess. It's a good idea, isn't it? :)
Also, I taught the librarian how to use our pairing sheets as well as the structure of the program. She was definitely a quick learner! Everything is now set for the Black Creek library and all we're waiting for is the day in which the program commences! Oh and if you're uncertain of which day I'm talking about, it's May 6th (check out the side bar that lists all the locations ------------------------------------------>
The staff will run the program and they hope to do some teaching. Recently, other than teaching on a demo board, we also taught some beginners the basic rules in a group (view my last post about the Humberwood library). It's really awesome to see such a great interest in chess from those who never touched the game before! However, explaining the basic rules of chess each week is getting a bit repetitive for the volunteers. Teaching something different every week is totally fine, it's just that we get new members each week coming in and telling us that they don't know how to play chess. Thus, our next project is to create a children-friendly brochure that explains the rules of chess. It's a good idea, isn't it? :)
Also, I taught the librarian how to use our pairing sheets as well as the structure of the program. She was definitely a quick learner! Everything is now set for the Black Creek library and all we're waiting for is the day in which the program commences! Oh and if you're uncertain of which day I'm talking about, it's May 6th (check out the side bar that lists all the locations ------------------------------------------>
Saturday, April 3, 2010
CITL's Expansion to Etobicoke - Humberwood Library
I'm proud to announce that the Chess in the Library program has now officially spread to a new area of the city, Etobicoke. Last Saturday, March 28th, 2010 was the day that we celebrated this ecstatic event. Kids anxious to play chess rushed into the Humberwood branch while an overwhelming number of volunteers were getting ready to commence the program. I was definitely astonished by the amount of interest for chess at the Humberwood branch, especially volunteer wise. I want to take this chance to welcome all these volunteers to our team, notably Alexandru Florea, a strong junior with a CFC rating of 2080 (I'm sure he'll be 2200+ in no time :). Alexandru will be leading the program at Humberwood.
Alex and I discussing the way the program will run
Speaking about the volunteers, I must mention how friendly and approachable everyone was. Some participants were a bit unclear about the rules of chess but were eager to learn. A few of our volunteers were very enthusiastic about teaching the group of kids. In about 1 hour, these kids were ready to join the others in a mini-tournament. These volunteers must have been extraordinary teachers!
the teaching group :)
Can you sense the lively atmosphere in the room?
Alex and I discussing the way the program will runSpeaking about the volunteers, I must mention how friendly and approachable everyone was. Some participants were a bit unclear about the rules of chess but were eager to learn. A few of our volunteers were very enthusiastic about teaching the group of kids. In about 1 hour, these kids were ready to join the others in a mini-tournament. These volunteers must have been extraordinary teachers!
the teaching group :)The turnout was fantastic for the opening day of the program at Humberwood. If my memory serves me right, we had almost 20 participants and 8 volunteers. Without a doubt, I can imagine a harmonious chess club at the Humberwood branch in the future. It will be like a one big blithesome chess family!!
Can you sense the lively atmosphere in the room?Tuesday, March 9, 2010
North York Central Library Almost Ready!
As one of Toronto's largest libraries, the North York Central branch is almost ready to join the Chess in the Library network. One small piece of the project needs to be filled in before we can announce a firm "yes" to everyone supporting and following the program.
However, do not be disappointed because the librarians, volunteers and I have all made a tremendous progress in regards to the program at the North York Central Library since my last update about the program there.
If all goes well, the Chess in the Library program will run weekly in a slightly smaller room and monthly in a larger room due to the following formula. :)
The formula works this way:
large library = many rooms + tight bookings = must book the rooms early
I want to take this opportunity to thank the librarians and volunteers at the North York Central Library for working so hard during the past few months to get the program set up.
Stay tuned for updates on the program at NYCL!!!
However, do not be disappointed because the librarians, volunteers and I have all made a tremendous progress in regards to the program at the North York Central Library since my last update about the program there.
If all goes well, the Chess in the Library program will run weekly in a slightly smaller room and monthly in a larger room due to the following formula. :)
The formula works this way:
large library = many rooms + tight bookings = must book the rooms early
I want to take this opportunity to thank the librarians and volunteers at the North York Central Library for working so hard during the past few months to get the program set up.
Stay tuned for updates on the program at NYCL!!!
New Library Alert!
Chess in the Library is expanding to another location - Humberwood Library!! The librarians and I started talking about chess club possibilities at the Humberwood branch for half a year now, and finally it's going to start running! Isn't that exciting?
We've confirmed to start the program there on March 27th, 2010. That's only 2 weeks away! We will still need to do some advertising, however, the volunteers are already all in place and ready to go.
The Humberwood Library is located on the far west end of Toronto. We are definitely spreading this program in all areas of Toronto!
We welcome you to come on down to the Humberwood Library to play some chess on our opening day - March 27th. The program will run every Saturday from 2-4pm. Below are the details of that branch:
850 Humberwood Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M9W 7A6
416-394-5210
We've confirmed to start the program there on March 27th, 2010. That's only 2 weeks away! We will still need to do some advertising, however, the volunteers are already all in place and ready to go.
The Humberwood Library is located on the far west end of Toronto. We are definitely spreading this program in all areas of Toronto!
We welcome you to come on down to the Humberwood Library to play some chess on our opening day - March 27th. The program will run every Saturday from 2-4pm. Below are the details of that branch:
850 Humberwood Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M9W 7A6
416-394-5210
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Downsview Library Joins the Network
A while ago, we received an email from a librarian at the Downsview Library asking for support from the Chess in the Library team. Their chess club has just started and they hope to teach the kids not only the basic rules, but some "advanced techniques" as well. Hearing this news, the Chess in the Library team was most definitely willing to provide aid.
Since we have many volunteers that are chess masters, we have no problem with teaching the kids. As a matter of fact, we're already started doing some teaching within our own system after receiving the demo boards donation. Thus, we've decided that one of our volunteer will go to the Downsview Library to teach the kids once in a while. We'll also provide support with one of our demo boards, which is essential to teaching chess.
Although this case is a bit different - we're providing aid instead of helping to start up a chess club, it doesn't mean that the Downsview chess club is an outsider to our organization. Since we will give them our full support, the chess club at Downsview is now a part of our Chess in the Library network!! Downsview chess club, welcome to the big happy family! =)
Please support the Chess in the Library program by coming down to the Downsview Library to play some chess! Here's the info:
Downsview Library
2793 Keele St. (*Closest major intersection: Keele St. and Wilson Ave.)
Toronto, ON,
M3M 2G3
416-395-5720
Chess club opens on Monday nights from 6:30-7:30pm for now and 7:00pm-8:00pm starting from April 5th, 2010.
Since we have many volunteers that are chess masters, we have no problem with teaching the kids. As a matter of fact, we're already started doing some teaching within our own system after receiving the demo boards donation. Thus, we've decided that one of our volunteer will go to the Downsview Library to teach the kids once in a while. We'll also provide support with one of our demo boards, which is essential to teaching chess.
Although this case is a bit different - we're providing aid instead of helping to start up a chess club, it doesn't mean that the Downsview chess club is an outsider to our organization. Since we will give them our full support, the chess club at Downsview is now a part of our Chess in the Library network!! Downsview chess club, welcome to the big happy family! =)
Please support the Chess in the Library program by coming down to the Downsview Library to play some chess! Here's the info:
Downsview Library
2793 Keele St. (*Closest major intersection: Keele St. and Wilson Ave.)
Toronto, ON,
M3M 2G3
416-395-5720
Chess club opens on Monday nights from 6:30-7:30pm for now and 7:00pm-8:00pm starting from April 5th, 2010.
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