What Do Chess and Art Have in Common? Passionate Library Staff

By LEONARD KRANSDORF

At the South Hill Library, Angela and Abdul bring their love for painting and chess to life. Angela’s passion for painting and Abdul’s love for chess have made their events a hit at the library. Just watch them teach and you’ll see their enthusiasm shine through.

“I’ve always enjoyed creative activities and learning, and painting seemed like a great outlet,” said Angela, South Hill Library’s Customer Experience Manager, who’s been painting for 10 years. She picked up her skills from YouTube videos and a lot of patience. For the past few years she has been bringing that skill to the public in free Friday Night Paint classes—which she also streams live on Zoom.

“What I love most is seeing how people progress in the class and interpret what I’m showing them,” Angela said.

Marissa and Kathy have been taking Angela’s classes for about a year. “In every class, she teaches a new technique, and I love playing with colors,” Marissa said. “She takes the time to explain everything and answers all our questions.”

“I used to paint but stopped when I had a family. Now, I’m back because I missed the creativity. I’m also into baking and crocheting,” said Kathy.

Emily, who has taken classes at other Spokane Public Library locations, came to South Hill for Angela’s painting class. “I never know what the end product will look like,” she said, adding that she loves painting nature, especially flowers.

Angela encouraged Abdul to start a chess club after noticing his enthusiasm for the game. “It sounded like fun, and Angela thought it would be great for the library,” Abdul recalled. He launched Spokane Public Library’s monthly Chess Club in November 2023.

Abdul has been playing chess since he was six. “My family played a lot of board games. It was tough at first, but I stuck with it and grew to love it,” he said.

“What I love is that with each game, I keep improving. Winning is fun, but every game is a new challenge, and you learn with every move,” Abdul said.

One of Abdul’s students shared, “It’s something new for me. If you don’t try, you can’t move forward.”

Whether they’re focused on a chessboard or a canvas, students in both classes are passionate about learning. For Angela and Abdul, the library is a place to share their passions with the community.

“I’m just lucky to do something fun and appreciate that libraries help people,” Abdul said.

Angela values her connection with her students. “Seeing people come to the library to learn something new is so rewarding.”

You can join Angela for Friday Night Paint every third Friday of the month or drop in for Chess Club with Abdul every third Saturday of the month at South Hill Library. Find these and more upcoming events at events.spokanelibrary.org.