This past August my wife Linda and I were contacted by Olivia Kalin and the Friends of the Shelby County Library to see if we would be willing to conduct a series of bridge lessons in order to support the library.

We agreed and insisted that the entire proceeds ($40 for eight lessons) go to the FOL. We started right after Labor Day and will have completed a nine-week program on Nov. 13.

During this time, we’ve met wonderful new friends and have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A few weeks ago the players agreed that they would like to continue the lessons/games on a weekly basis starting Dec. 4, with a portion of the weekly table fees going directly to support the library.

Here’s what we need from the community. We have three to four tables of beginning bridge players who are learning the game and having good, social adult companionship.

We would like the help of local “party” bridge players, who play at one another’s home on a regular basis, to join this group — not just to have fun, but to both mentor and learn from the new players. And, along the way you’ll be supporting your local library. Of the $6 table fee, $1.25/player goes directly to the library.

This will be a sanctioned bridge game of the American Contract Bridge League, run by the Shelby County Bridge Club.

The style of play is duplicate, which is the purest and best form of the game of bridge. Duplicate bridge eliminates the luck of the cards and provides a social yet competitive environment.

The backbone of the game is the list of beginner bridge players who have gone through nine weeks of learning the game. Those of you who are “party” bridge players will be surprised by the modern slant of competitive bidding, yet will be able to teach your friends many lessons on the play of the cards. You’ll be surprised at what you learn from the new players. Everyone learns, everyone has a good time.

Here is an opportunity for adults in Columbiana to come together in a social environment; it’s something new for the area. Please come join us on Dec. 4 to kick off this weekly bridge game. It’s all good!