Get puzzled! Meet Marion’s World-Class Speed Puzzler

MARION — The Elizabeth Taber Library will host a teen and adult program on speed puzzling from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Marion Music Hall.

Emma Williamson, a Marion resident and competitive speed puzzler, will discuss her transition from casual puzzling to competing in the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship. 

She will demonstrate techniques used in competitive puzzling and offer tips for beginners.

Attendees can sign up to compete in a Mini Pairs Speed Puzzling Competition, sponsored by Bits & Pieces. Six two-person teams will race to complete identical 300-piece puzzles.

Williamson began speed puzzling in 2023 and has competed in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Valladolid, Spain. 

At the 2025 World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship, she became the only American to win a semifinal match. She typically completes a 1,000-piece puzzle in around two and a half hours with her personal best being around one hour and 50 minutes. 

The presentation is free and open to the public and is part of the library's annual Summer Book Sale fundraiser. Registration for the mini pairs competition is available on the library's website.

Used puzzles, books, games, movies and music will be available for purchase during the book sale, hosted by the Friends of the Elizabeth Taber Library. 

The sale runs Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front St.