Jack’s Next Move: Teen Volunteer Helps Build a Chess Community

Volunteers of all ages help make Library spaces welcoming, vibrant, and connected.

At Tantallon Public Library, teen volunteers are helping lead the way; bringing energy, creativity, and community spirit to everything from reading programs to special events.

One of those teens is Jack Tyrrell, a high schooler with a talent for chess and a heart for community service.

As a teen volunteer, Jack spends his time helping run the Chess Club at Tantallon Public Library. For him, the experience has been about more than just pawns and checkmates.

“The reason why I decided to volunteer at the Chess Club was because I was looking for a good way to give back to the community as well as learn some new skills,” says Jack.

Each week, Jack shows up early to set up—arranging tables and chairs, laying out chessboards, and making sure there are plenty of snacks to fuel players for their best games.

But his favourite part? The connections.

“I love getting to meet new people in the community as well as getting to connect and share experiences,” says Jack.

One particular moment had a significant impact on him.

“The very first week I was here, two girls came up and sat down at the chess club table, interested in playing chess,” says Jack. “The older sister asked me to teach her a little bit, and the younger sister—getting super excited looking at her big sister—decided that she also wanted to learn. So, the three of us, in the first week, all spent some time learning how to play chess.”

Now, those same sisters return week after week, and even surprised Jack by showing him their brand-new chessboard.

Emma Blakeney, Programming Specialist at Tantallon Public Library, says Jack’s volunteerism has been transformational.

“Last fall, our chess club was close to extinction, with only one or sometimes no one showing up,” says Emma. “Within weeks of Jack starting to volunteer, the Chess Club had flourished.”

Thanks to Jack’s leadership, the club now welcomes over 10 participants each week—so many, in fact, that additional teen volunteers have stepped in to support the growing group.

“We attribute the Club’s success to our volunteers’ dedication, effort, and passion to serve their community,” Emma adds.

And of course, Chess Club is only one part of the Library game.

“We have dedicated teen volunteers helping with Leading Readers programs during the school year, as well as many teens who help with the Library’s children's programs,” says Emma. “Their hard work and passion for their community was also put on display when many of them helped make our Summer Reading Club Kick-Off a huge success! From helping kids cut out crafts, to encouraging and cheering them on when completing our activities and challenges.”

Moments like these show the impact of youth leadership in Library spaces, where teen volunteers, like Jack, help create a welcoming environment. From teaching the rules of the game to simply offering a seat at the table, Jack’s role reminds us that community building can start with something as simple as a shared game.

“Volunteering at the Library has been a great experience overall,” says Jack. “The environment and the team are just incredible.”

Whether he’s helping someone make their first move or returning for a rematch, Jack is proof that leadership, learning, and a little bit of strategy go a long way—on and off the chessboard.

This story was originally shared as part of Halifax Public Libraries' 2024-25 Annual Report. Read the full report and explore more, here.