Saturday, June 13 was a particularly special day for local chess players, as Newtown Chess Club held its first meeting in over six years at C.H. Booth Library.

US Chess Federation expert player and chess teacher Glenn Budzinski launched the club in 2007 as a way for people of all ages to come together and play chess. However, after meeting for 13 years straight, Newtown Chess Club shut down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Budzinski did not restart the club after lockdown ended, but served as a tournament director for Danbury Area Scholastic Chess League in the meantime.

Things changed this summer, when a C.H. Booth Library event listing marked Newtown Chess Club's return after just over six years.

"I decided to reopen it in response to numerous requests," Budzinski told The Newtown Bee on June 13. "I'm just happy to see so many people here today."

Newtown Chess Club meets in the Gathering Room of C.H. Booth Library on Saturdays, 1-4 pm. It is a free "drop-in" club that gives people of all ages a chance to play casual chess with an occasional tournament. Those under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent; attendees should preferably know how chess pieces move beforehand.

People are encouraged to bring a chess set and, if they have one, a chess clock. For more information on Newtown Chess Club, contact Glenn Budzinski at newtownchessclub@yahoo.com.

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.