This morning, Philly Plays Scrabble officially kicked off at the Parkway Central Library with Bob "The Hound" Kelly, the retired left-winger from Philadelphia Flyers! A literacy initiative spearheaded by After School Activities Partnership, Philly Plays Scrabble encourages all Philadelphians--students, especially--to build and improve their literacy skills by playing Scrabble. Scrabble games take place in schools, community and recreation centers, places of worship, and homeless shelters across the city. The Free Library also hosts Scrabble games throughout the year at several of our branches, including Falls of Schuylkill Library and Independence Library.

Through Philly Plays Scrabble, ASAP aims to expose students to cultural and educational institutions throughout the city as well as to a diverse community of peers from various neighborhoods who share their interest in Scrabble. In honor of the Philly Plays Scrabble program, City Council recently named October as "Philly Plays Scrabble Month as an Aid to Literacy!"

I want to encourage everyone to play a game of Scrabble this month, either at the Free Library, at an ASAP Philly Plays Scrabble site, or at home with friends and family. I come from a family of highly competitive Scrabble players--holidays are serious business when it comes to determining the reigning family champ. (It's currently my older brother, I'm ashamed to admit... until Thanksgiving!). I've always appreciated how Scrabble brings us together.

Come together with fellow logophiles at Philly Plays Scrabble or earn bragging rights among your family--play a game today!