LIVERPOOL, N.Y. (NCC News) – In a comfortable studio inside the Liverpool Public Library, there are several jigsaw puzzles laid out across three tables, with only small portions completed.
It was day three of “Puzzlemania” at the library, and this is the first year of the weeklong event.
Anyone can come in and spend as much time as they can trying to complete the jigsaw puzzles, said Mark Bialczak, the library’s Communications Specialist.
While Bialczak has not yet tried his hand at the puzzles, he acknowledged the cognitive benefits of doing them.
“Doing jigsaw puzzles increases your thought process of your mind and actually dexterity with your fingers and putting the pieces together,” explained Bialczak.
In addition to exercising your mind, the puzzles can also provide a form of entertainment that keeps participants away from their digital screens.
“Jigsaw puzzles have been around way before your iPhone or iPad, so you could concentrate on something that doesn’t have the glare staring back at you, so it’s quite different,” said Bialczak.
Jigsaw puzzles may not have as much appeal as our digital devices, but they make for a good escape from them.
“Puzzlemania” continues through Saturday. People of all ages are welcome to participate.