LAKEPORT, Calif. – This year’s Big Read in Lake County featured the reading selection, “The Joy Luck Club” by author Amy Tan.

In the novel, the Joy Luck Club is a group of four women who come together to share joy and hope for good luck in their lives through the game of mah jong.

During the Big Read program month of October, volunteers Alan and Margaret “Mac” Mathison of Cobb graciously donated their time and expertise for the beginning mah jong activity, which was offered at the Lakeport branch of the public library.

Through their instruction and explanations, those who attended were inspired to make the night a regular one.

The Big Read not only encourages and supports the reading of literature in America; the community building developed through partnerships and collaborations aspire to bring the public together to enhance individual lives and the local society.

The continuance of the mah jong program at the library provides a positive example of this objective.

Encouraging this community spirit, Lake County Big Read program director Robin Fogel-Shrive chose to designate a tile mah jong set purchased through program funds, to the library, for future recreational enjoyment.

The mah jong group, which plays the Chinese version, meets twice a month at the library on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and is open to beginner and experienced players.

The Lakeport branch is located at 1425 N. High St., Lakeport.

For more information, contact the library at 707-263-8817.