Some people use jigsaw puzzles for relaxation, some for creative expression and others for skills competition. The latter group gathered for the Galesburg Public Library’s Winter Jigsaw Competition on Jan. 10.

About 40 people, ranging in age from teens to seniors, attended the library’s third competition for a chance to join the team that could assemble a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time.

According to Kayla Whitmer, a reference librarian, the idea originated when the children’s librarian said she had heard about the concept and noted that it had become popular in large competitions.

“So, I was like, why don’t we just do one?” Whitmer said. “We could recreate that on our own. It’d be no problem because there are big competitions, international competitions, with really strict rules. It seemed like something fun to do.”

That initial idea quickly proved successful.

Whitmer said the library created the first competition last summer, and it became a major hit.

“We only had 10 puzzles, and we had a waiting list just as long as the participant list,” she said. “The last one we did was only a 300-piece because we didn’t have any 500s, but I think we’re going to try to keep going twice a year because it’s really popular.”

Whitmer said the library receives its puzzles for free from a company sponsor, which allows staff to trade puzzles with other libraries and continue hosting the event.

During the competition, staff place a covered puzzle box at each table, and participants may not look at the puzzle until Whitmer gives the signal. Each box includes a foldout picture of the completed puzzle, and contestants have two hours to complete the puzzle.

Whitmer said first-place winners receive a prize, while second- and third-place finishers earn bragging rights.