"It's a creative and fun idea, especially on a dull Saturday afternoon," said Mayor Karin Marks. "It's nice for people to come out and do this to support the library."

Participants of all levels played in a relaxed atmosphere and even had the opportunity to oppose world champions David Boys and Joel Wapnick, both of whom live in the Montreal area. The two champions were available to give a hand to unlucky players in the first round of the event and then faced six participants each.

"The emphasis was on fun and learning," said Lynn Verge, executive director of the library,

Prizes were given for best scores, most money raised for the library, lucky seats and for the first person who played the word "book."

Marks also offered herself up to the highest bidder and actually beat Verge, who donated the most money.

"She did extremely well, even though she kept saying she wasn't an experienced player," Verge said with a laugh.

The Library wanted to organize a fundraising event that would be original and entertaining, while still being connected to the world of books and words.

"We've played for many years now, at Christmas time or at the cottage," said Westmount resident and Library member Carol Wiens, who participated along with her husband. "It's a great game with two or three people."