Let's Get Ready to Puzzle!
Think you're good at jigsaw puzzles? Why not test your skills at our free Speed Puzzle Palooza! Compete as an individual or as a team of up to 4 people on Saturday, August 15 from 9:30 AM to 1 PM to see who can put together a puzzle the fastest. The first three to finish in each category will win a prize, but everyone will be able to take their competition puzzle home with them! All attendees will be entered in a drawing to win a table lamp, the perfect addition to any puzzle table!
Each individual or team will receive an identical puzzle to complete, and all participants will start at the same time. See below for a complete list of rules, and contact Megan at MHines@nlrlibrary.org if you have further questions.
Registration is required and will close on July 31st or when all spaces are full. Reserve your space today!
Compete as a Team!
Complete a 1,000-puzzle in 3 hours or less in a team of 2-4. Fifteen total spaces available, and only one person per team needs to register.
First Place Prizes
First choice of a brand new puzzle AND puzzle accessory from the prize table!
Winners from both categories will select prizes.
Second Place Prizes
Second choice of a brand new puzzle AND puzzle accessory from the prize table!
Pictures are from 2025's event - new year, new prizes!
Third Place Prizes
Third choice of a brand new puzzle from our prize table!
Refresh Your Collection!
Want to swap your old puzzles for something new? Bring complete puzzles in good condition (no missing pieces, please!) and participate in our free puzzle swap on August 15th!
Did you know the library has a full collection of jigsaw puzzles and board games? Head to the Rotunda on the first floor and browse puzzles from 10 pieces to 2,000 pieces!
Review the Rules Here!
- Only participants over 16 years old are accepted, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian that is competing with them as a team.
- Until the host indicates the start of the competition and starts the timer, the participants cannot move or touch the bags on the tables containing the jigsaw puzzles.
- All the tables will be assigned to registered participants. The doors will open at 9:30, and the clock will start at 10:00 a.m. Any competitor who arrives late will still be allowed to compete, but will not be given any additional time.
- There will be no scheduled breaks, but competitors are allowed to leave the table at any time while the competition continues.
- The official timer will be visible at the front of the room, but participants are free to bring their own timers if they wish.
- Prizes will be awarded to the first 3 individuals or teams in each division to finish their puzzle. In the event that no individuals or teams finish before the time limit, the winner will be the one who has correctly placed the largest number of pieces. Only groups of 3 or more correctly joined pieces will be counted.
- All the jigsaw puzzles used in the competitions will become the property of the participants once the competition is finished.
- Participants will only be able to assemble the jigsaw puzzle on their assigned table and within the competition venue. The sign indicating the competitor's or team's name must always be visible to facilitate the work of the judges.
- Box top holders or supports are allowed to keep the box top upright and easily viewed while puzzling.
- Headphones are allowed as long as the volume is kept low enough that it does not disturb other participants.
- Participants who have finished their puzzles will be allowed to remain in the competition area only as long as they do not disrupt the other competitors. Spectators will be allowed to watch the competition as long as they do not disrupt the competitors.
- The event will be filmed and photographed. Registrants authorize NLRPLS to use their image in photographs and videos or any other recorded media during the competitions in which they appear. Visit our Notice of Filming and Photography for more information.
- The decisions of the judges during the contests are final.
- Each individual competitor will be given an identical 300-piece puzzle to complete within a time of 3 hours. Each participant will have a space of 3' x 2' to work (half of a table). You must remain in your assigned space. You may be disqualified if you significantly interfere with the progress of another competitor.
- Teams of 2-4 people are allowed. When registering, one person should register for the whole team. Participants under the age of 16 are allowed to compete on a team as long as at least one parent or guardian is competing on the team with them.
- Each team will be given an identical 1000-piece puzzle to complete within a time of 3 hours. Each team will have a space of 6 x 2' to work on their puzzle.
- You must remain in your assigned space. You may be disqualified if you significantly interfere with the progress of another competitor.