At the Table
A club not yet a year old now fills library rooms across Northeast Pennsylvania
WVIA reported that a social club founded in October 2025 drew 40 players to its first tournament, and that libraries across several counties have picked up the game.
WVIA reported on April 26 that interest in American mah jongg is climbing across Northeast Pennsylvania. The report followed one group closely. The Mah Jongg Social Club of NEPA was founded in October 2025 by Lexie Kelly and Laurie Gumula.
According to the report, the club's first tournament drew 40 players, and its lessons are capped at 12 seats. A tournament at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center drew more than 16 players of all ages, per the station. The group also meets at Corky's Garden Path in Scott Township, and has played at Waverly Country Club.
The report named libraries carrying the game as well, among them the Orwigsburg Free Public Library, the Public Library for Union County, the Clymer Library in Pocono Pines, the Palmerton Area Library and the Abington Community Library. Temple Israel of the Poconos in Stroudsburg was also named. The report describes play from the National Mah Jongg League card.
On growth, the station cited an Associated Press figure that a ticketing platform counted a 179 percent rise in United States mah jongg events between 2023 and 2024. Kelly told the station the appeal is social, saying that when you are at the table you are not on your telephone and not on social media.