by Mary-Ellen Mess
So we are in this together... as the television ads keep reminding me. And if you are like me, there are probably a lot of worthwhile things to do around your home or apartment: organizing photos, cleaning out the closet or basement, learning to dance salsa. I have many projects that have literally been languishing for years, junk collected for well-intentioned repurposing ideas that I had seen on HG TV.
But honestly, sometimes I just don’t have the inclination to do the things I should be doing to make this down time productive. Sometimes I like the kind of activities that just make time pass quickly. Getting lost in a good book is always an option. But if you have exhausted your reading material, already finished that dusty old puzzle, or don’t have an opponent for board games; here are a few of my favorite ways to kill time online at no charge.
Jigsaw Explorer
Jigsaw Explorer is one of my favorites. This site offers a large selection of puzzle options and you can opt for various levels of difficulty. Choose from scenic landscapes, still life drawings, or puppies and kittens. There is a puzzle of the day feature or your own favorite photo may be uploaded. Once the image is selected, you can choose the number of puzzle pieces to work with. I have completed puzzles on my tablet and on my desktop computer. A larger screen is better of course, but you can even do this on your phone.
Logic Puzzles
If you enjoy exercising your brain, try Logic Puzzles. These puzzles offer a series of clues needed to complete a grid composed of different categories and options that may be matched only once to reach a unique solution. Once again, you may select a level of difficulty.
Cryptogram
For aspiring code breakers, another puzzle suggestion is the Cryptogram in which each letter of a famous quote is replaced by another letter. I happen to be good at this type of puzzle so I enjoy playing.
Once again, these puzzles are available online for free. For those of you who thrive on competition, all have a timer that allow you to measure your skill against that of other players. Should you choose to go down the rabbit hole of online puzzles, RBPL will be here when you emerge on the other side.
Working at the RBPL is a second career for Mary-Ellen, who spent 30 years managing youth programs in Newark, NJ. In anticipation of her retirement from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, Mary-Ellen returned to school and earned a MLIS in 2013. A part-time Reference Librarian at RBPL, she resides in Red Bank with her husband. Mary-Ellen considers herself fortunate to have raised two sons in Red Bank, a diverse community with great public schools.