Meet Nicole Wong, Author of Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora

Written by Neuf N., Adult Programming

Get ready to shuffle tiles and discover a new (or old) family tradition! 

San Mateo County Libraries is excited to welcome Nicole Wong, author of Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora and founder of the Mahjong Project, for a special author talk and mahjong play event at the Millbrae Library on Wednesday, November 5, at 5:30 PM.  

A Family Tradition 

Mahjong is more than just a game—it’s a piece of history and a way to connect to your roots. As Nicole Wong explains, “If you don’t preserve your own family history and cultural legacy, who else can you expect to do it for you?” Her book is a beautiful exploration of this idea.

For Nicole, the game was a serious affair at her grandparents’ house, filled with specific hours, rules and a unique scoring system. This rich tapestry of family traditions inspired her to create The Mahjong Project, which hosts pop-up mahjong nights to share the joy of the game with others.  

At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from Nicole about her journey and the stories behind her book. Her work has been featured in major publications like Vogue, and her passion to preserve cultural heritage is truly inspiring.  

Mahjong at Millbrae Library   

Following the author talk, we invite you to join us for a casual, community mahjong game from 6:30-7:30 PM. Whether you’re a curious beginner or seasoned player, this is the perfect chance to learn the ropes or practice your skills in a welcoming environment.  

Can’t make the event but still want to play? San Mateo County Libraries has you covered! You can borrow a mahjong set from our collection and start a new tradition with family and friends. And you can always join us for one of our many ongoing mahjong programs.

Learn more about The Mahjong Project, opens a new window, or follow them on Instagram @themahjongproject, opens a new window

Mahjong