April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Curious about how crossword puzzles are created? This course appeals to those interested in constructing crosswords, understanding the process, or becoming better solvers. All steps of crossword puzzle creation will be explored, including tools, formats, themes, grid block arrangement, challenging clues, and more. The course also covers how to submit a puzzle for publication. After a brief introduction to free-form style puzzles, the focus will shift to U.S. newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles like those in the New York Times, including an OLLI-themed puzzle. Several crossword puzzles will be constructed collaboratively throughout the course.

Steve Weyer has been a cruciverbalist (crossword aficionado) since the 1990s. He is the creator of CrozzWord, a mobile app for crossword solving. Weyer constructs crosswords for libraries and other organizations and publications. His first New York Times crossword debuted in November 2023.