"Listen to silence," prescribed the Persian poet Rumi. "It has so much to say." Those on a quest for quietude could do a lot worse than Hancock, New Hampshire. A sleepy town of 1,640, it would likely go unnoticed by the sound-seeking monsters in "Tremors" and "A Quiet Place." Incorporated in 1779, nearly every building in its tiny downtown is recognized in the National Register of Historic Places. Sidewalk chalk is seldom in stock in Hancock, as denizens are quite content to stroll around town on gravel paths. In the midst of this oasis of placidity, however, restless residents are making noise in the last place you'd expect: the Hancock Library. Normally the last refuge for the noise-averse, the Hancock Library has instead become a virtual seismic epicenter as it hosts its fourth annual winter ping-pong league. "It's a community builder," said librarian and erstwhile protector of the peace Amy Markus. "It's very popular." Indeed, the league has grown to include divisions for age (+/- 65) and skill level (intermediate or advanced-- sorry, rank beginners!). 22 players compete in the under-65 events, with four players of retirement age. Although the structure is informal, it does follow official tournament format, with round-robin groups feeding into elimination brackets. In the under 65 advanced group, one player has emerged as a dynasty unto himself. Peter Andersen has claimed the last three titles, and is disinclined to abdicate his throne this year. "Nobody can really beat him," said Markus. While friendly rivalries form around the league, the town of Hancock enjoys breaking free from winter's icy grip. As schoolteacher and first-time league player Katie Cousins describes, "It's something fun to do in the winter." With a low temperature of 1 degree Fahrenheit in today's forecast, the chance to warm up indoors is not wasted on locals. Although religious Rumi readers may rue the riotous ruckus, the shattered silence supplies a social service. Indeed, this library will surely see many happy returns.

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