Playing the game of bingo takes a lot of concentration. Ask any of the 37 children that recently attended the Palmerton Area Library's Teen Advisory Group-sponsored beach bingo.

This was the fifth year for the group to plan the evening event. It is always free and open to children in kindergarten through fourth grades."This is always a popular event and the registration fills up fast," said Diane Danielson, library director.Bingo wasn't the only game of the night as the children also participated in the limbo. All winners were able to choose prizes from a sea chest filled with squirty fish and key chains.During a short intermission the children enjoyed snacks and drinks donated by members of the library.The teen group is open to youth 12 years old and older. They assist with activities within the library, create new fun programs for teenagers and younger children. They created their own newsletter called Chicken Scratch. Above all it encourages teens to come to the library and to read more."We look forward to doing this each year," said Christine Desousa, coordinator for the teen group. "We have fun and get to dress up in beach wear and it helps with our volunteer hours.""My daughter has been with this group for three years. I love that it gets her involved in the community at a young age, and she just loves to work with younger children," added Lisa Solt of Palmerton.New to the program was a small raffle in which the parents could get involved. The proceeds went back to the youth group for future events.The Teen Advisory Group is always looking to welcome new member. If interested, contact the library.The Palmerton Area Library is also hosting summer reading programs, circle time for preschoolers and Super Science and Amazing Art programs. For more information call or visit the library or email

plapalm@ptd.net.