The Palmerton Area Library has free activities scheduled all month long to celebrate National Library Month during April.

The library is sponsoring a book mark contest for kids from preschool through grade 6. If your child did not receive an entry form in school, stop by the library to pick one up. Winning entries in three age categories will be printed as bookmarks and distributed at the library for the next year. Winners will also receive prizes from the library. Book mark designs are due in the library by April 11. Winners will be announced April 13.April will be "Food for Fines" month at the library. Patrons are encouraged to donate one canned food item in place of each $1 fine owed. Eliminate fines and feed the hungry at the same time. All donated food items will be given to the CACPAC food pantry in Palmerton. "Food for Fines" month is sponsored by the Teen Advisory Group at the library.On Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m. author Robb Taylor will be at the library to read his new book, The Tale of the Easter Bunny! in the kids' room. Learn how a little rabbit became a beloved holiday hero and how important it is to be kind to animals. This is a special weekend story time for families who are unable to attend the weekday story times. This program is free and open to the public.Two more authors will be visiting the Palmerton Area Library in April to share their stories with families. On Wednesday, April 25 at 1:30 p.m. Stop Snoring Bernard! will be read by author Zachariah OHora with activity time afterward. His visit is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Libraries of Harrisburg as part of the Pennsylvania One Book Every Young Child program.On Friday, April 27 at 10:30 a.m. author Kathy Miller will present an interactive, fun program about chipmunks, birds and nature photography in the upstairs gallery. Chippy the Chipmunk will be here live so bring your camera for pictures with your children. Books about Chippy the Chipmunk will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the library.For adults, on Tuesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. Kathy Augustine will present a program called "The Many Faces of Wool." Kathy is an expert in spinning, dyeing, weaving and other fabric arts. Try your hand at spinning wool.On April 17 at 6:30 p.m. Shawn and Nina Green will present a program called "A Greyhound's Tale." Listen to the story and learn about these loving animals. This program is free, fun and educational for adults and children.Sunday, April 29 from 2-4 p.m. the library will hold its Annual Photography Show, which will feature works by local photographers. A Best of Show prize will be awarded.Photographers who are interested in displaying their work should contact the library at (610) 826-3424 for more information.The library is currently conducting its annual fund drive. Mail donations to 402 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071, or make a donation online at

www.palmertonarealibrary.com.