PITTSTON — About a dozen Bingo enthusiasts gathered at the Pittston Memorial Library May 18 for a patriotic-themed game time that saw many leaving with a bit of red, white and blue home décor.
The event is held about twice a month and has had a good response since it started a few months ago.
Library director Patricia Joyce said the idea for Bingo at the library had been that of her mother Ann Teresa Engleman, who not only planned the event but also called numbers for the game.
Engleman said calling Bingo was a new experience for her and asked those attending, “Am I going too fast? Too slow?”
Several attendees called out, “Just right.”
The event offered 10 games, with the last being a “coverall,” meaning the winner had to cover the entire card, getting a cash prize and a snack basket.
Joyce’s daughter, Hannah, 6, also seemed to enjoy the event, ever ready to hand out items won after “Bingo” was called.
Laurie Burdett, of Duryea, who won a red, white and blue picnic basket, said the event was a great way to spend a Saturday.
“I love Bingo,” she said. “You can say I’m a real Bingo player.”
Burdett, who attended with her mother, said the event was an opportunity to make a memory.
“Good times,” she said, smiling.
Joyce said the free event was made possible by donations from area residents.
The Bingo game, held in library’s John P. Cosgrove Community Center, is consistent with the library’s commitment to providing activities for families that go beyond books and make good use of its space.
In the last several months, the center has repeatedly been a spot for community gatherings, including tomato festival activities, a miniature golf event and a recent photo show.
As its programming expands, the library is always in need of volunteers for several hours a week to help with everything from book sales to desk help to assisting with activities.
Those interested are encouraged to stop in the library and fill out an application.
