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Tonganoxie Public Library bingo offerings providing afternoon fun

By Shawn Linenberger - | Oct 28, 2015

Bingo has gained some popularity in its early offerings at Tonganoxie Public Library.

The game is being offered from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month.

October was the first month for bingo at the library. Nicole Holifield, who handles children’s programming and other duties at the library, said four people showed up for the first day of bingo. Last week, 12 people gathered for games.

Bingo is open to all adult library patrons, but with it being offered midday on select Mondays, it’s hoped that it will reach those of retirement age.

“I think the word’s just getting out, but they are very excited,” Holifield said.

The library gives out prizes for the games, such as pizza coupons and candy. Holifield said the attendees appreciate the prizes, but the senior citizens attending seem to be more excited about getting to enjoy fellowship with others.

“These are some of the only times they get to talk to other people,” Holifield said.

She said she’s had the chance to announce initial bingo games at the library. Those who have participated so far have gotten pretty involved in the games.

“It’s a blast,” Holifield said.

Though senior citizens are encouraged to visit the library for bingo, Holifield said there are plenty of other services that seniors can consider utilizing when visiting.

They can browse the Internet at a handful of computer stations or stop by to get photocopies made of documents.

For anyone interested in genealogy, the library offers various resources. It has access to genealogy records through the Kansas State Historical Society and the State Library of Kansas.

People looking for information about Tonganoxie through the years can look at previous issues of The Mirror newspaper on microfilm.

In addition, the library has copies of The Mirror, Lawrence Journal-World and Kansas City Star for folks to read while at the library.

“We also have the newest books and newest movies,” Holifield said. “We also have the newest audio books.”

While at the library, visitors also can grab a cup of coffee. A cup from the Keurig coffee machine costs $1.

Holifield said library officials are looking at other programs geared toward senior citizens. She said she wanted to make sure they are programs that will be successful with seniors.

“We don’t want to plan a program just to do a program,” she said.

The library is open 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 913-845-3281.