students learn Texas Hold'em at the Library

Bellingham Public Library in Bellingham Mass. hosted a hold'em poker night for children.

Around 20 kids from age 11 to 15 were taught the game at the library using bubblegum instead of chips.

The evenly mixed group of boys and girls played around four tables, learning the basics of the game through playing and dealing.

Roxanne Starkin, the young adult librarian who coordinated the event, said the poker night was in line with the library's policy to provide fun and educational activities in a safe and controlled environment. However, there were some concerns from people about public funds being used to teach children how to gamble.

While the children who took part enjoyed themselves and their parents expressed approval for the event, Marlene Warner, program director for the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, said part of the education in the program should have involved a conversation about the dangers of real gambling.

News Added: 29 June, 2006

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