Bluffton Public Library announces its March 2017 programs and services. For more details or to register for programs call 419-358-5016 or e-mail [email protected].

The library’s Adult Book Discussion group will meet Wednesday, March 1, at noon to discuss "The Summer That Melted Everything," by Tiffany McDaniel, and Skype with the author during the discussion.

The monthly discussion group invites new members, and registration is requested. The group will discuss "Vinegar Girl," by Anne Tyler, on April 5.

It’s Student Art Month. This year the library will feature a Student Art Showcase Launch Party on Thursday, March 2, at 6 p.m. Art from area schools and homeschooling families will be displayed throughout the library for your perusal, and refreshments will be provided.

On Thursday, March 2, at 6 p.m., the library’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet. If you are working on writing in this genre, or are seriously interested in doing so, you are invited to join this group. For more information or to join (space may be limited), e-mail the library.

Stop by the library on any Friday in March and create a masterpiece of your own. There will be Make and Take Art stations in the library available all day, for artists young and mature alike.

Winter Storytime ends with one final session in March (March 6 at 6:30 p.m. or March 7 at 10 a.m.) Registration for Spring Storytime begins on March 13. Spring Storytime will be on March 21 and 28 at 10 a.m., or March 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Storytime is for Preschool Children (ages 3 to 5), and registration is required. You may register at [email protected], or in person at the front desk. Space is limited to 18 children per session.

On Tuesday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m., The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area will host a free program titled “Seed Starting” on the library’s lower level.

Dulcimers @ the Library continues into March at its regular time, Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Meetings are in the library’s lower level.

Chill Zone is a time and space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library every Tuesday after school, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Anyone in 6th through 12th grade is welcome to join. Snacks are provided. The schedule for March follows: March 7: Tech & Teens; March 14: Wear Green; March 21 Games; and March 28: Pancakes.

Community Issues Series: Fighting the Drug Epidemic in Ohio, presented by Bluffton Police Chief Ryan Burkholder will be held Thursday, March 9, at noon.

Registration is required.  Bring your lunch if you wish and find out more about this current issue affecting our community. Burkholder's talk includes a Q&A session following. Interested in attending, but need an evening time slot? Please note this and include your contact info on the registration sheet (or call the library at 419-358-5016 and ask staff to do so.)

Youth who completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge are invited to a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation Party on Monday, March 13, at 6 p.m. Registration is required. Email [email protected].

Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m.on March 13 and 27. This month’s Jammin’ at the Library (instructional) is on March 23 at 6 p.m. Learn various methods in jammin’-style music. Topics are determined each month by the group.

Join the library for Peace, Love, and the Power of Song on Thursday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. Doug Adams, folk singer and guitarist, will come to the library to sing familiar songs from the ‘60s.

Interested in adding more plant-based meals to your diet? Or have you been intrigued by plant-based recipes and want to try a few?  Register for Plant-based Taste, Test, & Talk on Saturday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Local presenters will chat about the dish they've prepared, and not everyone in this group is on a plant-based diet. Dishes may include anything from falafel, soups,and vegan sausage, to raw plant-based desserts.

The library holds a First Day of Spring Polka Party on Monday, March 20, at 6 p.m. featuring accordion music by Elaine Wehri. The Bluffton Senior Citizens Center partners with the library for this event to include stories, dancing, games, and refreshments. Register by March 17.

On Thursday, March 23, at 10 a.m., the library will host Babies Love Books. Join the library for a time of stories, movement and song for babies and toddlers (ages birth to 3 years). Activities are chosen to promote language and motor development. All children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program.

The library will hold its first Brown Bag Business Book Discussion on Friday, March 24, at 12:30 p.m. in the lower level meeting room. Spend your lunch hour at the library, networking and discussing new trends, future planning, and ways to make business in Bluffton even better.  Bring your packed lunch (the library will have some snacks, too) and peruse our business section offerings while learning how book discussions can help increase intelligence and communication.

On Monday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m., artist Jeanne Beutler leads a Watercolor Workshop on the lower level of the library. Participants will paint “,” and registration is required (and the number of registrants is limited). There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please).

The Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group will meet  on Monday, March 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History Room on the library’s main level.

On Thursday, March 30, at 3:30 p.m. Janette Reineke will present a Children’s Art Lesson for ages 8-10. In this art class, children will have a creative experience using the Impressionistic technique of French painter Claude Monet (1840-1926). Participants will use short, quick brush strokes with watercolors and paint a seascape. Registration is required, and the final day to register is March 23. There is a $6 supply fee at the door (cash only).

The library will also feature a display titled “Becoming a SAFY Foster Parent Makes a Difference in a Child’s Life!” from the Findlay site of Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY). Come learn more about SAFY and what it does for the community.​