Here's what's happening at the Bluffton Public Library during September.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! If you don’t have a library card, or if you’re not sure if yours is still valid, this month is a wonderful time to stop by Bluffton Public Library. Adults must bring in a photo ID with their current address, and children must have a parent or legal guardian with a photo ID and their current address to sign up for a free library card. With books, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, eBooks, computers & online databases, and access to the materials of our consortium of over 90 libraries, a library card is an invaluable resource!
Our regular Playgroup program continues at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, and 29. Make a play date and the library will provide the space and toys! Then, on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m., there will be a special Messy Sensory Storytime. This incorporates art experiences, discovery play, and gross motor activities to stimulate your child’s mind. Caregivers may wish to bring a change of clothes for their child.
Please note: The library will close on Sept. 4 to observe Labor Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.
Dulcimers @ the Library continues into September at their regular meeting time, Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Meetings will take place in the Richland Room on the library’s lower level.
The Noon Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Sept. 6, and discuss A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman. This monthly discussion group is always looking for new members, but registration is requested. Call 419-358-5016 or email [email protected] for more information. Need more time to read? The group will discuss The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict on Oct 4.
The Scifi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet again on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. 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 (as space may be limited), email [email protected].
Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 25. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears! This month’s Jammin’ at the Library (Instructional) is on Sept 21 at 6 p.m. Learn various methods in jammin’-style music. Topics are determined each month by the group. For more information, email [email protected].
The Fall Storytime “Celebrating Books” series begins on Sept. 11 and 12 with the first session focusing on author Eric Carle. Stop by the library or call us at 419-358-5016 to register. Please notice: There are limited spots available, and registration begins August 28. Parents or caregivers can register children via email, phone, or in person. Storytime is for preschool children ages 3-5 on either Monday nights or Tuesday mornings. Children may join Storytime at the start of the month in which they will have their third birthday.
Chill Zone returns on Sept. 12 and continues on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Awesomeness happens every Tuesday after school, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Anyone in 6th through 12th grade is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.
Emergency Preparedness 101 will take place on the lower level of the library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Randy Augsburger, a local writer of preparedness articles, will cover the basics of how to prepare for a variety of emergencies. Topics will include: The Rule of Threes, and food, water, heat, and power options. If time allows, a Q&A will follow the program. Advanced registration is required.
There’s a new book club in town! Register your family for the “Expand Your World” Family Book Club now held monthly at Bluffton Public Library. This month’s meeting is on Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. and will center on Africa. Learn about our global citizenship through stories and crafts, and collect book recommendations for further reading. This book club is co-led by Joanna Gratz of Trades of Hope.
The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale is Sept. 20-23 on the lower level of the library. Enjoy a warm cup of goodness and some baked goods as you browse our books and other materials for sale. All of the proceeds of this sale go to support Bluffton Public Library’s programs and services. Hours are as follows: Wed. the 20th from 5-7:30 p.m.; Thurs. the 21st from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Fri. the 22nd from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sat. the 23rd from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 25-30 is Banned Book Week! Celebrate freedom from censorship and check out the library’s display of banned and challenged books near the front desk.
Watercolor Workshop continues on Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library. Advance registration is required (and the number of registrants is limited!) Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! This month’s piece is titled “Pineapple.” There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please).
The Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group will continue to use the library as its meeting space on Sept. 25 at 6:30. Please notice: this group will meet in the Local History Room on the library’s main level.
Register for an Art Lesson with Janette Reineke, for ages 18 and up. On Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m., Mrs. Reineke will lead a lesson from her latest book, Fear No Art!: featuring a Georgia O’Keefe flower painting. A supply fee of 10 dollars is accepted at the door.
All ages are welcome at the library’s Farmer’s Market Storytime on Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. Meet us at Bluffton’s annual Farmer’s Market in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main. Join in for a fun time of stories and more!
The community display of the month will feature items for the Fall Festival with Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio.
