There's plenty of activities in February at Bluffton Public Library. Here's the schedule:

The Winter Book Games reading program for children, teens, and adults continues in February and March. Pick up a Winter Book Games Bingo card at the library or download and print it from our website. Then, read five or more books during the months of January through March to receive a bingo and a completion prize. At this time, you may also enter a drawing to win a larger prize. Fill your entire bingo board for a chance at a second prize entry.

Brain Builders S.T.E.A.M. Club continues on Feb. 1 and 15 at 4 p.m. In this club, children ages 6-12 will experiment, construct, and explore themes of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) utilizing Legos, K’Nex, Strawbees, ELENCO Snap Circuits, code.org, and more.  Please note children under 8 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult who will remain in the building during the program. Registration is full but you may put your child on our waiting list. Email [email protected] for more information.

The Scifi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet on Feb. 1 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. For more information or to register, email [email protected].

Our ongoing Playgroup session continue at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23. Make a play date and the library will provide the space and toys.

Let’s Talk Prepping will meet on Monday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the History Room. Interested in learning how to be prepared for possible emergency situations? Want to compare notes and share ideas of how to make it through severe weather, power outages, or other situations?  This is the place to discuss and meet others with a preparedness mindset.  Please call, stop by the library, or email [email protected] to register in advance.

Winter Storytime continues on Mondays, Feb. 5, 12, and 26 at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Please notice: There are limited spots available, and registration may be full. 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.

Hot Tea Tuesdays are back. Each Tuesday in February between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the library will have a selection of teas, and a variety of goodies to nibble on as you peruse our collection.

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays, Feb. 6 (Taco Tuesday), 13 (Ice-cream Funday), 20 (Movie and Popcorn) and 27 (Ramen Noodle Challenge) at 3:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.

Tutor Me Paperless begins again on Wednesdays in February, by appointment only. Receive help with borrowing eBooks and more on the Ohio Digital Library; basic navigation of electronic devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets; or setting up your first email address. Register for a one-hour appointment at the front desk, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 419-358-5016.

Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at noon to discuss The Year of No Clutter by Eve O. Schaub. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is requested.  Copies of each month’s book are available for checkout the month prior to each discussion, and you may register when you check out. Call us or email [email protected] for more information.

On Wednesday, March 7, the group will discuss Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy by Karen Abbott and will have the privilege of meeting with the author via Skype.

Babies Love Books will meet on Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. Join us for a time of farm stories, movement, and song for babies and toddlers (birth-3 years). Activities promote language and motor development.  All children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program.  No prior registration necessary.

The library will also host a Mobile Health Clinic on Feb. 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The clinic is led by the Ohio Northern University’s Healthwise staff. This is a program that employs health care providers to provide the local community with knowledge and resources to address health related concerns and to improve your health. There will be free screenings for: blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipids (please fast for 12 hours for the lipids screening). All ages are welcome, and referrals to area doctors will be made available. No registration is necessary.

Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m. on Feb. 12 and 26. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears. Then, on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m., join us for a Jammin’ Instructional. Learn various methods in jammin’-style music. Topics are determined each month by the group. For more information, email [email protected].

The library will host a Poetry Teatime on Feb. 13 at 3:30 p.m. featuring a time around the table exploring poetry together in a relaxed setting with a pot of tea and some treats. Focus is on exposure to and enjoyment of poetry. Please register before Feb. 9 if you wish to attend and let staff know of any special dietary requirements. All ages are welcome, but children under 8 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

The library is closed on Feb. 19 due to President’s Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.

On Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., join us for a Fear No Art Lesson: How to Draw a Self Portrait with Janette Reineke. This lesson is inspired by Rembrandt, who is featured in Reineke’s book, Fear No Art. $10 cash fee taken at the door.  Please register before Feb. 16 to claim your spot. Books will be available for purchase that evening.

Come to the library’s Community Connections Evening on Feb.21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. During this event, you will find out what children’s programs and services are offered in the Bluffton area and meet with representatives of many organizations, businesses and government agencies. Get your questions answered about child development, Kindergarten readiness, childcare and much more! Light refreshments provided.

Due to the popularity of our Brain Builders program, we are offering some Saturday S.T.EA.M. Fun sessions. Join us on Feb 24th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for experiments and family fun in the children’s area. No prior registration necessary. Activities will be provided for ages 6-12. Please note all children MUST be accompanied by an adult who will assist them in the activities.

Watercolor Workshop returns on Feb. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library. Advance registration is required and opens Jan. 2. Number of registrants is limited. Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please).

The library announces a display from the Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center. Visit our community display case near the front desk to view this exhibit. Interesting in doing your own community display at the library? Email [email protected] or call us to be assigned a month in 2018. More information is on our website.​