Bluffton Public Library announces its April 2018 programs and services, which follow:

Spring Storytime Sessions are underway Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Call 419-358-5016 or stop by our front desk to register your child, but please understand that spots may be full. 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.

Dulcimers @ the Library continues on Tuesdays at 1 p.m., and Jammin’ at the Library at 6 p.m. on April 9 and 23. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears.

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for teens and tweens 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.

The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area meet on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. for a free program open to the public, “WEEDS: The Pirates in Your Garden.” This lecture on weed control is presented by Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator Bill Jones, and no registration is necessary. The program will be held in the meeting room on the lower level of the library.

Tutor Me Paperless begins again. These are one-on-one basic technology tutoring sessions covering subjects such as: setting up an email, accessing eBooks through the Ohio Digital Library, the basics of Microsoft Office products, or even how to navigate a computer, smartphone, or tablet for the first time. Sessions are by appointment only on Wednesdays of every other month. Email [email protected] for more information.

The library’s Adult Book Discussion group will meet Wednesday, April 4 at noon to discuss "Vengeance of Mothers," by Jim Fergus and participate in an author visit with Fergus via video chat (Skype). 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.

A Special Storytime with Shirley Wagner will be held on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 4-10.  This Storytime will help children to learn about life and death in a sensitive, caring way, and help them to understand the feelings grief can cause.  Please register for this program by Monday, April 2.

The SciFi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet on April 5 at 6 p.m. Please register in advance. For more information or to register/be put on the group’s email list, email [email protected].

Our ongoing Playgroup sessions continue at 10 a.m. on Fridays, April 6, 13, and 20. (The library is closed on the 27th.) Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys!

The library will host another Mobile Health Clinic on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in honor of World Health Week. This clinic is led by staff and students of Ohio Northern University Healthwise, 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.

BPL’s Teen Volunteers will meet at BPL on April 18 at 4 p.m. BPL is looking for new TV members between the ages of 13 and 18. This group helps with planning youth programs all year round, including the Summer Program. Teens wishing to volunteer in BPL’s 2018 Summer Program are encouraged to attend the meeting. To join, turn in a TV application. For more information, email Miss Esther at [email protected].

Babies Love Books will meet on April 12 at 10 a.m. Join us for a time of parachute fun, stories, 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.

Learn how to make your own household cleaner and mix up one of your own in a make-and-take Natural Cleaning with Essential Oils workshop led by Emily Ulrey on April 12 at 6 p.m. Registration is required by April 5, and there is an $8.00 supply fee (cash only, at the door) which includes a 16 oz. glass spray bottle and contents. This workshop is for ages 18 and up.

Bring the kids and put your brains together for Family Trivia Night on April 16 at 6 p.m. Groups must be six members or less, and will work together as a team to come up with their answer and to keep score.

The only three rules are:
1) follow library rules,
2) don't cheat, and
3) have fun! 

Family groups do not have to all be related, and questions are for late elementary through adult – but all family friendly. Prizes and light refreshments will be available, but spots are limited and registration ends on April 13. Pick up an information packet and registration form to hand back in at the library's front desk.  For more information, email Miss Lauren at [email protected].

S.T.E.A.M. Fun returns on April 21 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Do some fun experiments with your family. No prior registration is necessary, and all children must be accompanied by an adult to help with activities.

Watercolor Workshop returns on April 23 at 6 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library. The painting this month is “Pink Flamingo.”  Advance registration is required and opens April 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).

1000 Books Party Time, a special celebration for families who have completed the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, is April 25 at 6 p.m. RSVP at our front desk, or email [email protected] with questions.  Pizza and snacks are provided.

The annual Friends of the Bluffton Public Library Spring Tea is April 26 at 5:45 p.m. This year’s tea features Dave Essinger, local author of Running Out. Tickets are $12 and sell quickly, so stop by our front desk soon to purchase your tickets.  This full tea will be held on the library's lower level and acts as a fundraiser for library programs and services.

Please notice: The library is closed for staff development on April 27. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.

The library announces a display from the Bluffton Senior Center. Visit our community display case near the front desk to learn about their travels and programs. Interesting in doing your own community display at the library? Email [email protected] or call us to be assigned a month in 2018 or 2019.

Stop by the library to check out our new furniture in the Early Learning Area. A huge thank you to the Friends of Bluffton Public Library for funding the update. Little library friends, we hope you enjoy learning and playing in your space.