May is a busy month for the Bluffton Public Library. Here's a summary of programs taking place.

The Dulcimers @ the Library continue to meet at the library on Tuesdays at 1 p.m., and Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m. on May 7 and 21. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears! For more information, email [email protected].

Chill Zone continues on May 1 and 8 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 library’s Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Wednesday, May 2 at noon to discuss The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan. 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.   Need more time? Borrow a copy of June’s book The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore and join the meeting on June 6.  Call us or email [email protected] for more information.

The SciFi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet on May 3 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].

A Special Storytime with Shirley Wagner will be held on May 3 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 28.

Our ongoing Playgroup sessions continue at 10 a.m. on Fridays. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys!

May the 4th be with you! On May 4th, come to the library to feel the force! Star Wars themed activities will be stationed throughout the library all day, for all ages.

Join Esther for a Block Printing Workshop on May 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Learn some block printing basics and get creative with your new skills. This program is for ages 10-101+ and is limited to 15 participants so please register by Friday, May 4th. All materials provided.

The Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held in the lower level of the library starting Wed., May 9 at 5 p.m. and ending Sat., May 12 at 1 p.m. Refreshments provided - enjoy a warm cup of goodness and a sweet treat as you browse our many books and other materials for sale. All proceeds benefit the library’s many programs and services to the public. The sale is open Wed., May 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Thurs. May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Fri., May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sat., May 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

BPL’s Teen Volunteers meet at BPL on May 15 at 4 p.m. for a volunteer training session. BPL is currently looking for new TV members ages 13-18. 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 upcoming meeting. To join, please turn in a TV application. For more information, email Miss Esther at [email protected].

Stop by the library all day on Wednesday, May 16 for a Make and Take Teacher Appreciation Craft.  School is nearly out! Don’t forget to let your teacher know how much you appreciate them. Craft stations will be in the children's area.

Watercolor Workshop returns on May 21 at 6 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library.  The theme of this workshop is “Lilacs”.  Advance registration is required as the 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 Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group will continue to use the library as its meeting space on May 21 at 6:30. Please notice: this group will meet in the Local History Room on the library’s main level.

On Thursday, May 24 at 6 p.m. join Emily Ulrey for a Gardening with Essential Oils Make and Take.  Please register by May 17 to attend this workshop, where you will learn how to use essential oils in the garden to help repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and help your garden to flourish. Then, you will have opportunity to mix up one of your own sprays to take home with you. This program is open to ages 18+.  There is a $8 supply fee at the door (cash only) which includes a 16 oz. glass spray bottle and contents.

We are excited to begin offering Farmers Market Storytimes again this year, starting on May 26 at 10 a.m.  All ages are welcome! Meet us at Bluffton’s annual Farmer’s Market in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main. Join us for a fun time of stories and more!

Please notice: The library is closed for Memorial Day on May 28. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.