Here's the list of special programs in July at the Bluffton Public Library.

The “Libraries Rock” Summer Program continues. Because registration for many of these programs began at the beginning of June, registration may be full for some programs. To register, call at 419-358-5016, visit our website at blufftonpubliclibrary.org, or stop in during library hours.

Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m. on July 2, July 16 and July 30. 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]. The Dulcimers @ the Library continue to meet at the library on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. on the main level.

On July 4, the library is closed for Independence Day. All due dates are adjusted accordingly. Have a safe and happy holiday!

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

Adults age 18 and up are welcome to the library’s Self Care Mini Conference on July 9 beginning at 6 p.m. This conference has a broad self-care focus, from traditional to alternative. Registrants will meet with and gather information from local businesses and organizations as well as complete activities to focus on self care.

Speakers include:
• Kathy Burrus of Green Hope Coaching: "Navigating the River of Life";
• Dyanne Gregg of Natural Healing Massage & Reiki Center: "What is Reiki?"
• Susan Harrod of Coleman Professional Services: "Practical Tips for Stress-Relief”

Other area businesses/organizations who will be available for activities and conversation include counselors, massage therapists, therapy dogs, physicians, and more. Registration is required.

Summer Storytime continues on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m until July 24. Call 419-358-5016 or stop by our front desk to register your child.  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. Please notice: spots are limited and registration may already be full.

Children going into grades K-5 are encouraged to attend the many free “Make and Take” craft sessions during the Summer Program. Registration is required for each session to ensure enough materials for everyone.
• Pet Rock Make & Take, July 10 at 1 p.m. 
• Color Your Own Pencil Case Make & Take, July 17 at 1 p.m.
 • Sock Puppet Karaoke, July 24 at 1 p.m.
Email [email protected] for more information.

Ohio Northern University's HealthWise program return to the library for a Mobile Health Clinic on July 11 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet them in their Mobile Health vehicle in the library’s rear parking lot.

This clinic offers free screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipids (please fast for 12 hours prior to your arrival if you wish to participate in the lipids screening) as well as a bone density screening for osteoporosis.

The ONU Healthwise program employs health care providers to reach the local community with knowledge and resources to address health related concerns and to improve your health. All ONU Healthwise services are free of charge, and all ages are welcome.

The library’s Adult Book Discussion group will meet July 11 at noon to discuss The Alice Network by Kate Quinn (there will be a Skype visit with the author). 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 August’s book The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott and join the meeting on Aug. 1. Call us or email [email protected] for more information.

Join us for Line Dancing with Dancing Barb on July 11 at 6 p.m. in the lower level. This program is for ages 18 and up, but please register in advance as space is limited. Please note: because the library’s floor is carpeted, participants will dance in socks. Please be sure to bring a pair of clean socks to the program.

Babies Love Books continues at 10 a.m. on July 12. 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.

Bluffton’s Got Talent is on July 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Do you sing, play an instrument, tell jokes, or dance? Showcase your talent on the library’s bottom floor! DJ EZ B will be there with a microphone and sound system, and judges will be there to award prizes. All participants will receive an entry ticket for the Summer Program grand prize drawing of their choice. Register for a time slot and a chance to win the title.

In honor of the “Libraries Rock” theme, there is still plenty of music going on in the library for the Tiny Concert Series. Brent Larson (EZ B) will play acoustic rock on July 13 at 11 a.m. and Phil and Krysti Schey will do a “Children’s Sing-Along” on July 27 at 11 a.m. No registration is necessary, and all ages are welcome.

STEAM Fridays is an ongoing program during the Summer Program geared towards children grades K-5 and their families. Check out projects and challenges going on during library hours on our main floor. The schedule is as follows: July 13 is Sound Matching, July 20 is a Coloring Activity, and July 27 is Sound Sandwich. Please note: there is no STEAM Friday on July 6 due to Summer Programming break week.

Register for Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s next library program for adults, Backyard Habitats with Johnny Appleseed, which is on July 17 at 6 p.m. With less than 10% of land in Allen County in any semblance of natural area, our rich natural history is in danger of becoming just that – history. Join Naturalist Dan Hodges for a sampling of what the natural world in this area has to offer, and learn a little about how you can participate -- even in your own backyard.

Music Professor Roy Couch will present “The Beat Goes On: Cultural Origins & American Pop Music” on July 18 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone ages 10 and up is invited to learn about and interact with American pop music and its influences. This program will take place on the lower level of the library, and registration is required.

Lip Sync Battles for tweens and teens is on July 19 at 2 p.m. Registration required.  Then join us for the Unicorn Tea Party on July 26 at 1 p.m.

The SciFi/Fantasy Writer’s Group meets on July 19 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].

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium returns for Insects and Invertebrates on July 20 at 1 p.m. This program is for children going into grades K-2, and registration is required. Then on July 20 at 2 p.m., the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium will present Zoo Careers (for grades 3-12). Learn more about who works at a zoo and what goes on behind the scenes.  Registration is required for this program as well.

Everyone ages six and up is welcome at a fun Family Yoga session with Joy Stemen, local licensed massage therapist and yoga instructor, on July 21 at 10 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult who will participate with them. Due to space restrictions, registration is required. Bring your yoga mat and water bottle!

Watercolor Workshop is July 23 at 6 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library.  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 meets at the library on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. Please notice: this group will meet in the Local History Room on the library’s main level.

The Rain Gardens & Rock Gardens presentation by Transition Bluffton is on Tuesday, July 24 at 6 p.m. Please register in advance.  Information will be presented on the water-saving impact of rain gardens and the aesthetics of implementing rocks into landscaping. A variety of applicable plant selections will be discussed, as well as the different styles and forms of rain gardens and the various methods of water collection as a source of irrigation as opposed to utilizing city water.

Join Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Naturalist Jessie Elsass for an program learning about Reptiles (and meet some reptiles as well) at the park system's new Naturalist van, the B.E.E.T.L.E. (Bringing Environmental Education to Learners Everywhere). It will be parked at Bluffton's Buckeye Park on July 25 at 10 a.m. beside the pavilion. Register at the library, and then we'll meet you there.

Essential Oil Make and Take: Insect Repellent is on July 26 at 6 p.m. (register by July 19).  At this workshop, you will learn how to make your own insect repellent with simple household ingredients and using essential oils.  Then, you will have the opportunity to mix up your own bottle of insect repellent to take home with you. There is a supply fee of $5 (cash only please, taken at the door) and it includes a mist spray bottle and all ingredients.

Farmers Market Storytime continues at 10 a.m. on July 28. 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 to celebrate your completion of the Summer Program with a Library Pool Party at the Bluffton Community Pool on July 30 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.  Please note that children ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult.  Remember to turn in your logs, collect your prizes, and receive your pool party ticket at the library. Tickets are available starting July 16 and the last day to turn in logs is July 27.