December is a great month to take part in one of many events at the Bluffton Public Library. Here’s the schedule:

Monday, Dec. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m. children ages 3-11 and their families are invited to a Makerspace petting zoo. Play with Strawbees, Snap Circuits and more.

Family Storytime sessions are Tuesdays, Dec. 4 (Reindeer Storytime) and Dec. 11, (Snowflake Storytime), from 10 to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required for Family Storytime events.

Dulcimers @ the Library continues Tuesday, Dec. 4, and 11 at 1 p.m. Join in a special performance on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at 6:30 p.m. presented by Dulcimer Gatherin’ and Rainbow Dulcimers titled “A Dulcimer Christmas.” Enjoy cookies and beverages, and sing along to holiday favorites.

Chill Zone is Tuesday, Dec. 4 (Cookie decorating), 11th (Holiday movie), and 18th (White elephant Bingo) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Anyone in 6th through 12th grade is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks provided.

Santa’s fire truck co-hosted by the Bluffton Fire Department Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. Join the Bluffton firefighters at the library for an evening of stories and crafts. You may even see a special guest (Santa) All ages are welcome.

The library’s adult book discussion meets Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. (instead of noon) to discuss Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart (and the author will visit via 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. Email [email protected] for more information.

Learn ways to better your health through your nutrition habits during a presentation “Healthy Nutrition,” with Rachel Niermann, RDN, LD, outpatient oncology and community wellness dietitian. This program for adults is Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. Following the presentation is a time for questions and conversation. Stay tuned for more personalized health information sessions, part of a Health Education Series by Blanchard Valley Health System's Speakers' Bureau, hosted by the library. Register at the library, on our website, or by calling 419-358-5016.

The SciFi/Fantasy writers group (ages 18 and up) meets Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. If you are interested or already writing in one of these genres and want more information or to register/be put on the group’s email list, email [email protected]. Registration is strongly suggested, as meeting date/time may change.

Get your craft on for holiday craft festivities on Fridays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 during library hours. Craft stations will be set up around the library and displays will feature material to keep your family creating throughout these colder seasons.

Playgroup sessions continue at 10 a.m. every Friday in December. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys.

STEAM family fun is Saturday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy some coding activities together in the children’s area.

Ohio Northern University students and medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will have a free Mobile Health Clinic Monday, Dec. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  

This clinic offers screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (fast for 12 hours prior to your arrival to participate in the cholesterol or blood sugar screening).

Participants may speak with Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. The ONU Healthwise program employs health care providers to reach the community with knowledge and resources to address health related concerns and to improve your health.

Jammin’ at the Library meets Monday, Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring an acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears. For more information, email [email protected].

Gingerbread house day is Wednesday, Dec. 12, and the library will have materials available for patrons to make recyclable gingerbread houses to take with them and keep, not eat! On Thursday, Dec. 13, have a cup of hot cocoa on us for National Cocoa Day.

Babies Love Books Storytime is Thursday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. It includes holiday themed 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.

This month’s homeschoolers learning libratory is Wednesday, Dec. 19, at 1 p.m. Homeschooled children ages 4-11 (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult) will participate in a STEAM program, with this session titled “Winter Wonders.” Registration is required for each session. Email [email protected] for more information.

Watch a holiday movie for all ages on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 3:15 p.m. Cookies and hot chocolate are provided, and no registration is necessary.

Thursday, Dec. 27, is make cutout snowflakes day. The library will have materials available to craft your own snowflakes.

The library is closed from Saturday, Dec. 22, through Tuesday, Dec. 25, and closes at 5:30 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31. The Ohio Digital Library on the library’s website (or through the Libby or Overdrive apps), is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, even when the library is closed.

The library’s display case will showcase a collection of winter themed art from local artists this month.