Bluffton Public Library is pleased to announce its “Universe of Stories” Summer Program with reading challenges, programs and events, weekly incentive prizes, and grand prize drawings for all age groups. Each year the library’s mission is to encourage people of all ages to continue to read, gather, and learn throughout every stage of their lives.  

To celebrate the start of the Summer Program with us, visit the library on Monday, June 3. On this day, registration opens for many of the library’s summer events, and the Summer Reading Challenge. While you're here, enjoy our kick-off events!

The annual Library Fun Day starts at 12 p.m. with an Indoor Picnic on the lower level of the library (bring your own brown bag lunch), and continues in the library’s lower level parking lot with Touch a Truck at 12:30 p.m. Check out a diverse collection of vehicles provided by community members such as the Bluffton Police Station and Bluffton Fire & EMS. Then at 1 p.m., enjoy another fun, interactive performance by the Wild Steelions, a local youth steel drum band. There will also be activities on the main floor of the library during open hours - 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Can’t make it? Don’t worry - registration for the Summer Reading Challenge and events will continue to be open past the Library Fun Day (though some of them fill up quickly!) There are also several Summer Program events that require registration before or during the first week of June:

• Please register by June 4 to ensure enough attendees for an informative program, Living with Hypertension. On June 18 at 10 a.m., Dr. Leah Eiden of Bluffton Primary Care will share a presentation on how to best live with and manage hypertension, and time for questions and discussion is to follow.
• Decluttering Your “Space”: The Basics of Decluttering with Deb Harvitt, Clutter Consultant, also requires registration by June 4. This program is on June 6 at 6 p.m. and is designed as an information session for those who want to reduce general clutter, restore order, or simplify their living space. Participants will learn where to begin this process followed by a time for questions. Another session will focus on reducing paper clutter and is on July 11.
• A Terrarium Make & Take with Susie Stratton of Stratton Greenhouses requires registration by June 6. On June 13 at 6 p.m., Ms. Stratton will introduce participants to terrariums, their uses, and their requirements.  Then, with her instruction, each person/party will create their own beautiful terrarium according to their own personal taste and style. This program is open to adults and families with adult supervision and includes a supply fee of $10 cash per terrarium, paid at the door on day of event.
• Summer Storytime for preschool children ages 3-5 is on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. (starting June 3) and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (starting June 4). Registration is required, currently open, and often fills up quickly. Choose Mondays or Tuesdays when registering.  
• Make & Take Crafts for grades K-5 will take place each Tuesday at 1 p.m, starting June 4th. Sign up for the first session, “3...2...1…Blast Off!” to make a stomp rocket. Registration is now open and tends to fill up quickly. Registration is required for each individual session.
• A Space Terrarium Make & Take for grades 6-12 is on June 6 at 1 p.m. Participants need to bring a small glass container e.g. jelly jar, rounded vase. For more information, email [email protected]. Registration is required and is now open.
• The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium will visit the library on June 7 at 1 p.m. Registration is required and is now open. Learn about Endangered Species, meet zoo staff, and live chat with animals at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. This program is open to all ages.
• Family Space Camp is on June 5 at 1 p.m. for families with kids grades K-12. Learn about life in space, participate in training games, and spend some quality time together.  Registration is now open for the first session and is required for each session.
• On June 5, the Adult Book Discussion group meets on June 5 at 12 p.m. to discuss Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk, and will meet with the author, Kathleen Rooney 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. Need more time? The group meets on July 10 to discuss Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Email [email protected] for more information.

These programs do not require registration, but occur in early June, so be sure to mark your calendars!:

• Farmer’s Market Storytime continues on June 1 and June 29, both at 10 a.m. Meet Youth Services staff in the Bluffton Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main Street.
• “Native Plants” will be presented by Dave McPheron, Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator and owner of Star Farms Native Plants, on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. This presentation is open to the public and is hosted by The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area.
• Paws 2 Read returns on Saturday, June 8. Kids (and kids at heart) may hang out and read with registered therapy dogs from Pet Partners, a leading national therapy animal organization. Time t.b.a.
• LEGO Space is on June 7 from 3-5 p.m. Stop in the library and use our LEGOs or bring your own to create a space-themed masterpiece.

This is only a sampling of all that Bluffton Public Library has planned for June and July 2019. Explore our other programs at our Library Fun Day, on our website, digital newsletter, and social media, or stay tuned for our next press release to include all of our Summer Program events and services. Check out each age group’s grand prizes in our front display case during the months of June and July.

To contact Bluffton Public Library, call 419-358-5016, email [email protected], or visit us at 145 S. Main St., Bluffton, Ohio.