Here are the events planned at the Bluffton Public Library for June and July.

Adults:
On June 18 at 10 a.m., adults are encouraged to attend Living with Hypertension.  Come find out how to best live with and manage hypertension.  Dr. Leah Eiden of Bluffton Primary Care will present information on the topic and there will be time for questions and discussion afterwards.

Please register by June 4 to ensure enough attendees to hold this program. This is a part of a Health Education Series presented by Blanchard Valley Health System's Speakers' Bureau and hosted by Bluffton Public Library.

“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. No registration is required.

Decluttering Your “Space”: The Basics presented by Deb Harvitt, Clutter Consultant, on June 6 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. This program 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, and there will be time for questions. Then on July 11 at 6 p.m., Deb Harvitt will visit us again to discuss Decluttering Your "Space!": Controlling Paper Clutter. Is paper clutter your greatest challenge in trying to keep a tidy home? Come learn tips, tricks, and ways to develop new habits to reduce, manage, and maintain the piles of paper we encounter each day. Registration is required for this program.

On June 13 at 6 p.m. Terrarium Make and Take presented by Susie Stratton of Stratton Greenhouses. Susie 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 workshop is open to adults and families with adult supervision. Supply fee of $10 cash per terrarium at the door on day of event. Register in advance as space is limited.

Dragonflies and Damselflies presented by Dan Hodges, Naturalist for JAMPD is on June 19 at 6 p.m. Dragonflies and Damselflies make up the insect order Odonata and they are the invertebrate rulers, above and below the water. These crazy bugs have fascinating adaptations and are extremely important to the natural ecosystem. This program is geared toward adults, but children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please register by June 13.

Watercolor Workshop returns on June 26 at 6 p.m. (“Universe”) and July 24 at 6 p.m. (“Cone Flowers”). Local artist Jeanne Beutler will be teaching on the lower level of the library. Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please). Advance registration is required as space is limited (registration opens June 3).

Writing your Family Story is on July 9 at 6 p.m. Join Jeff Gundy, Professor of Writing and English at Bluffton University, as he discusses his process of writing and researching his family's history. Gundy will also share portions of his book, Community of Memory (1995), in which he follows seven generations of his family's past, and his current project, Wind Farm, a memoir. This program is open to adults or teens interested in writing about their family's history. There will be free time to write and ask questions at the end of the program. Registration is required.

Growing and Eating Mushrooms with Robert Antibus is on July 16 at 6 p.m. Ever wonder how you grow mushrooms and which varieties are edible? Antibus, Professor Emeritus of Biology at Bluffton University, will present "Growing and Eating Mushrooms" on the lower level of the library. Those who register will not walk away empty-handed, so be sure to register by July 10 (registration is required). This program is open to adults and teens. There will be time for questions at the end of the program.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of a mid-summer evening in the prairie and enjoy a tour of the newly installed interpretive signage with a Nature Walk at Motter Metro Park led by naturalist Dan Hodges of JAMPD on July 25 at 6 p.m. Meet at the park, and be sure to dress for the weather and ground conditions.

This program is geared for adults, but children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please register by July 22.  Motter Metro Park is located at 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road in Richland Township.

Tweens and Teens:
Join Youth Services staff at 1 p.m. on June 6 for Teen Make and Take Space Terrarium (Registration required - Participants need to bring a small glass container e.g. jelly jar, rounded vase.)  

Tweens and teens are invited to Art Space on June 6, June 27, July 11, and July 23 from 1-3 p.m. Use the Youth Room as an Art Studio and get creative. The library provides all the materials.

Cake and Cards for teens and tweens is on June 13, July 18, and July 25 at 1 p.m. Play Exploding Kittens, Dutch Blitz, Monopoly Deal and enjoy some cupcakes. Registration is required.

A Movie Marathon for teens is on June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Teens are encouraged to wear comfy clothes, and bring a sleeping bag and snacks to share. We will screen a varied selection of Sci-Fi movies selected by our teen volunteers. Registration and a guardian consent form are required.

Tweens and teens grades 6-12 can learn about the essential topic of “Internet Safety” on June 27 at 10 a.m. This program is led by Teresa Mercer, the Prevention and Education Coordinator of Open Arms of Findlay, and requires registration. Tweens and teens will learn how to protect their information, what appropriate online behavior is, social media and apps, and cyberbullying.

We’ll meet again on June 27 at 1 p.m. for Teen Make and Take Cosmic Bath Bombs. Teens will experiment and make their own bath bombs. Registration is required - please alert staff to any allergies.

Children (Grades K-5):
Make and Takes for grades K-5 will be held on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the lower level meeting room. Registration is required for every individual session. On June 4th: Blast Off (Make a Stomp Rocket!); June 11: Explore the Galaxy (Learn how to make Galaxy Slime and a Star Mobile); June 18: Space Invaders (Alien crafts & stories); June 25: Beam of Light (Learn about Albert Einstein and make a Suncatcher); July 9: New Worlds (Space Art and Planet Magnets); July 16: Save the Planet (Recycled Arts & Crafts); July 23: Just for Fun (Open Art Space for Grades K-5).

Join Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Naturalist, Jessie Elsass to learn about local Amphibians at the park system's nature education van, the B.E.E.T.L.E. (Bringing Environmental Education to Learners Everywhere). It will be parked at Bluffton's Buckeye Park on June 12 at 10 a.m. beside the pavilion. Then come back to Buckeye Park on July 10 at 10 a.m. for another exciting B.E.E.T.L.E. bus program learning about Reptiles (and meet some reptiles as well!) Register for each of these programs at the library.

The library’s Rocket Drive-In Movie is June 19 at 1 p.m. Join us for a family-friendly movie (Rated G) and popcorn! Participants are invited to create their own cardboard box rocket at home to “park” at our drive-in movie in the lower level meeting room. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required for this program.

Children grades K-5 can learn about the essential topic of “Internet Safety” on June 26 at 10 a.m. This program is led by Teresa Mercer, the Prevention and Education Coordinator of Open Arms of Findlay, and requires registration. Children will learn about the dangers of giving out personal information, talking to strangers online, social media, and cyberbullying.

Multiple Age Groups:
Attend Family Space Camp on June 5, June 28, and July 26 at 1 p.m.  Family Space Camp is a fun program for families with children going into grades K-12. Learn about life in space, participate in training games, and spend some quality time together. Registration is required for each family member and for each session.

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium returns for Endangered Species on June 7 at 1 p.m. This program is for children going into grades K-5, and registration is required. Sign up now because the zoo will be video chatting with some animal friends! Then on July 12 at 1 p.m., the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium will present Animal Habitats (for all ages). Learn more about animal homes and live chat with the animals. Registration is required for this program as well.

On June 7 from 3-5 p.m. and June 21 from 1-3 p.m., bring your LEGOs or use the library's collection for some brick-building and fun. Free-build or create some space-themed masterpieces. LEGO Space is open to all ages - no registration required.

PAWS 2 READ returns on Saturday, June 8 at 12 p.m. Kids (and kids at heart) can hang out and read with a registered therapy dog from Pet Partners. July dates are Saturday, July 13 and Saturday, July 20.

On June 14 at 10 a.m., teens and adults are invited to meet in the lower level parking lot to make Galaxy Bleach T-Shirts. Create a unique galaxy t-shirt design using bleach and paint. Participants need to bring a black or navy cotton T-shirt. Registration is required.

Join us on June 14 at 3 p.m. for Space Cinema - visit the main floor for a movie in the stacks! A family friendly film (G/PG) will be shown and all ages are welcome. No registration is required.  Popcorn will be provided - please bring your own drinks.

A Village Story Walk with Fred Steiner is on June 17 at 6 p.m. Wear your walking shoes and meet us at the library to hear stories about the village of Bluffton. Steiner, author, historian, and co-owner of the Bluffton Icon, will take us down Main Street and help us envision Bluffton as it once was, as well as give us the history of some of the structures we can still see. This program is open to all ages, but those under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Registration is required.

The Friends of the Bluffton Public Library will hold its 6th annual 5K Run/Walk for Literacy, co-hosted by Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., on Saturday, June 22. The run/walk begins at 9 a.m. in front of Bluffton High School on College Avenue, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. on the Bluffton Public Library’s lower level.

Registration is $20 until June 19. Race-day registration is $25, shirt not guaranteed. Kids 10 and under run free! T-shirts were included with paid registration until May 31, but are available while supplies last at $7.00 each at the door. Registration links are available at www.blufftonpubliclibrary.org and on Facebook, or register through paper forms at the library.

Your pets deserve a cool “space” too!  Register for PAWS and Craft on Tuesday, June 25 at 6 p.m. to create a unique craft for the pet in your life (or make one to donate to the animal shelter!) All materials are provided. Registration is required for this program and ages 8 to adult are welcome (children must have adult supervision).

A “Reach for the Sky” Storytime with Jessie of JAMPD (for all ages) is on July 17 at 10 a.m. Registration is required. Join Jessie Elsass, a Naturalist from Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District in an astronomical program. We'll shrink down the planets and take a stroll through our solar system. Then look at our moon's beauty, phases and effect on Earth. This program will include hands on activities, a story, and a live animal visitor! Registration is required.

Calling all comic book fans! Join Alter-Ego Comics at the library for a Comics Pizza Party. Tweens, teens, and adults are invited to meet us on July 17 at 12:30 p.m. in the teen area on the main level of the library for some pizza and to learn from the experts what’s new in comics and graphic novels. Register in advance so the library has enough pizza for everyone.

Get a group together and register for our Space-Themed Escape Room Quest, happening by hour time slots on July 18 and 19. This program is designed for families or groups of friends to work together to complete a space quest on the library's lower level! We simply ask that those under age 12 have someone responsible, aged 18+ with them throughout the challenge. Participants will have an hour to follow a series of clues to unlock a secret box and save the planet before time runs out! Register by July 16. Each group will receive a time slot when they register.

Adults and teens are invited to an Open Craft Space on July 23 from 1-3 p.m. Use the Youth Room as an art studio and get creative! The library will provide all the materials.

Aloha! Join us to celebrate your completion of the Summer Program with a Library Pool Party at the Bluffton Community Pool on July 29 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Please note that children ages eight and under must be accompanied by an adult. In case of weather issues, there is a rain date scheduled for August 2, same time. 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 26.

These ongoing library programs continue throughout the summer as well:
Farmer’s Market Storytime is on June 29, and July 27, all at 10 a.m. Meet Youth Services staff in the Bluffton Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main Street.

Summer Storytime is on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Registration is required, currently open, and may be full. Sessions begin on June 3 and 4 and end on July 22 and 23, but note: there is no Storytime during break week (July 1 and 2). 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.

Playgroup sessions every Fri. at 10 a.m. - Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys!

The Dulcimers @ the Library will meet most Tues. at 1 p.m. (except during break week, July 2). Patrons are welcome to listen as a local dulcimer group prepares for upcoming performances.

On June 5, the Adult Book Discussion group meets on June 5 at noon 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.

Jammin' @ the Library (June 10 and 24 and July 8 and 22) - This is a song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. Bring your acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears.

Babies Love Books on June 13 and July 11 at 10 a.m. - Activities promote early literacy, 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 with them.

Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will return to the library for another free Mobile Health Clinic on Fri., June 28 and July 26 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, osteoporosis, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in 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 local community with knowledge and resources to address health-related concerns and to improve your health.

On July 4, the library is closed for Independence Day. All due dates are adjusted accordingly.