Here's what's happening in September at the Bluffton Public Library.

Paws 2 Read will be joining Storytime on Mondays, Sept. 9, and 23 at 6:30 p.m. After Storytime, kids (and kids at heart) may take turns reading to and hanging out with registered therapy dogs from Pet Partners, a leading national therapy animal organization.

Join us for an Info & Referral session for Senior Citizens and Caregivers with The Allen County Council on Aging on Sept. 12 at 5:30 p.m.  Representatives will share the many resources available in the area to help meet the changing needs of our community’s seniors and their caregivers. Please register by September 9.

The annual Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale is here again, and is held on the lower level of the library. Stop in and browse the large collection of materials available for purchase. All proceeds go to library programs and services, so with every purchase, you’re giving back to your community! The schedule is as follows:

Wed, Sept. 18, 5-7:30 p.m.
Thurs, Sept. 19, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fri, Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

On Demand Tech Training:
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m., Matt Motes, Information Technologist from SEO Libraries will lead "Cyber Security and how to stay safe on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or mobile device" at Bluffton Public Library in the lower level meeting room. Learn how to determine if you are being exposed to a cyber attack and how to keep your network and personal data safe. We will define terms such as "Vishing," "Malware," and "Ransomware," and look at examples of how you have been exposed to this already. Hear about attacks that have occurred throughout the state of Ohio, what criminals are looking for, and how they hit people, companies, or businesses. Registration is required to ensure enough registrants to hold this program. 

Then directly after the Cyber Security session Matt Motes will lead “Cryptocurrency and the Block Chain" at 4 p.m. on the lower level of the library. This course explores the history of Cryptocurrency and discusses how early coins originally worked within the concept of the "Blockchain." We then discuss how Blockchains work, what Miners are, and how people make money with Cryptocurrency using GPU vs ASIC vs CPU mining.  We will then explore how they could be used in the future -- beyond currency. Registration is required for this session as well to ensure enough registrants.

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! This year, Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4 characters  will remind us that “signing up for a library card opens a world of infinite possibilities: libraries offer resources and services that help people pursue their passions and give students the tools to succeed in school and beyond!” (ala.org).

Banned Books Week is Sept. 22-28. Check out our display and be sure to post your favorite banned book on social media (tag us!) This year’s theme is “Censorship Keeps Us in the Dark -- Keep the Light On!” and challenges us to stand up for our right to read without censorship. Books on display at our library will include materials that have been banned or challenged in libraries, booksellers, and schools across the globe. This list is compiled by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (ala.org).

National Voter Registration Day is Sept. 24. Don't forget that you can register to vote at our library! The deadline for voter registration for the Nov. 5 general election is Oct. 7, and all mail registrations (including those completed at our library) must be postmarked by Oct. 7. Absentee Ballot Applications are also available and must be mailed by Nov. 3. Need to check if you’re registered or not? Visit: https://voterlookup.sos.state.oh.us/voterlookup.aspx.

These regular library programs will continue in the month of September:

Playgroup is at 10 a.m. every Friday. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys.

Dulcimers @ the Library continue meeting on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.  Patrons are welcome to listen as our local dulcimer group prepares for upcoming performances.

The Noon Book Discussion group meets on Sept. 4 to discuss The Huntress by Kate Quinn, and to meet with Ms. Quinn via Skype, video chat software. 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 next meeting is on Oct. 2 for These is My Words by Nancy Turner and/or Whiskey When We're Dry by John Larison. Email [email protected] for more information.

Tutor Me Paperless sessions are available again on Sept. 4, 11, and 18. Tutor Me Paperless is an ongoing tech tutoring service during select months at Bluffton Public Library. Sessions are available by appointment only and can be made at the library’s front desk or by calling 419-358-5016. A member of staff may be able to help you acclimate to a new device, set up an email account, or help you access eBooks through the Ohio Digital Library. Not sure if your tech question qualifies for a library tutoring session? Feel free to ask.  

Fall Storytime begins on Sept. 9 and 10. Storytime is for preschool children ages 3-5 and is on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Join us for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Registration is required and fills quickly. Please specify if your child has any food allergies when registering, as snacks are often provided.

Babies Love Books Storytime is on Sept. 12 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.

Jammin’ @ the Library will take place on Sept. 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. This is a song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. Bring your acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears!

Homeschoolers Learning Libratory meets again on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join us for a fun time of experiments, exploration and creative fun.Registration required.

Farmer’s Market Storytime continues on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. All ages are welcome! Meet us in the Bluffton Citizens National Bank parking lot on S. Main Street for stories and fun.

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays in September. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Awesomeness happens Tuesdays after school, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.

Watercolor Workshop returns on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. (“Three Li’l Pigs”). Local artist Jeanne Beutler will teach 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), and advance registration is required as space is limited.

Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will visit the library for another free Mobile Health Clinic on Fri., Sept. 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Receive 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.

Please notice: The library is closed on Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.

The library’s showcase will feature a collection of seashells from our community. Come check it out in our display cases near the front desk.