Bluffton Public Library announced its October programming, which follows:

“Planting Garlic,” presented by Ray Person, Jr.  and hosted by the Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area, is on the library’s lower level on Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. This program is free and open to the public. Register through the library to help us prepare accordingly.

Join Bluffton author and poet, Ruth Naylor on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. for an Author Visit at Bluffton Public Library.

This visit will celebrate her newest release, Faith Talk: a spiritual memoir inviting reflection and dialogue, and books will be available for purchase from Naylor at the library on this day only.

Naylor will begin with a Reading from her recent publication at 6:30 p.m., with a Signing and discussion to follow. Light refreshments are to be provided by Bluffton Public Library. Meet us on the main floor, and register by Oct. 5 through the library.

The library will host a Collage Workshop with Shop for Good/Spiritus Collage artist Amanda Brasfield on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. Registrants will design and create their own unique 5x7 collage with their choice of inspirational words/phrases.

There is a $4 cash only fee at the door that covers supplies used at this workshop. Please register by Oct. 3. This program is open to ages 12 through adult, and the first two teens to register will have their supply fee waived.  

Stop by the library on October 11 at 4:30 p.m. for Coffee and Conversation. Snag a cup of coffee and chat with other community members while enjoying cozy music and new books in our local history room.  Registration is required.

Paws 2 Read joins Storytime on Monday, Oct. 14, 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.

Interested in tracing your family history and never used the Rutherford B. Hayes Museum and Library’s online Ohio Obituary Index?

We’ll show you what it’s all about, and how you can utilize it to request obituaries archived at libraries all over Ohio – including many of the obituaries printed in past Bluffton News and archived at our library. Hayes Obituary Index 101 is on Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. and registration is required. Email [email protected] for more information.

A Special Symphony Storytime is on Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The Lima Symphony Orchestra will visit for a fun, interactive presentation of music and stories. Please register through the library to ensure enough space as this is a popular program.

What are Advance Directives?: Come find out at Bluffton Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. This program is presented by Theresa Scherger, MSW, LSW of Bridge Home Health and Hospice and is courtesy of Blanchard Valley Health System’s Speakers’ Bureau.

Learn about the topic of Advance Directives, what they are exactly, why they’re important for people of all ages, and why your doctor keeps asking whether or not you have these legal documents. Time for questions is to follow. Please register by Oct. 17 through the library.

A 3D printer will be here for the month of October. The library will host one of the NORWELD Dremel 3D printers for public use. Suggested donations are 50-cents per hour of requested print to help cover the cost of the filament.

Patrons are welcome to bring a flash drive with a pre-formatted file to print or choose from the selection of items available on the printer.  For questions or more information, email [email protected].

Teen Read Week starts Oct. 14. This national initiative was created in 1998, and according to the Young Adult Library Services Association, this is the last Teen Read “Week.”

Replacing it is “TeenTober, a new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October [that] aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library.

TeenTober replaces YALSA’s previous Teen Read Week™ and Teen Tech Week™ celebrations” (ala.org/yalsa/teentober).

The Holiday Gift Silent Auction starts Nov. 1. This is a opportunity for those who wish to support future library programming. Individuals, organizations, or businesses are welcome to donate gift baskets, items, or a cash donation for our upcoming Holidays Gift Silent Auction fundraiser.

Donations are tax deductible and the last day to drop off donations is Oct. 12. Pick up a flyer or email [email protected] for more information.

A display featuring some of the library’s local history and family history resources will be in the display case throughout the month of October. Check it out near the front desk.

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

Fall Storytime continues on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m. until Oct. 14 and 15. 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 may be full. Please specify if your child has any food allergies when registering, as snacks are often provided.

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.

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays in October. 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.

The Noon Book Discussion group meets on Oct. 2 to discuss These is My Words by Nancy Turner. 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 Nov. 6 to discuss The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom. Email [email protected] for more information.

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

Babies Love Books Storytime is on Oct. 10 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 Oct. 14 and 28 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!

Farmer’s Market Storytime continues on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. All ages are welcome. Meet in the Bluffton Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main Street for stories and fun.

Homeschoolers Learning Libratory meets again on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join us for a fun time of experiments, exploration and creative fun.Registration required.

Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will visit the library with its free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, Oct. 25, 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.

Watercolor Workshop returns to Monday evenings on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. 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 required.