Here's the Bluffton Public Library's November calendar of event.

The library’s annual Holiday Gift Silent Auction starts Friday, Nov. 1, at 9:30 a.m. and continues through Monday, Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m. This is a wonderful way to get your holiday shopping done all while benefiting your library and its community.

All packages will include a minimum bid and feature a special “Buy Now” price if you’re ready to take it home at that time. Only cash or check is accepted, and anonymous bidding is an option. Gifts for bid will be on display around the library so stop by to see what the library has this year. The library wishes to thank the numerous organizations and individual donors who provided items for this fundraiser.

The library is hosting an Author Skype Visit from Marcy Campbell on Friday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Campbell is the author of the children’s title "Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have A Horse." Registration is required in advance.

Family Storytime meets on Mondays, Nov. 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 6:30 p.m. Each week will have a central theme - food and celebrations (Nov. 4th); Spanish storytime with special guests from the Bluffton University (Nov. 11); stories for Native American Heritage month (Nov. 18), and a celebration of art and culture (Nov. 25). This series is open to all ages and no registration is required.

Master Gardener Volunteer Dr. Richard Deerhake is leading a program about Bulb Forcing on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m as the monthly meeting for the Gardeners of Bluffton-Pandora Area. Additional MGV's Jeri Wenger, Debra Evans, and Tim Brugeman will help participants plant bulbs. The fee is $12 and is payable to the Gardeners of the Bluffton-Pandora Area. The fee covers bulbs (10-12), special bulb potting soil and handouts.

Bulb choices are either hyacinth, tulips, or daffodils. Participants must bring their own planter pot (12"x 4" with drainage hole and water tray) or may purchase one from the Gardeners for $3/set. Registration is at the library and ends on October 30.

Backyard Birding with Naturalist Dan Hodges is on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. Winter is a great time to do some bird watching in your own backyard. Learn about our feathered friends and how to attract them to your yard. This event is open to adults and families - please register by Nov. 6.

Medicare 101 with the Allen County Council On Aging (ACCOA) is on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m on the library’s lower level. Admission is free and registration is requested. Representatives will share helpful information for those preparing to sign up for Medicare this year (For 2020 coverage, Open Enrollment is Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, 2019.) Time for questions is to follow.

The library is hosting a free concert on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. The concert is called “Ballads and Story Songs of America and Before,” and is given by local folk group, Sliver Threads Among the Gold. The concert will be on the main floor.

he band will share stories of explorers, cross-dressers, soldiers, piccolo players, truck drivers, cowboys, and coal miners set to an underlying accompaniment of haunting fiddle tunes. This concert is about the birth of American folk music - and America itself. Registration is suggested.

Ages 4th grade through adult are invited for a lesson in Japanese Calligraphy on Friday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Coordinator for Bowling Green State University (through the Japanese Outreach Initiative) will lead this workshop and provide all of the materials. This lesson is on the lower level of the library. Register by Nov. 12.

Native American History Night presented by Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan District is on the main floor of the library on Monday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. Travel back in time to explore Native American culture in Ohio. Join Beth Theisen, naturalist with the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, and Tom Sciranka, local historian, to see examples of traditional clothing, tools, and hunting materials and to learn about the importance of local wildlife to the survival of the Woodland Indian culture.

Robert Kemp, PhD,  presents “Healthcare Economics: Evidence on the Public Finance of Healthcare in the 21st Century” on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Kemp will lead a discussion focusing on questions about healthcare and its funding in the U.S. and other developed countries. This program is open to all and advance registration is requested.

The library will provide a free Family Movie in the Stacks on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 3:30 p.m. Meet on the library’s main floor to vote on the film, then stay for the showing and free popcorn. No registration is required.

Please notice: Bluffton Public Library will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and remain closed Nov. 28-30. Regular hours resume on Monday, Dec. 2.

The following regular library programs will continue in the month of November:

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

Chill Zone meets on Tuesdays in November. 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 Book Discussion group meets on Wednesday, Nov. 6, to discuss "The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto" by Mitch Albom. 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 Dec. 4 to discuss Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford. 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.

Jammin’ @ the Library will take place on Mondays, Nov. 11, and 25 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.

Babies Love Books Storytime is on Thursday, Nov. 14, 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.

Homeschoolers Learning Libratory meets again on Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join us for a fun time of experiments, exploration and creative fun. Registration required.

Watercolor Workshop is on Monday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. 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.