Bluffton Public Library announces December 2019 events and services.

Santa's fire truck returns for the holiday season on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. No registration is necessary, bring the whole family to listen to a holiday-themed storytime led by the Bluffton Fire Department and get pictures with our special guest afterwards.

Visit the library on Fridays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 for winter crafts. Come in anytime during open hours and take advantage of our winter themed craft-making stations.

December Storytimes
No registration required; for toddlers and preschoolers aged 1-5 years: 

Holiday storytime is on Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m., OR Tuesday, Dec. 10,at 10 a.m. Hear holiday themed stories and make a holiday craft. Pet Partners, a leading national therapy animal organization, will join us for this event on Dec. 9, and kids (and kids at heart) may take turns reading to and hanging out with registered therapy dogs. 

Snow fun storytime is  Monday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m OR Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. Hear stories about fun in the snow and make your own snowman bag.

You're invited to the annual dulcimers holiday concert on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the season with an evening of dulcimer holiday music, provided courtesy of Rainbow Dulcimers.

Movie in the stacks: Meet on the main floor for a holiday-themed movie showing (participants will vote on which one). All are welcome and no registration is required. Popcorn is provided.

Build a gingerbread puppy: On Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10-11 a.m., children grades PreK-5th (and a caregiver) are invited to a holiday workshop. Each child will receive a furry friend to stuff, wish star, birth certificate, and take-home bag. Space is limited, so registration is required, and there is a fee of $10 per child due at time of registration.

On Dec. 30 at 3:30 p.m., all ages are invited to collaborate on a community dream board. Let's discuss what we want for the year 2020 and create a Dream Board of all of the possibilities. Registration is required.

Closing notice: The library is closed on Dec. 24, 25, and 26 and will close at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Due dates are adjusted accordingly. 

The library's community display case will feature "History of the Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio," a display from MHCO.

Food for fines: Starting Dec. 2 through Dec.31, bring a non perishable, undamaged, or not expired food item (or an item from the food pantry's wishlist) to Library and we'll take $1 off your fine. All donations go to the Bluffton Area Food Pantry.

The following regular library programs will continue in the month of December 

Dulcimers @ the Library meets on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. to prepare for their  holiday performance at the library on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m.

The adult noon book discussion group meets Wednesday, Dec. 4, to discuss Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford. 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 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, to discuss Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. Email [email protected] for more information.

Playgroup is every Friday at 10 a.m. Make a play-date and the library will provide the space and toys. No registration is necessary, but all children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will remain with them throughout the hour.

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

Chill Zone continues Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out at the library. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided. No registration is necessary.

Babies love books storytime is Thursday, Dec. 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.

Watercolor workshop is Monday, Dec. 16, 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). Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Please note: Since December's watercolor workshop is scheduled earlier in the month, registration will open on Nov. 25.

Homeschoolers learning libratory meets Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join us for a fun time of experiments, exploration and creative fun. Registration required.