Bluffton Public Library's Winter Book Challenge returns!

The library announced the Winter Reading Program for children, teens, and adults starts once again in January. It is one of many programs in January. The entire month's schedule follows:

Pick up a Winter Reading Bookmark at the library, or download and print it from the library's website. Then complete five or more challenges during the months of January through March to receive a prize. At this time, you may also enter a drawing to win a larger prize.

The Hidden Costs of Low Literacy in our Communities is on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. More than 30 million U.S. adults cannot read, write, or do math above a third grade level (Source: ProLiteracy).

Attend a presentation by Ken Blanchard, Director of the Lima Literacy Council and Laura Ball, GED/ASPIRE Coordinator with Lima City Schools. Learn how the different types of low literacy in adults affect individuals in our community and our community as a whole, and hear what services the Lima Literacy Council offers in our area. 

Meet at the lower level of the library for the presentation, and stay afterward to ask questions and/or get connected with local resources. Registration is suggested. Visit the website, call 419-358-5016, or visit the front desk to register.

Adults and teens are invited to a Hanger Snowflake Workshop held Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. Make your own decorative snowflake out of clothes hangers. Supplies are limited. Donations will be taken at the door to help cover the cost of supplies. Registration is required.

Interested in eBooks and how to borrow them free from the library? Want to learn more about our databases and apps? eBooks & More! is on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 3:30 p.m. Receive a walk-through of the library’s newest eBook app, Libby, hear information about the Ohio Digital Library, and learn about eContent available through the library’s databases. Registration is required. 

Hot Tea Tuesdays are back. Have a cup of tea on us on Tuesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, and 28 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Closing Notice: The library is closed on Jan. 1 and 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Due dates are adjusted accordingly.

The library's Community Display Case will feature "Le Chat Noir," an art installation from Lynda Ann Hollingsworth that brings awareness to stray and abandoned cats in the Bluffton area for the local “From Feral to Fabulous” stray cat group.

Check out displays in the children’s area to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan. 31 and National LEGO Day on Jan. 28. In addition, patrons are invited to get creative with LEGOs in thechildren’s area on Jan. 28.

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

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.

Winter Storytime begins on Monday, Jan. 6, and Tuesday, Jan. 7. Storytime is for preschool children ages 3-5 and is on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Registration is required and is open now.

Join for a time of stories, games, crafts, and fun while developing early literacy skills. Specify if your child has any food allergies when registering, as snacks are often provided. There will be no Storytime on Monday, Jan. 20, due to the closing. 

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays 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.

Tutor Me Paperless sessions are available on Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Tutor Me Paperless is an ongoing tech tutoring service during select months at the 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.   

The Adult Noon Book Discussion group meets Wednesday, Jan. 8 to discuss The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. 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, Feb. 5, to discuss Unmarriageable by Soniah Kamal and meet with the author via Zoom. Email [email protected] for more information.

Babies Love Books Storytime is Thursday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. Activities promote early literacy, language, and motor development. Registration is now requested, and 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 Mondays, Jan. 13 and 27 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.

Dulcimers @ the Library starts Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. Patrons are welcome to listen as our local dulcimer group practices for performances.

Homeschoolers Learning Libratory meets Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join for a fun time of experiments, exploration and creative fun. Registration is required for each session.

Watercolor Workshop is Monday, Jan. 27 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. Registration opens Jan. 2. 

Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will visit the library for another free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, Jan. 31 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. No registration is necessary.