The library is closed on July 3 and 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Bluffton Public Library’s​ ​Summer Program, “Imagine Your Story,”​ continues through July and ends Aug. 15.

During this time, the digital Summer Reading Challenge continues on the library’s Beanstack webpage (with paper forms available for those unable to access the digital version), and the library continues to offer events and services online to provide support, education, and entertainment. For more information, visit ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/summerprogram.

The library also continues to offer ​Curbside Pickup ​service, as well as the 24/7 outdoor book drop for returning items.

For more information, or to place holds on library materials, visit www.blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup​ or call the library during curbside open hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Events and programs

The following events and programs are offered online utilizing the program speaker’s online software of choice. Read the description for each to learn how you can attend from your device of choice from home or wherever you are.

●  Fairy Garden Workshop Week (July 6-10):​ Do you love fairy gardens? Tune in on our website and social media for fun ideas, including an interactive scavenger hunt outside the library.

●  Live Stream with Llamas!: ​On Tuesday, July 7, at 6 p.m., patrons of all ages are invited to a video chat event with some of the llamas and staff of Hard Rock Llama Company of Ada. Email [email protected] to register and receive instructions. If you are unable to make it, the video will be posted on the library's website for your enjoyment afterwards, but those who tune in live may type their questions about the llamas on the Facebook Live chat. ​Can't get enough of llamas? We don't blame you! ​Continue reading for information about llama book bundles.

●  Stories of Bluffton with Fred Steiner​: “You’ll never believe what’s on the bottom of the Buckeye (not to mention strange structures along the banks of Riley Creek)” 

​Bluffton Public Library invites you to join us on Thursday, July 9, at 10 a.m. as Fred Steiner takes us on an underwater Bluffton journey starting with a 1920s one-day town excursion to Cedar Point on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad. The trip includes stops at Bluffton’s Cigarette Creek, a floating swimming pool in the Buckeye, an even earlier swimming pool in Riley Creek near Harmon Field, and a visit to some mysterious steps on the bank of the Little Riley.

And, for those who are 40 or younger, you won’t be required to take a test to swim in the quarry. ​What is the quarry test, anyway? F​red will explain that and more during his Zoom conversation.

To register and receive instructions and the Zoom link, email [email protected]. The video will be posted on our social media and website afterwards so you can watch whenever you want, but you can ask your questions live if you attend the Zoom event!

●  BookTalk Tuesday- for teens!:​ Follow the library on ​Instagram​ @blufftonpubliclibrary and join the live stream on ​Tuesday, July 14 and July 28 at 2 p.m. ​Librarians will be on Instagram Live​ to talk about the newest young adult book titles, provide suggested reads, and answer questions about teen programs and materials!

●  New at the Library​: On ​Mondays, July 20 and July 27 at 12 p.m.,​ join library staff as they discuss new materials added to the library, talk about reserving book bundles, and answer your questions! You can watch live on the library’s ​YouTube channel.

●  “Quarry Farm Fridays”​: On most Fridays through the summer, patrons are invited to watch a fun video featuring the Animal of the Week on ​Facebook Live​ at ​10:00 a.m.​ Those who attend live may ask questions via the Facebook chat, but those who are unable to attend may still view the video later in the day when it is posted on both organizations' Facebook pages and websites. See our flyer to see each animal of the week. Once the video goes live, there will be themed ​Animal Book Bundles​ available. Read more about book bundles below.

●  Paws 2 Read Storytime with Pet Partners:​ Readers of all ages are invited to enjoy a story with Mrs. Esther and Max & Helen from Pet Partners! A video of the Paws 2 Read Storytime with Pet Partners will be posted on the library’s Facebook page and website on July 13. You can continue the storytime theme at home by borrowing one of our storytime book bundles, including one about dogs!

●  Origami Live! with Mai Hirashita: ​Our friend Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead us in a live teaching session of origami for all ages! Tune in to the live stream on Thursday, July 16, at 10 a.m. via Zoom. To register and receive instructions, email ​[email protected]​! Complete your Origami craft and ask Mai questions along the way! ​Need supplies? We've got you covered! Schedule a Curbside Pickup of one of our Origami Take & Make Kits. Read more about Take & Make kits below.

●  Stories from the Settlement with Gary Wetherill, Vice President of the Swiss Community Historical Society: ​Tune in to the video on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. Hear interesting stories from the settlement and from the Bluffton area's history. All ages are welcome! To register and receive instructions and the Zoom link, email [email protected]. The video will be posted on our social media and website afterwards so you can watch whenever you want, but you can ask your questions live if you attend the Zoom event!

●  “Make it Your Business: Setting Up a Side Hustle” with the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs: ​On July 30 at 6 p.m., the Bluffton Center for Entrepreneurs will live stream the community, joined by three local business owners who have turned their skills and creations into small businesses. This Zoom meeting will include business operation basics and resources, including name registration, permits and licensing, insurance, and income tax. Learn some side hustle basics from folks who have been there and done that! Email the library at [email protected] for more information or to register. If you are unable to make it, the video will be posted on our website afterwards, but those who tune in live may ask questions and interact with the BCE's panel of entrepreneurs.

●  The Mobile Health Clinic returns:​ Bluffton Public Library will host another free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, July 31, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All services are provided by individuals with the ONU Healthwise program. This clinic includes 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 ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors.

●  Ask A Librarian​: Our ​staff are available to help anyone needing assistance accessing our resources online. Please take advantage of our live​ ​#askalibrarian​ chats on social media: on ​Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m. on our Instagram, on Thursdays from 12-2 p.m. on our Twitter, and on Fridays from 12-2 p.m. on Facebook.​ Patrons may also ask research questions or for book recommendations.

“Take & Make” Kits and Book Bundles

“Take & Make” Kits​ and ​Book Bundles​ continue to be curated and gathered by library staff and made available for patrons while supplies last. Pickup of these kits and bundles may be scheduled using the library’s ​Curbside Pickup​ webpage at ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup​ or by calling the library.

●  “Take & Make” Kits for Grades K-5: ​The library continues ​“Take and Make” ​craft kits available for pickup each week​.​ Children will create a ​Unicorn Kite, a Story Fan, a Magic Wand​, and more! These activities are for children going into grades K-5. See our flyer for each week’s theme. The library will also offer a Take & Make kit to use alongside Mai Hirashita’s Origami live program for the week of July 13-18.

●  Teen “Take & Make” Kits for Grades 6-12​: The library will provide tweens and teens with craft kits available for pickup on the weeks of July 6 and July 20. These activities are for teens going into grades 6-12. See our flyer for each week’s theme.

●  Storytime Book Bundles: ​To make sure you don't miss out on ​Storytime​ fun, library staff have created a number of special themed Storytime book bundles. A full list of themes can be found on our website. Each bundle contains 3 books and a guidance card with songs and fingerplays. Storytime is for children ages 3-5.

●  Paws 2 Read Book Bundles:​ As inspired by our local Pet Partners, the dogs and handlers that bring us ​“Paws 2 Read,” ​the library has put together children’s book bundles about therapy dogs, service dogs, and dogs that inspire us.

●  Quarry Farm Fridays Animal Book Bundles: ​As part of ​Quarry Farm Fridays, ​the library will make themed ​Animal Book Bundles a​ vailable each week after the video goes live! See our flyer to see which animal is featured for each week.

●  Live Stream with Llamas Book Bundles:​ The library will offer llama-themed Children's Book Bundles during the week of the Live Stream with Llamas event. Visit blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup or call 419-358-5016 to schedule a pickup. Pickup for these llama-loving book bundles will run from July 7-11, by appointment only.

●  Display Book Bundles? ​Do you miss browsing displays?​ Good news! We’ve created some display book bundles, based on what would have been displayed during this month. You can either request a pre-made bundle or “build your own” from one of our reading lists! Email ​[email protected]​ for more information.

●  Thoughtful Conversations Series​  - This ongoing series will focus on parts of the library’s collection to help support your conversations at home and with others. Topics include Racism, ​Pride Month, and Mental Health, with more topics to come.​ For a book list, please visit: ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/thoughtful-conversations-series​. Pre-made book bundles may be requested for pickup. ​A community that supports and respects each other creates citizens who inspire and support each other.