Bluffton Public Library’s Summer Program, “Imagine Your Story,”  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).

To be included in the end-of-summer-program prize drawings, be sure to drop your virtual Beanstack tickets into your preferred prize boxes by Aug. 15.

Paper forms must be marked with preferred prize choice(s) and dropped off in the book drop by Aug. 15.  

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.

Interlibrary loan has also begun again, so patrons may place holds on materials from other libraries in the SEO Library consortium.

For more information, or to place holds on library materials, visit blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup or call the library during curbside open hours, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Events and Programs
New at the Library: On Mondays, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. and 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 (or check out the replay) on the library’s YouTube channel.

Are you or someone you know struggling with utility bills? Would you or someone you know benefit from utilities assistance? Bluffton Public Library invites you to "Staying Connected to Utilities During COVID & Beyond," a digital program with Amy Carles, Senior Outreach & Education Specialist of the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel.

This program will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This program will discuss:
• financial assistance programs,
• disconnection and reconnection rights,
• and extended payment arrangements.

Hear updates about residential utilities during the current health crisis and what your consumer rights and responsibilities are now and when the state of emergency ends. To register for this program and to receive the Zoom link and instructions, email [email protected].

The monthly Noon Book Group will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 12 p.m. to discuss what everyone is reading this summer.

The September, October and November meetings will each feature a Q&A session with the author of that month’s book selection.  

Featured authors/books are: 
• William Kent Krueger (This Tender Land),
• Robert Dugoni (The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell),
• and Karen Abbott (The Ghosts of Eden Park). 

Register in advance and request a Book Group Book Bundle for future meetings by emailing [email protected].

Ask a Librarian continues throughout the month of August: 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 Instagram,
• on Thursdays from 12-2 p.m. on Twitter,
• and on Fridays from 12-2 p.m. on Facebook.
Patrons may also ask research questions or for book recommendations.

Paws 2 Read Virtual Storytime with Pet Partners: Readers of all ages are invited to enjoy a story with Ms. Lauren and Sophie and Julie from Pet Partners. The video will be posted on the library’s Facebook page and website on Thursday, Aug. 6.

You can continue the storytime theme at home by borrowing one of our storytime book bundles, including one about dogs who inspire us.

Quarry Farm Fridays ends on Aug. 7 with a finale live stream featuring Donkeys at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live. 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.

The Quarry Farm is a Nature Preserve & Conservation Farm in Pandora, and it has provided the library with live streams with animals for most Fridays this summer.

The library has put together book bundles featuring the many animals the Quarry Farm has shared with us, and there are still plenty available for pickup at the library!

Library Displays from Your Device: Do you miss visiting the library to browse the stacks and the displays? Library staff have bundles of books ready for pickup and online lists to browse in the same way you'd look at a display inside the library.

Join Ms. Lauren on Monday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. She will share her screen live via Zoom as she navigates the library's website. Email [email protected] for the Zoom link, or tune in afterwards on the library's website and social media for the replay. Those who tune in live are welcome to ask questions about the website or choosing materials for their next pickup.

Looking for some new resources online, especially heading back to school?  Sign up to learn more about Online Resources for Teens.   On Tueday, Aug. 11, at 12 p.m., join Ms. Jessica live via Zoom for a walk-through of all the library has to offer.  Please email [email protected] to register and request the Zoom link.  

Sign up for the library’s first ever Virtual Game Night. Play a friendly game of “CodeNames” on Monday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. This program is open to families with older children, teens, and adults. To register, please email [email protected]. 

Origami Live For All Ages with Mai Hirashita: Our friend Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead us in another live teaching session of origami - and this one is for children, tweens and teens, and adults.

Tune in to the live stream on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.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.

Escape Room Week: It’s the last “great escape” before school starts. Check out the Digital Escape Rooms shared by the library each day between Aug. 23 and Aug. 29 on the library’s website and Facebook pages. 

The Mobile Health Clinic returns: Bluffton Public Library will host a free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, Aug. 2,8 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All services are provided by  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.