The Bluffton Public Library will be closed Monday, September 5, 2022 in observance of Labor Day

Check out September news from Bluffton Public Library, 154 S. Main St., (419) 358-5016.

September is National Library Card Sign-up Month
If you don’t already have a library card with us, this is the perfect time to get one! Having a library card empowers you to learn more about the world around you with access to books, databases, and many other resources! Enjoy some of the wonderful benefits of your local library by signing up for a card during September at the library. If you are unable to physically visit the library and are interested in a digital resource-only library card, please contact the library at: [email protected]. 

Share a photo of yourself with your library card on our social media (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) and tag us for a chance to win a prize!

Beanstack challenges
The library has two Beanstack reading challenges for the month - the Banned Books Challenge begins September 1 and Hispanic Heritage Month Challenge begins September 15. Whatever your reading interest, there’s a challenge for you!  We challenge our patrons to read during the month and keep track of their reading on our Beanstack site at http://blufftonpubliclibrary.beanstack.org. Happy reading, Bluffton!

Noon Book Group ● September 7
Noon Book Group meets virtually online with author Amy Belding Brown on Wed., Sept. 7 to discuss Emily's House. The group will meet in person on Wed., Oct. 5 to discuss The Last Flight by Julie Clark. To register for this and upcoming discussions, to receive the book(s) for upcoming discussion(s), and for the most up to date information, please call or stop by the library front desk.

Banned Books Week ● September 18-24
Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us - Celebrate your right to read during Banned Books Week, September 18-24, by learning more about intellectual freedom for all.

National Voter Registration Day ● September 20
Celebrated every September, NVRD is the nation’s biggest nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy, and is devoted to getting every eligible American registered and #VoteReady.  All public libraries in the State of Ohio are designated as institutions that may accept voter registrations and return them to the local Boards of Elections. You may also use this opportunity to fill out your request for an absentee ballot or update your information. For more information go to https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/

NEW! Galley Book Group ● September 21
A new group that will meet in person on Wed., Sept. 21 at 12:00 to discuss the advance reader (galley) version of Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash, slated to be published in March 2023. This is a new discussion group, and will be held as new galleys become available. The group will receive the book in advance, read it, meet to discuss, and then a feedback survey will be filled out and sent to the publisher. Limited copies of the book are available.

To register, and to be put on the email list for future books/meetings, please call or stop by the library.

Hobbit Day ● September 22
Join the library in celebration of Hobbit Day on September 22. Check out our display of Tolkein inspired materials and try a Hobbit craft, or two - all day at the library.

Pre-K Storytime
Come and join Pre-K Storytime! Register for Monday evenings @ 6:00 p.m. OR Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Storytime is for Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 year olds) who will get to talk, sing, read, write, and play with fellow Storytime Friends. This is a great way to engage your little one in social cues and how to make friends while listening to stories. Pre-K Storytime begins the week of September 12 and runs through November 16.

Baby Storytime
Come and join Baby Storytime! Register for Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Storytime is for babies and toddlers ages birth to under 3 years old. They will get to talk, sing, read, write, and play with fellow Storytime Friends. This is a great way to spend bonding time with your little one. Baby Storytime sessions begin Wed., September 14.

Jammin' @ the Library ● 5:30 p.m. on 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month
This is a relaxed, song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears!

Watercolor Workshop: Busy Bees ● Thursday, Sept. 15,  5:30-7:15 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).

Advance registration is required as space is limited. Open to adults and teens/children (with a participating adult).

Social Security and Medicaid ● Tuesday, September 27, 5:15 p.m.
Find out what you need to know about Social Security and Medicaid. This informative session presented by Samantha R. Bluhm, a Registered Representative from Western & Southern Life, will be held in Bluffton Public Library’s lower level on Tuesday, September 27 at 5:15 p.m. with an overview on what you need to know about Social Security and will be followed by an overview about Medicaid. There will be time for questions afterward.

Please call or stop by the library to register by September 24.

Mobile Health Clinic ● Friday, Sept. 30 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - NEW TIME
All services are provided by individuals with the Ohio Northern University Healthwise program. This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening) and osteoporosis. Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. Please notice: Covid-19 vaccinations are not available at these clinics.