Bluffton Public Library continues its Summer Read program into the month of July.  Participants of all ages are encouraged to keep reading and attending library programs that support learning, fun, and local heroism!  BPL has designated themes for each week of this year’s program in order to support and advocate for its community, and in July, the weekly themes are:
● July 6-11: “Superheroes, Sidekicks, and Villains” week
● July 13-18: “Superhero Training” week
● July 20-25: “Unmask Your Talent” week

On July 1st, our monthly Noon Book Discussion group will meet to discuss the book Moloka’i by Alan Brennert.  Members of this group must register to participate, and if you have not registered yet, but would like to now, you can still be a part of the discussion of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods on August 5th!  Registration for all library events can be made at our front desk, by phone (419-358-5016), or on our website.

BPL now offers English as a Second Language classes, provided and facilitated by trained instructors volunteering their time.  These classes meet at the library on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and feature beginning and intermediate English training for all ages.  This opportunity is open to all community members looking to improve their English, and you do not need to attend every session to enroll.  However, don’t forget to register at the front desk beforehand.

Storytime continues into July with Monday sessions on July 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th at 6:30pm, and Tuesday session on July 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th at 10am.  Please note that registration is required for each Storytime season and spaces may be full.

On July 7th, 14th, and 21st (all at noon), the library will bring back a program called Spray Paint Art.  This program features local artist Ed Yagerman, and has been a blast each time BPL has done it in the past.  Registration is required for each of these events, and each participant will need to pick up a list of small supplies that they will need to bring (during each session, participants will create a different type of painting!)  At the first session, participants will walk away with their own superhero-themed art piece; on the second session, participants will gain a space landscape art piece (check out last year’s pictures on our Facebook!); and lastly, on the third session, participants will experiment with etching a more advanced art piece.  Meet on the lower level parking lot, but don’t forget to register beforehand and bring your own supplies.  This is going to be SUPER! 

Dulcimers @ the Library continue to meet on the lower level of the library on Tuesdays-- now starting at 1pm.

On July 8th at 10:30am, the Armstrong Air and Space Museum will be at BPL for Batman— Defying Gravity (a program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders).  Registration is required.    

On July 9th at 1pm, patrons are invited for a Super Hero Nerf Challenge.  This program is aimed for those entering 6th through adult!  Then, on July 17th at 10am, this program will repeat-- this time for grades 3-5!  Registration is required for both events. Participants need to bring their own Nerf gun or pipe and regular Nerf darts.

On July 10th and 24th (both at 10am), BPL presents two more installments of its Super Senses (sensory play) program for ages 1-3.  Registration is required.

Join us on the following dates to become a Master of Disaster, a program facilitated by the West Central Ohio Chapter of the Red Cross. Children and teens in attendance will learn essential preparedness skills, while reducing anxiety about unknown aspects of disasters and tragic events, and gaining confidence to handle life's unexpected turns successfully. Sign up for one of the following dates: July 13th at 10am for grades K-2, July 14th at 10am grades 3-5 and July 15th at 1pm for grades 6-8 with a Zombie Apocalypse theme. Registration is required for each program.

Jammin’ @ the Library continues to meet on July 13th and 27th (both at 6pm).  This is an informal time where area musicians (whether experienced or still experimenting!) can meet and jam together.  If the weather permits, this group will meet outside the front entrance of the library.  Pack your lawn chairs just in case!

On July 13th (also at 6pm), the Millstream Carvers will show off their carving abilities alongside our Jammin’ crew.  Don't miss this opportunity to relax outside, and see these talented folks at work; bring a lawn chair and stay awhile!  This program will be moved inside if the weather prevents an outdoor session.

On July 16th at 6pm, BPL will host Disaster Preparedness 101 featuring the American Red Cross of Toledo Ohio.  This is a program for adults looking to be the hero of their family if disaster occurs, whether it be from flooding, severe storms, power outages, etc.!  Basic Citizen CPR and conscious choking instruction will be provided if time allows.  Registration is required, but this event is free and open to the public.

On July 21st at 2pm, our Youth Services Coordinator will instruct a Pop Art Workshop.  This program is full at this time, but those interested may call or stop in at our front desk to be put on a waiting list.  This waiting list may also be utilized in the future to contact you should we bring this program back at a later date.

On July 22nd at 2pm, the library will host a Pass it On Tea Party, where children in grades 3-7 will learn with an adult they consider their hero.  BPL staff members think it’s precious to pass on skills, and during this program, participants will learn some basic crocheting skills.  Please register for this event, and be sure that every child is accompanied by an adult.

On July 23rd at 6pm, BPL will feature an Author Visit and Book Signing with local author Lloyd Harnishfeger of Pandora, Ohio.  Come learn about the publishing and research processes, and hear about his novels set in local areas.  Free refreshments are provided and books will be available for purchase.  This program is free and open to the public, but we do ask that you register beforehand for space planning purposes.

July 24th is the last day to report reading hours (kids and teens) and finished books (adults) for the Summer Read program.  It is important to report for the last time on this day or beforehand because entries will be put into several drawings for SUPER prizes!

On Saturday, July 25th beginning at 10 am, join us for Paws to Read with Teddy.  Teddy is a certified therapy dog who loves to hear you read to him and to get a good snuggle.

The Gluten and Food Allergy Support Group continues in July.  This month’s meeting is July 27th at 6pm on the lower level of the library.  Come to a meeting to join!

July 30th is BPL’s Summer Read finale for those who complete the Summer Program!  Stay tuned for more information about this big event - we think you’re going to like it. 

Please notice: BPL will close on July 3rd and 4th; due dates are adjusted accordingly.  Have a safe and fun holiday!