It's summer program time and Bluffton Public Library’s theme for this year is “Build a Better World!”

Here is summary of June events planned at the library.

Sensory Playtime is on June 16 at 10 a.m. Sensory play incorporates art experiences, discovery play, and gross motor activities to stimulate your child’s m

The library is accepting donations of clean clothing in good condition to be used for the July 13 Clothing Swap Party. This is a ticketed event and proceeds will go to Crime Victim Services of Lima. Bring in your items during library hours from June 5-July 7.

Dulcimers @ the Library meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m.  in the Youth Services program room during the summer.

Join the library the Bluffton Nature Preserve for a nature walk with Bob Antibus Wednesday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. Search for decomposers and find out why they are so important/ All ages are welcome but children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Registration is required.

The library’s Adult Book Discussion group will meet June 7 at noon, to discuss Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. This monthly discussion group is always looking for new members; registration is requested. Call 419-358-5016 or email [email protected] for more information. On July 5, the group will discuss Jacqueline Woodson’s Another Brooklyn.

Babies Love Books will continue on June 8 (“Building Fun”) and June 22 (“Things That Go”) at 10 a.m. Join for a special time of stories, movement, and song for babies and toddlers (birth-3 years. Activities are chosen to promote language and motor development.

Did you like Dork Diaries and Diary of a Wimpy Kid? Come celebrate all things “dork” with us on Teen Dork Day. Stop in on June 8 at 1 p.m. for an “a-dork-able” time.

On June 9 at 2 p.m., join Ayane Hida of the Mazza Museum for Craft, Culture, and Cuisine. During this time you will have the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture, eat traditional foods, and make a cultural craft. Advanced registration is required. Notice the staff of any food allergies at that time.

The annual Friends of the Library 5K is on June 10 this year with registration beginning at 8 a.m. at the library and the race beginning at 9 a.m. Registration is $20 and T-shirts are no longer available for ordering. Come support your library by running or walking this fundraising 5K. All proceeds go to library programs and services.

During the week of June 12-17, the library will have materials available on the main floor for a craft called Kindness Rocks. Participants may come in any time during open hours to pick their own rock from our collection, personalize it with their own design and inspiring message, and then “plant” it somewhere within our community in order for it to encourage others as they go about their life. For more information about this international project, visit thekindnessrocksproject.com.

Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m. on June 12 and 26. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears. This month’s Jammin’ at the Library (Instructional) is on June 22 at 6 p.m. Learn various methods in jammin’-style music. Topics are determined each month by the group.

Some Disney movies  lack that Disney magic. On June 13 from 12-4 p.m., the library will be hosting a “Disney Flops” Movie Marathon for teens. All participants are welcome to bring a sleeping bag and wear their comfiest clothes. A pizza lunch will be provided. Please register in advance so we have enough food.

Community Issues: Recovery from Addiction with Narcotics Anonymous of Central Ohio is planned for June 13 at 6 p.m. Registration is required, but anyone is welcome at this program featuring a panel of speakers from Narcotics Anonymous of Central Ohio.

Hear the NA's simple message of recovery: "An addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live," and discover the services the NA provides. Conversation will follow the panel's presentation, and participants may ask questions about how they may best support either their loved ones and/or the greater community.

The Kids Nerf Challenge takes place June 14 at 1 p.m in the lower level Richland room. Join us for target practice, obstacle building, a super Nerf challenge, and snacks. Advanced registration is required, and the activity is limited to children grades 2-5. Participants must bring their own equipment and darts should be initialed.

Meet Sophie the Pig during the Quarry Farm Visit on June 15 at 6 p.m. on the lower level! During this time you will learn how to make your yard a wildlife habitat as well as create your own walking stick. Registration for this family-friendly program must take place by June 9.

Tower Power STEAM Fun (grades K-5) is on June 16 at 1 p.m. Join Esther Birkey to complete S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) Challenges. What will you build? Registration required.

This year marks the  50th annual Bluffton Festival of Wheels. Join the library for a Wheels Storytime on June 16 at 4 p.m. All ages are welcome.

The Importance of Native Plants with Sara Guiher takes place on June 17 at 10:30 a.m. She will discuss her work with invasive plants as a graduate student of the University of Toledo, and then share the importance of native plants to wildlife and people.

Learn how to have a positive impact in your own backyard. All ages are welcome.  Following the program, there will be a plant "petting zoo." Registration is required.

The Armstrong Air & Space Museum will be at the library June 19 at 1:30 p.m. in the lower level of the library for “Off-World Outpost.” Come learn what it takes to live and use your imagination to create a better world on another planet. This program is open to children K-5, and registration is required.

The library will host Community Issues: Bluffton: A Transition Town? Carry-in Meal and Conversation on June 20 at 6 p.m. Registration required. Bring a dish to share (the library will provide plates, cups, utensils, and beverages) and settle down to dinner and discussion, hosted by Transition Bluffton. Find out what this new Bluffton organization is all about and how you might get involved.

The library will host a “Drive-in Movie” on June 21 at 2 p.m. in the lower level Richland Room. You are invited to create a cardboard box car at home to “park” at the drive-in movie. This family-friendly event requires that all children under the age of 8 are accompanied by an adult. Popcorn will be provided. Prizes are available for the most imaginative box cars.

T-Shirts and Totes (for Teens and Adults) is on June 23 at 1 p.m. Upcycle a t-shirt into a unique tote! Bring your own shirt and we will supply all the extras. Registration is required.

Join us for a morning of music at the Community Hootenanny on June 24 at 10 a.m. outside of the Bluffton Public Library. Bring a lawn chair, an instrument, and your voice. All are welcome to participate or simply enjoy. In case of rain, it will be moved inside.

Join the expert instructors from Ohio Paper Folders for an Origami Workshop. Anyone grades 3 and up as well as adults can come on June 27 at 10 a.m to the lower level Richland Room to learn the basics of Origami. Advanced registration is required.

On June 27 at 6 p.m., come to the lower level of the library for Spices and Herbs Around the World with the Food Store. Jonah Agner, the owner of the Food Store of Bluffton, will be presenting ways to use the vast array of spices and herbs around the world, and there will be samples. Registration is required.

A “Pie and Die” Board Game Event (for Teens) will be on June 28 at 1 p.m. Grades 6-12 are invited to play strategic board games, like ‘Settlers of Catan’ whilst enjoying dessert. Participants are encouraged to bring pie to share and the library will provide the ice-cream.

Create sidewalk chalk art and meet Jennifer Trafton, the author of Henry and the Chalk Dragon, through Skype at “Chalk and Talk.” Join the library on June 29 at 10:30 a.m on the lower level of the library. Advanced registration is required.

Watercolor Workshop is on June 26 at 5:30 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library. Registration is required (and the number of registrants is limited). Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat. There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please).
 
The Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group meets n June 26 at 6:30 p.m. Please notice: this group will meet in the Local History Room on the library’s main level.

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