Note: The library is accepting donations for the 2017 annual holiday gift silent auction library fundraiser, which starts Nov. 1. For more information contact [email protected] or call 419-358-5106.

Lots of events are on October's Bluffton Public Library calendar and here's a overview:

Fall Storytime “Celebrating Books” continues on Mondays or Tuesdays in October. There are limited spots available, and registration may be full. Parents or caregivers can register children via email, phone, or in person. Storytime is for preschool children ages 3-5 on either Monday nights or Tuesday mornings. Children may join Storytime at the start of the month in which they will have their third birthday.

We welcome teens (ages 13+) to volunteer after-school, on Saturdays, and during vacation. Join us on Oct. 2 and 16 at 3:30 p.m. to plan upcoming events and give input on how our teen space should be used. Complete a Teen Volunteer application beforehand.

Dulcimers @ the Library continues Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Jammin’ at the Library also continues at 6 p.m. on Oct. 9 and 23. 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 Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. Learn various methods in jammin’-style music. Topics are determined each month by the group.

Chill Zone continues Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m on Oct. 3, 10, 17 and 31. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Awesomeness happens every Tuesday after school, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Anyone in 6th through 12th grade is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided. In honor of Teen Read Week (Oct. 9-14), Chill Zone will be a Percy Jackson theme on Oct. 10.

Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area winter bark tree identification is Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker is a naturalist from Johnny Appleseed Park District. This program is free and open to the public.

The Noon Adult Book Discussion group meets on Wednesday, Oct. 4, to discuss The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, but registration is requested. Need more time to read? The following discussion will be on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

The Sci-fi/Fantasy Writer’s Group meets Thursday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. Registration is required. If you are working on writing in this genre, or are seriously interested in doing so, you are invited to join.

Playgroup program continues at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27. Make a play date and the library will provide the space and toys. No playgroup on Oct. 6.

Join BPL for a tour of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library on Saturday, Oct 7, at 2:30 p.m. Please meet us there as transportation is not provided (maps are available at the front desk). The library tour and presentation are no cost, but additional tours of the museum or Hayes residence are available for a fee. For pricing and schedule information for museum/residence tours, visit: rbhayes.org/visit-us/visitor-information. Those interested in genealogy, local history, and the Gilded Age period in which President Hayes lived should consider this library tour of over 80,000 books. Please register for this program in advance.

On Tuesday, Oct 10, at 6:30 pm, the American Cancer Society will discuss its mission, explain how you can get involved, offer resources and register anyone interested in the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Register for the library’s Tuesday program at the front desk, by calling 419-358-5016, or by emailing [email protected].

Tutor Me Paperless continues in October on Wednesdays, Oct. 11, 18, and 25, by appointment only. Receive help with borrowing eBooks and more on Ohio Digital Library; basic navigation of electronic devices like smart phones, laptops, and tablets; setting up your first email address; or guiding your first run-through of Microsoft Office products like Word. Register for a one-hour appointment at the front desk, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 419-358-5016.

Register your family for the “Expand Your World” Family Book Club held monthly. This month’s meeting is Thursday, Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and will center on Asia. Learn about our global citizenship through stories and crafts, and collect book recommendations for further reading. This book club is co-led by Joanna Gratz of Trades of Hope.

Emergency Preparedness 2 continuesits first session about how to prepare yourself and your family for realistically expected emergencies in our area. Some review for first-time attendee, plus additional info on water, heat, and food. A Q&A time will follow. The event is Monday, Oct. 16, at 6 p.m. Please register in advance.

Transition Bluffton will present an Info Session at the library on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 6:30 p.m. focusing on conversation and events to promote resilience and sustainability. Refreshments provided courtesy of Transition Bluffton. Please register by Oct 12.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) “Bring Your Bill” event is on Wedneseday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring your utility bills to BPL anytime during the 5-7 p.m. time slot, and Zachary Hoffman, a representative of PUCO, will answer questions and provide resources on the library’s main floor.

Pumpkin Painting, a children’s art lesson led by Janette Reineke, is Thursday, Oct 19, at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 7-11 will paint styrofoam 3-D pumpkins. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. The cost is $6 at the door (cash only please).

All ages are welcome at the library’s Farmer’s Market Storytime Saturday,  Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. Meet at Farmers' Market in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main.

Watercolor Workshop returns on Monday, Oct. 23, at 5:30 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library. Advance registration is required and opens Oct. 2. Number of registrants is limited. Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat. This month’s piece is titled “Autumn Aspen.” There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please).

The Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group meets Monday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History Room on the  main level.

The library's Haunted Library Fun House is back during trick-or-treating hours Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6-7:30 p.m.

The community display of the month features items crafted by seniors during art activities with Janette Reineke at Maple Crest Senior Living Village.

Coming in November: Learn how to Change a Tire on Your Own Vehicle  On Saturday, Nov 4. Leiber Garage partners with the library to offer instruction. By appointment only - space is limited. Call or stop by the library to make your appointment. (Teens must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)
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