It's a busy month at the Bluffton Public Library in December. Here's the program highlights:

Playgroup program continues at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 22, and 29. Make a play date and the library will provide the space and toys. There is no playgroup on Dec. 15.

Holiday Movies in the Stacks take place on Fridays, Dec. 1, 8, 22, and 29 at 3:30 p.m. Popcorn and drinks are provided and all movies are rated G or PG. Movies will be announced on the library's social media.

Holiday Craft Days take place Mondays, Dec. 4, 11, and 18. Come in anytime during open hours and take advantage of craft-making stations.

The library’s newest group, Let’s Talk Prepping, will meet on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. Interested in learning how to prepare yourself and your family for possible emergency situations? Want some new ideas of how to make it through severe weather this winter? Meet us in the history room! Please call, stop by the library, or email [email protected] to register in advance.

Dulcimers @ the Library meets Tuesdays at 1 p.m. (except for Dec. 26 when the library is closed). Jammin’ at the Library also continues at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join.

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays, Dec. 5 (Holiday Crafts and Tacos), Dec. 12 (Holiday Movie), and Dec. 19 (White Elephant Bingo) at 3:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.

The library's annual Santa’s fire truck returns on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with the Bluffton Fire Department and meet Santa, too. No registration is necessary, so bring the whole family to listen to a holiday themed storytime led by the Bluffton Fire Department, and then make crafts and get pictures with Santa afterwards.

Tutor Me Paperless begins again on Wednesdays in December, by appointment only. Receive help with borrowing eBooks and more on the Ohio Digital Library; basic navigation of electronic devices like smart phones, laptops, and tablets; or setting up your first email address. Register for a one-hour appointment at the front desk, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 419-358-5016.

The Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Dec. 6 at noon to discuss "Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter," by Kate Clifford Larson, and hold a white elephant book exchange. This monthly discussion group is always looking for new members, but registration is requested. Call 419-358-5016 or email [email protected] for more information. Need more time to read? The group discusses "Our Souls at Night," by Kent Haruf on Jan. 3.

The Scifi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will continue on Dec. 7 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 this group! For more information or to register, email [email protected].

Join the library Dec. 12 at 10 a.m for a Lights Storytime full of twinkling stories, songs and crafts and on Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. for Snowflake Storytime with icy stories, songs and crafts.  No registration is necessary and all ages are welcome.

Celebrate National Cocoa Day with a free cup of hot cocoa at the library on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While you are here, browse the shelves of the library and check out our new selection of books, movies, audiobooks, and music.

Register your family for the Expand Your World Family Book Club: “Christmas Around the World” program on Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. This month’s program will focus on the different customs and traditions of the Christmas holiday as it is celebrated around the world. 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.

Watercolor Workshop returns on Dec. 18 at 5:30 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will continue teaching on the lower level of the library. Advance registration is required and opens Dec. 1. 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 on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m.  in the Local History Room on the main level.

A Dulcimer Christmas (presented by Rainbow Dulcimers and Dulcimer Gatherin’) is at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 19. Join us for an evening of festive holiday music. Refreshments provided courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Bluffton Public Library introduces its first Ugly Sweater Party on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Wear your tackiest holiday outfit and you may win a prize. There will be plenty of activities for the whole family including board games, holiday karaoke, ugly crafts, a photo booth, and snacks. Interested in bringing a baked good or board game?

Contact [email protected]. Registration is requested for this event so we may prepare accordingly. Photography of this event is provided by Elysian Fields Photography.

Babies Love Books will meet on Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. Join us for a special snow-themed time of stories, movement, and song for babies and toddlers (birth-3 years). Activities promote language and motor development.

The library is closed for staff development on Friday, Dec. 15, and for the holiday on Dec. 23, 25, and 26. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.

Love video games? Open gaming day on Dec. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. is for all ages, and you can use our devices or bring your own. Games must be rated E and registration is required.

Transition Bluffton will have a display case exhibit in December. Interesting in doing your own community display at the library?

Email [email protected] or call 419-358-5016 to be assigned a month in 2018. More information is on our website.