It's a full month of programming at the Bluffton Public Library in January. Here's a overview of events. For more information or to register for any program, email [email protected].

The library introduces its first Winter Book Games reading program for children, teens and adults.

Pick up a Winter Book Games Bingo card or download and print it from our website, and then read five or more books during the months of January through March to receive a Bingo and a completion prize.

At this time, you may also enter a drawing to win a larger prize. Then on Jan. 17, attend our Winter Read Meetup (registrants do not need to be involved with the winter reading program, but it is encouraged), in which registrants will have a hot cuppa and some goodies and talk books.What are you reading this winter? What have you loved? What have you not liked at all? Please register, and feel free to bring a friend.

Winter Storytime registration begins Jan. 2. 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. Sessions begin Jan. 8 and 9 (Monday at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesday at 10 a.m.) with no Storytime on Jan. 15 due to the closing.

Hot Tea Tuesdays are back. Each Tuesday in January and February between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the library will have hot water, a selection of teas, and a variety of goodies to nibble on as you peruse our collection.

The Scifi/Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet on Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. Registration is required.

Chill Zone continues on Tuesdays, Jan. 9 (Taco Tuesday), Jan. 16 ('80s Aerobics), Jan. 23 (Movie and Popcorn) and Jan. 30 (Kawaii Doodle Class) 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 Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Jan. 3 at noon to discuss "Our Souls at Night," by Kent Haruf. This monthly discussion group is always looking for new members, but registration is requested.

Need more time to read? The group discusses" The Year of No Clutter," by Eve O. Schaub on Feb. 7. Interested in an evening book club? Take our survey on our website to show interest, share your preferences, and help us customize it to our community's needs.

World Braille Day is on Jan. 4. Check out our display of Braille materials in the children’s section.

Brain Builders S.T.E.A.M. Club begins on Jan. 4 and 18 at 4 p.m. Children 6-12 will experiment, construct, and explore themes of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) utilizing Legos, K’Nex, Strawbees, ELENCO Snap Circuits, code.org, and more.

Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult who will remain in the building during the program. Registration is required.

Playgroup continues at 10 a.m. on Fridays, Jan. 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Jammin’ at the Library continues at 6 p.m. on Jan. 8 and 22. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears. On Jan. 18 at 6 p.m., join us for a Jammin’ Instructional. Learn various methods in jammin’-style music. Topics are determined each month by the group.

Get a walk-through of the new library eBook app, Libby, at Meet Libby on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 4 p.m. Love a book, genre, or subject and looking for read-alikes or other interesting books?

Come to the library for a quick tutorial on how to use this fun database at Meet Novelist on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 4 p.m.

Babies Love Books meets on Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. Join us for a time of stories, movement, and song for babies and toddlers (birth-3 years). Activities promote language and motor development.  

Watercolor Workshop returns on Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m. Jeanne Beutler teaches on the lower level of the library. January’s watercolor is titled “Baby Raccoon.”  Advance registration is required. 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).

Join us for a Mosaic Art Lesson for Adults with Janette Reineke on Thursday,
​ Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. This lesson is from her book, "Fear No Art," using paper (no​ ​cement), and the supply fee is $8 at the door. Register before Jan. 21.

The library will host a Mobile Health Clinic Friday, Feb. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. This clinic is led by the Ohio Northern University’s Healthwise staff. This program employs health care providers to provide the local community with knowledge and resources to address health related concerns and to improve your health.

It includes free screenings for: blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipids (fast for 12 hours for the lipids screening). All ages are welcome, and referrals to area doctors will be made available. No registration is necessary.

The library announces a display from othe community: “Vintage Vinyl - a Collection of Classics from the ‘60s and ‘70s”. Visit our community display case near the front desk to view this exhibit. Interesting in doing your own community display at the library? Email [email protected] or call us to be assigned a month in 2018.

Notice: The library will close on Monday, Jan. 15, and reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 9:30 a.m. in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Due dates are adjusted accordingly.