November is a busy month at the Bluffton Public Library. Here's the schedule:

The holiday gift silent auction begins Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. through Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

"This is a wonderful way to get your holiday shopping done all while benefiting your library and its community. All packages will include a minimum bid and feature a special “Buy Now” price if you’re ready to take it home at that time," said Jessica Hermiller, library director.

Only cash or check is accepted, and anonymous bidding is an option. Gifts for bid will be on display around the library.

What’s on Your Ballot?: Saturday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. the League of Women Voters of the Lima Area present updated information for the Nov. 6 election, followed by a Q&A.

Registration is suggested (register on library'swebsite, front desk, or call 419-358-5016). Email [email protected] with questions.

November Family Storytime sessions begins with a "Symphony Storytime" program on Monday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m.

At this interactive event, enjoy children’s books accompanied by classical masterworks performed by a string quartet comprised of Lima Symphony Orchestra musicians.

Participants will learn about the instruments used and explore basic musical ideas and concepts. This program is free and open to the public, as made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. No registration is required for any library Family Storytime sessions.

To read more about the  "Symphony Storytime" family program, and to watch a video showing how it has been implemented locally, visit https://www.limasymphony.com/symphony-storytime.

Three additional Family Storytime events take place in November:
• Book Night on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Celebrate your favorite picture book characters. Children are welcome to come in fancy dress.
• Nature Night with Jessie Elsass, naturalist with the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. The program is at Motter Metro Park with a storytime and nature night hike. Wrap up warm in bright clothing, wear sensible footwear, and bring a flashlight. Please note the earlier start time for this storytime.
• Vegetable Party on Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Vegetables are awesome, join us for a night of vegetable games, crafts and snacks.

All ages are welcome, and no registration is required for all Family Storytime events.

Fall Craft Festivities Nov. 14-17 include craft stations set up around the library and displays will feature materials for keeping your family creating throughout the colder seasons.

A free Family Movie Showing of "Free Birds" is on Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. Meet on the library’s lower level for the showing and free popcorn. No registration required.

The first-ever Writing Workshop is Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The seminar features Jeff Gundy, 2016 Ohio Poet of the Year and Professor of English and Creative Writing at Bluffton University. Registration is required (register on  website, at  front desk, or call 419-358-5016), and this program is for adults and teens.

NaNoWriMo participants are welcome to the workshop as well as writers of short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, and novels. The program consisst of a writing exercise session as well as time for Q&A and discussion with Professor Gundy. Bring a notebook and pen or your laptop -- outlets are available, though limited. Light refreshments will be served.

Playgroup sessions continue at 10 a.m. on Fridays. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys.

Dulcimers @ the Library meet Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the lower level meeting room.

Chill Zone  continues Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Anyone in 6th through 12th grade is welcome. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events and crafting. Snacks are provided. There is no Chill Zone on Nov. 20.

Adult Book Discussion group meets Nov. 7 at noon to discuss "The Paris Wife," by Paula McLain. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is requested. Copies of each month’s book are available the month prior to each discussion, and you may register when you check out.

December’s discussion book is "Girl Waits with Gun," by Amy Stewart (the author will visit via Skype) and takes place on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. (not noon as usual). Email [email protected] for more information.

Babies Love Books is 10 a.m. Nov. 8. Join for a time of fun, stories, and song for babies and toddlers (birth-3 years). Activities promote language and motor development. No prior registration is necessary, but all children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program.

Jammin’ at the Library is 6 p.m. on Nov. 12 and 26. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring acoustic instruments, voice, or just ears.

Homeschoolers Learning Libratory is Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Homeschoolers ages 4-11 (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult) will participate in a STEAM program once a month into December, with “Dotty Dots” as the session for November. Registration is required for each session. Email [email protected] for more information.

Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group meets Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Local History Room on the library’s main level.

The library will close early at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and remained closed Nov. 22-24. Patrons may utilize the Ohio Digital Library on the library's website or through the Libby or Overdrive apps 24 hours, 7 days a week, even when the library is closed.  

The library will feature a STEAM related children’s display from our community in the children’s area display case. The library will also have book displays of cookbooks, holiday movies, and audiobooks great for family travel just in time for the holidays.