Here's the Bluffton Public LIbrary Janaury calendar:

Winter Book Challenge: The library is happy to announce the Winter Reading Program for children, teens, and adults! Pick up a Winter Reading Bookmark at the library, or download and print it from our website. Then complete five or more challenges during the months of January through March to receive a prize. At this time, you may also enter a drawing to win a larger prize!

Join us on Friday, Jan. 11 for a Human Trafficking Awareness Class. In this class, you will learn what Human Trafficking is, how it begins, signs to be aware of, and hear anonymous examples and stories of survivors Crime Victim Services has helped in our community. Registration is required for this free educational class featuring Brittany Reyes, Human Trafficking Survivor Advocate from Crime Victim Services of Lima.  Jan. 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day- so
wear blue! Crime Victim Services will also provide a display of resources at the library during January.

Learn ways to benefit your body and mind through your nutrition habits, and how to eat well to age well! Attend an informational presentation, “Nutrition for the Body & Mind”, with Rachel Niermann, RDN, LD, Outpatient Oncology & Community Wellness Dietitian. This program for adults is on Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. and following the presentation there will be time for questions and conversation. Stay tuned for more personalized health information sessions, as this is a part of a Health Education Series presented by Blanchard Valley Health System's Speakers' Bureau, and hosted by Bluffton Public Library. Register at the library, on our website, or by calling 419-358-5016.

Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will visit the library for another free Mobile Health Clinic on Wed., Jan. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This clinic offers free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours prior to your arrival to participate in the cholesterol or blood sugar screening). Participants may speak with Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. The ONU Healthwise program employs health care providers to reach the local community with knowledge and resources to address health related concerns and to improve your health.

Check out our displays in the children’s area to celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan. 25 and National LEGO Day on Jan. 28. In addition to our displays, patrons are invited to get creative with LEGOs in our children’s area on Jan. 28.

Janette Reineke Art Workshop: Fall Leaf Painting in Winter will take place on Jan. 31. In this class, Janette will teach methods of blending colors to recreate the natural beauty of fall leaves. Participants will use acrylic paint, and leaves will be provided for inspiration. For ages 18+. $10 cash supply fee payable on day of program. Register by Jan. 28.

Ongoing Playgroup sessions continue at 10 a.m. every Friday in January. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys!

Storytime for preschool children ages 3-5 returns on  Mondays, Jan. 7, 14, and 28 at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 10 a.m. Join us for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Registration is required. Please specify if your child has any food allergies when registering, as snacks are often provided. For more information, email [email protected]

Hot Tea Tuesdays are back! Have a cup of tea on us on Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Dulcimers @ the Library continues on Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 1 p.m in our lower level meeting room.

Chill Zone returns on Tuesdays, Jan. 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 3:30 to 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 to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.

Tutor Me Paperless begins again this month on Wednesdays, Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30. This program consists of one-on-one basic technology tutoring sessions covering subjects such as: accessing eBooks through the Ohio Digital Library, setting up an email, the basics of Microsoft Office products, or even how to navigate a computer, smartphone, or tablet for the first time. Sessions are by appointment only on Wednesdays of select months. Email [email protected] or call us at 419-358-5016 for more information.

The library’s Adult Book Discussion group will meet on Jan. 9 at 12 p.m. to discuss Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is requested. Copies of each month’s book are available for checkout the month prior to each discussion, and you may register when you check out. Email [email protected] for more information.

Babies Love Books Storytime is on Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. this month. Activities promote early literacy, 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 with them.

Brain Builders STEAM Club will meet on Jan. 10 and 24 starting at 4 p.m. Join us for a fun time of experiments, construction and exploration. Register at the front desk, via phone or email. This program is for children aged 6-12. Please note children under 8 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult who will remain in the building during the program.

Jammin’ at the Library meets on Jan. 14 and 28 at 6 p.m. This is a song-circle style jam session to which anyone is welcome to join. Bring your acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears! For more information, email [email protected].

Calling all homeschoolers! This month’s Homeschoolers Learning Libratory is on Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. Homeschooled children ages 4-11 (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult) will participate in a STEAM program. Registration is required for each session. Email [email protected] for more information.

Library “Shelfie” Day is on Jan. 23. Come in and snap a “shelfie” and post your picture to social media using #libraryshelfie.

The Gluten Free/Food Allergy Group will continue to meet on Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. This group utilizes the library’s Local History room on the fourth Monday of every month and each meeting is open to anyone looking for support from others with food intolerances and allergies.

The library is closed on Jan. 1 and 22. Have safe and happy holidays! Don’t forget about the Ohio Digital Library on our website (or through the Libby or Overdrive apps), available 24 hours, 7 days a week, even when the library is closed!

The Community Display Case will feature a collection from our community: “Vintage Vinyl - A Collection of 60’s & 70’s Classics.” The library will also showcase an informational display on Human Trafficking Awareness from Crime Victim Services, the organization providing our Jan. 11th program.

The Scifi/Fantasy Writing Group will not meet in January. Anyone interested in writing in the genre that would like to join the group and receive up to date information on future meetings via email may contact [email protected] for more details.