Check bottom of story for:
• Library use appointments • Curbside pickup service

Bluffton Public Library launches several familiar fall programs in October. Complete details on these programs follow. For additional details email the library at [email protected]

Here's what's happening in October
The library announces the addition of its New Beanstack Challenges​, which will run from October through May​.

10 to Try​ (geared for ages 12-adult) and ​Kids 10 to Tr​y (geared for ages 5-11) are challenges to read a book in each of 10 categories, track reading, and share your favorite discoveries with the library and your fellow readers.

Mindfulness​ (geared for all ages - kids may need assistance) invites you to take a deep breath, notice your surroundings, and acknowledge how you are feeling. Try this challenge and earn 10 new badges as you take some much-needed “me” time.

Log in from your internet browser or download the Beanstack app on your device and try them today.

October Recipe Exchange - Crockpot & Slow Cooker Edition:​ Submit your favorite tried-and-true crockpot/slow cooker recipe(s) by Thursday, Oct. 15. Receive a collection of submitted recipes and a list of book recommendations back by Oct. 31. Submit your name, recipe(s), and preferred method of receiving the Recipe Collection (email/mail/pick up at the library) to [email protected]​, in the bookdrop, or by mail.

Cuppa Good Reads:​ On Thursdays, Oct. 1, 15 and 29 join library staff live on Facebook at 12 p.m. for a cozy bookchat. Bring your own cup of tea/coffee and a few of your favorite reads to share; we’ll be chatting about new books added to the library, suggestions for reading, and more. This program is open to all ages and is perfect for the many book lovers in our community.

The monthly ​Noon Book Group ​will meet via Zoom on ​Wednesday., Oct. 7 at 12 p.m.​ The October and November meetings will each feature a Q&A session with the author of that month’s book selection.

Featured authors/books are: ​Robert Dugoni (​The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell)​, ​and​ Karen Abbott (​The Ghosts of Eden Park)​. ​Register in advance and request a ​Book Group Book Bundle ​for future meetings by emailing ​[email protected]​.

Paws 2 Read Digital Storytime: ​On​ Thursday, Oct. 15,​ Bluffton Public Library will publish a special Storytime featuring our local ​Pet Partners’ ​Sue and Justice​. Readers of all ages are invited to enjoy a dog-themed picture book reading during this third virtual visit with Ms. Lauren and our local Pet Partners. The video will be posted on ​the library’s website, Youtube, and Facebook. ​Haven’t seen the videos with Max and Sam, or Sophie? Visit ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/replay​ to have a library video marathon.

Crafting with the Coordinators: ​Pick up a ​Take & Make Fall Garland Kit​ and sign up to put it together along with library Coordinator(s) via Zoom on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Limited quantities are available, and this program is open to adults and teens. Registration for the livestream opens Tuesday, Oct. 13, and pickup of Take & Make kits opens Oct. 13 as well. Email ​[email protected] ro register and receive the Zoom link.

Origami Live:​ Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead us in another live teaching session of origami on ​Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.​ This program is open to all ages and will take place via the video software, Zoom. To register and receive the Zoom link, email ​[email protected]​. Need origami paper? The library has you covered! Schedule a Curbside Pickup or Library Appointment to pick up an origami paper kit starting Oct.12.

Stories of Bluffton​ with “Fred-in-Stein”: ​On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m., Fred Steiner will share several Bluffton ghost stories that he has collected over the years. Among these include:
●  the man who lost 3 fingers but continued to sense their presence,
●  the mystery beast of 1955 - what was it?
●  the Bluffton school bell mystery,
●  the buried and lost gold coins - where are they?
●  and other stories that will leave the listener wondering if Bluffton is really in ​The Twilight Zone.​

More thought provoking than frightening, these stories are presented for middle school age through adult. To register and receive the Zoom link, email the library at ​[email protected]​.

The Mobile Health Clinic:​ Bluffton Public Library will host another free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, Oct. 30, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All services are provided by individuals with the Ohio Northern University Healthwise program. This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening).

Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors.

Please notice: ​Many Take & Make Kits from the library’s Summer Program are still available.    

Schedule a pickup on our website or call the library. The library will also continue offering digital book displays and lists to help you find your next read at ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/booklists​.

TeenTober!: ​During the month of October, libraries across the nation celebrate “TeenTober!” This event raises awareness of the importance of connecting teens with services and materials to help them develop new skills and fuel their passions.

TeenTober merges YALSA’s successful and long-standing Teen Tech WeekTM and Teen Read WeekTM initiatives into one program to celebrate teen services in libraries and enhance relationships with community partners (ALA.org).

To celebrate, the library will compile a list of books and online resources for teens at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/booklists.

• The library continues to offer​ Library Use Appointments ​Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patrons may schedule appointments by calling the library at 419-358-5016 during Curbside hours.

• The library also continues to offer​ Curbside Pickup ​services Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Patrons may schedule a pickup by filling out the online form at ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup​ or by calling the library during Curbside hours.

• For more information about these services, email ​[email protected]​ or call the library during Curbside hours.