Here's the August update on events planned at the Bluffton Public Library.

COSI Learning Lunchboxes: Starting July 31, pick up a learning "lunchbox" to feed your mind - and explore space right from home! Pick-up continues while supplies last - one kit per family, for students going into grades K-8th. These kits are generously donated by The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) through a partnership with the Ohio Library Council.

August Creativity Kit: Creativity Kits are full of fun themed crafts and activities for children grades PreK-5. Available starting Aug. 7 at the front desk or via curbside pick-up throughout the month of August and while supplies last.

Animal Sticker by Number Take & Make: Pages and stickers from Paint by Sticker Kids (Zoo Animals) books. Each kit consists of an art page and the correlating stickers from the book to match, similar to paint-by-numbers. Available from August 21 and while supplies last. Collect from the basket on the Youth Services desk.

Noon Book Group plans to meet in person at the library on Aug. 4 to discuss The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd. The book to be discussed on Sept. 1 is The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick. To register, to request a Book Group Bundle, and for the most up to date information, please email [email protected].

Library 101: August 11 or August 24 at 3:00-4:00 p.m. (sessions are identical): Join Ms. Jessica virtually and explore the library website and its many features! Learn how to access databases, use the library apps, find new materials, and more! This is a great introduction to the library for students, teachers, and even our most dedicated readers. Registration is required, and this program is open to all ages. Email [email protected] to register.

Virtual Family Trivia Night: Movie Themed: On Thurs., Aug. 19 at 6:00 p.m., Ms. Lauren will host another Family Trivia Night using Kahoot and Zoom (two mobile devices and/or laptops/computers are required for gameplay.) Family groups may consist of four members or less, and questions are all family friendly. Register by emailing [email protected] by Aug. 16 and receive instructions by email. All questions are created from movies available at your library!

Mobile Health Clinic: Friday, Aug. 27 from 9:00-11:00 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, osteoporosis, 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: Covid-19 vaccinations are not available at these clinics. The library itself opens at 10:00 a.m.

The following Take & Makes will be available to Adults and Teens starting Aug. 2 and while supplies last:

• DIY Cord Organizer Take & Make: Pick up this kit at the library and organize your headphone or charger cord(s)! (You provide glue and scissors.)
• Scratch Card Take & Do: Need a little something to do while you wait for fall to arrive? Pick up a Scratch Card and scratch away to discover the hidden artwork below. (A quarter works best for these scratch cards.)
• DIY Brown Bag Bookbinding Take & Make: Learn a simple book binding technique and create a journal to keep track of your lists or notes for this month. (You provide an awl/large needle.)

Bluffton Public Library Postcard Penpals (Readers advisory for PreK-12th Grade): Not sure what to read next? We are here to help! Email Youth Services ([email protected]) the following information: name and address (for library use only), age, grade, and favorite book. Your child will receive a postcard of ideas for their next read!

The library continues The Book Bag: A Library Subscription Service. This program allows community members to request a monthly themed or specially curated bag of items from the library collection along with an activity. The Book Bag checks out for four weeks, with new bags being automatically prepared for pickup the next month. If you haven't registered yet, no problem. We still have some space! Please visit the library’s website at www.blufftonpubliclibrary.org/book-bag or call the library for more information. This program is open to all ages.

Please notice: Summer Program winners are to be contacted soon. Thank you to everyone in the community for participating and to our sponsors for making all of our programs and prizes a possibility. If you participated in the Summer Program and did not take advantage of our Bluffton Book Bonanza, there’s still time. Collect your book bag, book, and goodies (for your age group) by visiting the library’s front desk.

But don't let the end of the Summer Program slow you down! The library will have a number of materials on display around the library and ready for check out during the month of August. Find your next read for your end-of-the-summer trips or pick up some Books on CD or DVDs for the whole family.

Services Update

The health and safety of our patrons and staff at the Bluffton Public Library are a top priority. Consistent with CDC guidelines, the library invites all patrons who have been fully vaccinated to enter without a mask if they choose. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, ages 10 and up, are required to wear a facial covering. We encourage patrons ages 10 and up to wear a face mask that covers the nose. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (ages 18+) who will remain with them during their visit. Returns continue to be made in the outdoor book drop. For more information about library procedures, please visit our website or refer to signs posted on the library’s front door. Curbside Pickup is still available for those who prefer this service.

Library Visit hours are:

• Mondays -Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
• Fridays: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Saturdays: 10:00 a.m-1:00 p.m.

Curbside Pickup hours are:

• Mondays -Thursdays: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
• Fridays: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.