The following October 2021 Update was provided by the Bluffton Public Library, 145 S Main, (419) 358-5016.

Noon Book Group plans to meet in person at the library on Oct. 6 to discuss The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. The book to be discussed on Nov. 3 is An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten. To register, to request the next Book Group Bundle, and for the most up to date information, please email [email protected]. Sneak Peak: Derek B. Miller, author of How to Find Your Way in the Dark, will be joining us via Zoom on December 1.

Mobile Health Clinic: Friday, October 29 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. 

Nature Walk at Motter Metro Park: Enjoy the sights and sounds of an early fall evening in the prairie as you go on a Nature Walk at Motter Metro Park led by Naturalist Dan Hodges of Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. Meet at the park, and be sure to dress for the weather and ground conditions. This program is geared for adults, but children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please register by Oct. 18. Motter Metro Park is located at 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road in Richland Township. A minimum number must register in order for Bluffton Public Library to hold this program - register today by calling 419-358-5016 or stopping by the library.

During the month of October, we’re welcoming fall in with an Apple-tastic Celebration. Starting October 1, check out a book from our display and make sure to stop back on October 11 for an Apple Tree Suncatcher Book & Craft Kit and October 18 for an Apple Ornament & Banner Book & Craft Kit, while supplies last.  Take home a fall-themed library book and a craft to celebrate the changing season!

Available from October 25, for preK-5th graders, there will be a Sticker by Letter Take & Make.  Each kit consists of one art page and the correlating stickers from Brain Games: Sticker by Letter children’s book to match, similar to paint-by-numbers.  Check out a book about the animal you receive and see what new facts you can learn.

The following Book & Craft Kits will be available to Adults and Teens starting on the following dates and while supplies last: 

Color-Your-Own Hot Drink Ornament: Is it Pumpkin Spice? Cocoa? Tea? You decide! Pick up a wooden hot drink ornament to take home and decorate when you check out a cozy book. Available starting October 8 and while supplies last.

Leaf Book Page Banner: We provide the book pages and string; you provide the fall leaves. Available starting October 15.

Book Page Pumpkin: Create a pumpkin using an old book, paper cutter, your glue gun, a found stick, and orange marker or paint! Available October 22.

Bluffton Public Library Postcard Penpals (Readers advisory for PreK-12th Grade): Not sure what to read next? We are here to help! Email the library ([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.

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. To celebrate, stop by the library to check out some new and classic teen materials.  

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.

New Beanstack Challenges available starting October 1! Broaden your reading horizons with the Genre Challenge or learn more about cultures around the world with the Hallow-Read Around the World!  New to Beanstack? Check it out at https://blufftonpubliclibrary.org/digital/beanstack

Join the library in celebration of Star Wars Reads on October 30!  Check out our display of Star Wars materials and try a craft or two--all day at the library.

Help us celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, by browsing one of our displays featuring Hispanic Authors and Artists.

Library Display Case: Visit the library’s display case to view items from our local history collection in celebration of Family History Month starting October 18.  We also invite you to come in and use the library’s resources to investigate your family history. Within the library, we have access to Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest and African American Heritage.

Banned Books Week: Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us - Celebrate your right to read Sept 26 - Oct 2.