The Bluffton Public Library, 145 S. Main, provided the following comprehensive December 2021 programs and services update.
Services Update
The health and safety of our patrons and staff at the Bluffton Public Library are a top priority. Based on Allen County Health Department's guidance, library masking guidelines are as follows: Patrons ages 10 and up are required to wear a face mask that properly covers the nose and mouth. 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.
Events and Programs
A new Beanstack Challenge is available starting December 1 - Broaden your reading horizons with the Reading Reflection Challenge! New to Beanstack? Check it out at https://blufftonpubliclibrary.org/digital/beanstack
Noon Book Group plans to meet via Zoom with author Derek B. Miller on Wednesday, December 1 to discuss How to Find Your Way in the Dark. The book discussed on January 5 is Nothing Much Happens by Kathryn Nicolai. To register, to request the next Book Group Bundle, and for the most up to date information, please email [email protected].
Santa's Fire Truck: Santa has asked the Bluffton Fire Department to help him repair his sleigh for his nightly trip around the world. Come join us on Wednesday, December 15 at 6:00 p.m. for a FREE night filled with stories and take home crafts. Advance registration is required and space is limited. Call or stop by the front desk to register. As per library policy, masks are required for everyone age 10 and up.
Winter Snow Family Storytime: Come inside from the cold on Monday, December 20 at 6:00 p.m. and cozy up with some snow-filled stories, songs, and a take-home craft. This storytime is designed for ages 3 - 5th grade. Advance registration is required and space is limited. Call or stop by the circulation desk to register. As per library policy, masks are required for everyone age 10 and up
Children Take & Make Crafts: Tuesday, December 6th is Scratch Mitten Ornaments to hang on your tree or up in a window. Saturday, December 18th will be a Create your own Santa with a fuzzy white beard and a red hat. Watch out for the Accordion Snowman, this snowman is jumping and waving your way on Tuesday, December 21st. Crafts will be available while supplies last.
Check out the following Take and Make Kits which will be available to Adults and Teens/Tweens located at or near their corresponding Library Display of library materials. Grab the kits on their corresponding dates and while supplies last!
● Book Page Trees: Create a tree using an old book and folding techniques. Available December 2.
● Paint by Sticker Cats Kit: December is National Cat Month! Celebrate with us with a kit consisting of one page and corresponding stickers from the Paint by Sticker Cats book by Workman Publishing. Create a masterpiece similar to a paint-by-number, only using stickers. Available December 3.
● DIY Chocolate Mint Hot Cocoa Stirrers: Make a set of fun minty-chocolate stirrers for your hot drink! Available December 9.
● Snowflake Stitching cards: Stitch up a set of 4 snowflake cards and use them to decorate or gift to a friend! Available December 16.
Great news Ohio Digital Library users - beginning on December 1, 2021, the ODL checkout limit will be raised to 20 checkouts at a time (again, excluding magazine checkouts). The hold limit will increase to 30 holds at a time. Additionally, patrons will be allowed to recommend 5 titles per every 30 days. If you are unfamiliar with Ohio Digital Library check out https://libbyapp.com/library/ohdbks.
Mobile Health Clinic: Friday, December 17 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.
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!
The Book Bag continues! If you're already registered for this subscription service, we'll have your items ready for you on your designated day. If you haven't registered yet, no problem. We still have some space! Fill out the form at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/book-bag or contact the library at 419-358-5016. For more information, visit our website. This program is open to all ages.
Bluffton Public Library will be closed for Christmas, December 23-25. Regular hours resume on Monday, December 27, opening at 10:00 a.m. In celebration of New Year, the Library will be closed December 31 through Jan. 1. Regular hours resume on Monday Jan. 3, 2022, opening at 10:00 a.m. Due dates will be adjusted accordingly.
“Home for the Holidays” Library Fundraiser is back. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we at the library strive to continue to serve the public keeping in mind our duty to protect the health of our community where we are able. With many donating businesses still recovering from the pandemic, the library has chosen not to hold the Holiday Gift Silent Auction this year and announces the “Home for the Holidays” Fundraiser in its stead. The November/December fundraiser, and other annual monetary donations, have been essential to the library. They enable the library to encourage reading, education, and community awareness, and to nurture a population with varying circumstances and evolving needs.
Help us reach our goal to raise $2,000. A donation of any amount helps the library to provide invaluable support for essential community services for all ages, including:
● Early literacy development & storytimes,
● Ongoing adult, children, family, and teen programs,
● Outreach services and delivery to the homebound,
● Tech tutoring,
● Programs and services to area schools and homeschooling families, ● Community events,
● And so much more.
There are many ways you can show your support for your library! How does it work? The library accepts monetary donations through mail or online. Please mail your tax-deductible donation to the library at: Bluffton Public Library, Attn: Donations 145 S. Main St. Bluffton, OH
45817 or donate to the library online via your debit or credit card by clicking the link to the library’s Paypal account at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/donate.
