NOTE: The library will be closed Monday, September 4, 2023 in observance of Labor Day.  Due dates are adjusted accordingly. 

A calendar full of events and programs are in store for Bluffton Public Library patrons in September 2023. If you don't current have a library card, this is a great time to get one.

Fall Storytime registration
Register at the front desk or by scanning the QR code provided on the calendar, flyers, and Fall Storytime brochure. Storytime is a session where children can hear themed stories, rhymes, and work on social skills. Children will get to participate in activities after the stories are finished. These activities can be STEAM based or even a dance party. Come and join in on the excitement that is Storytime

Library Card Sign-up Month
A Library Card is ELEMENTAL! Get in Your Element this September—sign up for a library card! From borrowing books, ebooks, learning new skills, or attending story time, a library card helps you do more of what you enjoy. Get a library card and dive into a new hobby. Use your library card to tinker in a maker space and spark your creativity. A library card is your most important school supply—it's elemental, really—and everyone should have one!

Wolverine SNaP-20MP
This digital converter is coming to the library in September!  The Digital Converter is provided through The Northwest Regional Library System (NORWELD), of which Bluffton Public Library is a member. The digital converter can digitize 35mm slides and negatives, as well as 3x5, 4x6, or 5x7 inch photographs into 20-MegaPixel JPEG digital images. The SNaP-20MP features a built-in LCD screen, internal memory, and a SD card reader, allowing users to operate the digital converter without the use of a computer. Operating the SNAP-20MP Digital Converter is easy––just place the slide, negative, or photo on or in the machine, press the button, and your item is transferred to digital format in less than 5 seconds!  Sign up for 2 hour slots and we recommend bringing a 16 GB SanDisk SD Card to save your photos on.  For questions or more information, please email [email protected].

Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle
Musicians and listeners meet at 5:30 p.m. each Monday the library is open. (Check library calendar or website.) This is a relaxed, song-circle style music session and anyone is welcome to join or listen in. Bring your instrument, voice or listening ears!

Dulcimers @ the Library
The Bluffton Dulcimer Group will be practicing for upcoming performances the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. The public is welcome to come to the library and listen!

Noon Book Group (R) 
On Wed., Sept. 6, participants will discuss All the Old Knives by Olen Steinhauer. On Wed., Oct. 4 the group will discuss The Other Dr. Gilmer by Benjamin Gilmer. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book!

Chess Night
Tues., Sept. 12 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Does Bluffton wish to start a Chess Club? Stop by with your family and friends for a fun evening of chess. Make new contacts - and perhaps be a part of the potential new Chess Club in the works in Bluffton! Bring your own game or use one of the library’s! Tables will be available for open game play and conversation.

Mobile Health Clinic
This service has been moved to the second Wednesday of each month. The next Mobile Health Clinic will be on Wed., Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.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) and osteoporosis. Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors.

Friends of the Library Book Sale 
At the library September 14-16 on the library’s lower level. Sale proceeds benefit library services, materials, and programs. Your purchase at this sale goes to enriching Bluffton and the surrounding community. Book Sale schedule:

• Thurs., September 14: 9:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
• Fri., September 15: 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
• Sat., September 16: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Watercolor Workshop
Colors of Autumn (R)($) will be held Thurs., Sept. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Beutler will teach on the lower level of the library. Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please), and advance registration is required as space is limited. Open to adults and teens/children (with a participating adult).

Kinship/Relative Informational Program
Presented by Allen County Children's Services on Tues., Sept. 26 @ 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Please register by Sept. 22. Are you raising a grandchild, other relative, or friend's child in your home?  Kinship care represents the most desirable temporary or permanent out-of-home placement option for children who cannot live with their parents. It offers family preservation and the greatest level of stability by allowing children to maintain their sense of belonging, and enhances their ability to identify with their family’s culture and traditions. Find out what resources and support are available with Allen County Children Services. 

*Display Case - Riley Creek finds, part 2. 

Services Update 

COVID-19 Test Kits: At-Home COVID Tests are available at the Library.  If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call to schedule curbside pickup.