The Bluffton Public Library has announced the following events and services for September 2024. If you haven't been to the library recently, September is the perfect time to update your lending privledges or to sign up for your first library card.

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September with the Bluffton Public Library! The library is inviting everyone to discover the resources and opportunities available at your local library by signing up for a library card. 

Banned Books Week is September 22-28. The 2024 theme is “Freed Between The Lines.” It challenges us to stand up for our right to read without censorship. Books on display at the Bluffton library will include materials that have been banned or challenged in libraries, booksellers, and schools across the globe. This list is compiled by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (ala.org). 

National Good Neighbor Day is observed annually on September 28: This day was created to celebrate and recognize the importance of being a good neighbor. Join the Bluffton Public Library this week for activities including a puzzle swap, sidewalk art, card making, and kids crafts to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day and do something nice for your neighbor today! 

Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held September 26-28 on the lower level. Proceeds benefit library services, materials and programs. SCHEDULE

• Thurs., September 26: 9:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. 
• Fri., September 27: 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 
• Sat., September 28: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Watercolor Workshop: Seagulls (R)($) on Thur., September 12 at 2:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Taught by local artist Jeanne Beutler; walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only) and advance registration is required. Open to adults, teens and children with an accompanying adult.

Noon Book Group (R) meets Wed., September 4 to discuss 18 Tiny Deaths by Bruce Goldfarb, who will join the group via Zoom. On Wed., October 2, the group will discuss The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book.

Galley Book Group - Mixed Titles (R) will meet on Wed., October 16 at 12 p.m.. This discussion will cover an assortment of galley books provided by publishers. Register for the discussion, pick a book from the Galley Box, read as soon as you are able and return. Repeat as desired until the discussion date, and always bring the book back and return it to the box so that someone else may read it. At the discussion, the group will briefly talk about each book read and rate the titles. 

Mobile Health Clinic: IMPORTANT: This service has been moved to the second Thursday of each month and an earlier time. The next Mobile Health Clinic will be on Thurs., September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 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, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening.) Osteoporosis screening will be made available on September 12 only. Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and may receive referrals to area doctors. 

Fall Storytime (R) begins Sept. 11 and 12. Registration is required for Baby, Pre-K and Family Storytimes. Join us for stories, games, crafts and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills. 

• Baby Storytime is open to ages birth-2, Pre-K Storytime is open to ages 3-5 and Family Storytime is open to ages birth-5. 

When registering, please specify if your child has any food allergies, as snacks are often provided. Register online, call the library or stop by! 

Baby Storytime: Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (Birth-under 3 year olds) Pre-K Storytime: Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. (3-5 year olds) Family Storytime: Thursday evenings @ 6:00 p.m. (Birth-5 year olds) 

Fall Storytime themes include boxes, shapes & patterns, robots, bats & cats, a story hike at Motter Park, amazing autumn, pumpkin hunt, silly monsters, the moon and gratitude.

Smokey Bear Reading Challenge is a program celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday and runs from September 1-October 31. The challenge is for children Pre-K-5th grade. Join Smokey in learning about the environment and wildfire prevention. Read books, take action, and have fun! 

Playgroup is held most Fridays at 10 a.m. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys! 

Chill Zone is on Monday afternoons after school at 3:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out at the library. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided. 

Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle meets at 5:30 p.m. each Monday the library is open. 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! 

Open Chess on Tuesdays! The library has an area designated on the Main Floor for open chess from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday the library is open. Bring your own board or use one of the library’s! All ages are welcome! 

Community Display Case: Showcase your collection or exhibit your cause. Show us what you collect, create, or are passionate about, or help provide awareness or resources for others in the community. Check out this month's display by Bluffton Middle School student, Sage Music - her personal LEGO sets. 

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.