The Bluffton Public Library, 145 S. Main, has issued a comprehensive update for events and programs taking place during the month of April 2023:

Two new Beanstack Challenges are available starting April 1 - check out Spring Into Reading and a Poetry Month challenge for the month of April. New to Beanstack? Check it out at https://blufftonpubliclibrary.org/digital/beanstack/

National Library Week - April 23-29 is a time to celebrate our nation's libraries, library workers' contributions and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is "There's More to the Story," illustrating the fact that in addition to the books in library collections, available in a variety of formats, libraries offer so much more. Stay tuned for more details.

Noon Book Group meets on Wed., April 5 to discuss Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict. On Wed., May 3 the group will discuss Travels with George by Nathaniel Philbrick. Stop by the library's front desk to pick up book discussion book(s) for the next discussion and to sign up for email updates and reminders.

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Galley Book Group will meet with author Colleen Cambridge on Wed., April 19 at 12:00 to discuss Mastering the Art of French Murder (fiction/mystery & detective/historical; first in a series) to be published May 2023. The galley book is currently available at the library, while supplies last. The book for the May 3 Galley Book Group discussion is The Woman Inside by M.T. Edvardsson (thriller) to be published mid-June 2023, and will be available starting April 19

Watercolor Workshop: Goat will be held Thurs., April 20 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).

Fred Steiner presents 1890's Bluffton was a Boomtown on Tuesday, April 25 @ 6:00 p.m. Please register by April 21. In the 1890's, Bluffton was growing and buildings were being constructed in the Main Street business section. There were 13 saloons, a new town hall, a waterworks plant, electric power plant and the telephone arrived as well. Central Mennonite College (now Bluffton University) opened its doors. Pictures and stories of these business ventures and more will be shared. 

Lego Library Showcase: Attention LEGO enthusiasts! Last year in conjunction with May the 4th, the Bluffton Public Library enjoyed showing a portion of a resident's collection.  This year, the Library would like to showcase Lego creations from the Bluffton Community.  During the Month of May, we would love to showcase your favorite LEGO. It can be a LEGO set or your own creation. What do you need to do? Come into the Bluffton Public Library and register by Friday, April 21, 2023. We will need your contact information and the name of your Lego set(s). A few things to keep in mind - the Library is limited on safe areas to display, the sets need to be family friendly, the Library will not be responsible for damage or lost pieces, and your LEGO sets need to be brought to the Library, April 27-28, 2023 and removed by Saturday, June 3, 2023. Any questions, please call the Bluffton Public Library at 419-358-5016 or email: [email protected]. 

Friends of the Library Spring Tea and Silent Auction will be held Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m. in the Richland Room in the lower level of the Library. Jeff Gundy, local writer and poet is this year’s guest speaker. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Bluffton Public Library. All proceeds benefit the Bluffton Public Library.

Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle will meet at 5:30 p.m. on 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! 

Dulcimers @ the Library: The Bluffton Dulcimer Group will be practicing for upcoming performances the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. The public is welcome to come to the library and listen!

Mobile Health Clinic:  Fri., April 28 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. Please notice: Covid-19 vaccinations are not available at these clinics.

Pre-K Storytime & Baby Storytime continues through April 26. Register via QR code or stop by the library front desk to register. Storytime is a reading and song-filled half hour to encourage a relationship with reading. Register for Monday evenings @ 6:00 p.m. OR Wednesday mornings at 10:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Pet Partners is returning for Bluffton University Finals Week! Bark your calendars for May 1-3!

SERVICES UPDATE

COVID-19 Test Kits
At-Home Abbott BinaxNow test kits are available at the Library. We are limiting 4 boxes per household per day. These are proctored test kits and contain 1 test per box. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call to schedule curbside pickup.