The Bluffton Public Library update on June 2023 programs and services is jam-packed with dozens of events and programs. Check them out below. You can also subscribe to the library newsletter for monhtly updates

Bluffton Public Library announces its 2023 Summer Read Program, “All Together Now!” starting June 5! This year’s theme invites you to explore the power of community through reading, activities, and programs. Summer Read is open to all ages.  By joining in on the summer fun, you’ll earn tickets for prize drawings and have opportunities to connect with others. Paper Reading/Activity Logs will be available for children and teens when they register, and adults can enter to win prizes with every 3 books read.  Remember, the more you read and the more programs you attend, the more tickets you get to enter for the prizes, so come on in and get the whole family registered and involved! 

Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held at the library June 8-10 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.
Times are scheduled as follows:

Thurs., June 8: 9:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Fri., June 9: 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Sat., June 10: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

CONTINUES

Bluffton Historic Walk with Fred Steiner (R): Reserve your spot today* to attend the 1890s Bluffton Main Street Walk with Fred Steiner on Tues., June 6 at either 4:00 or 6:00 p.m. Fred Steiner will take us on a walking tour along Main St., with stops along the way to share stories of our town's past. So wear your walking shoes, bring your listening ears and find out just what our beloved town was like back in the day! *This program is open to all ages; those age 8 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. *There are a limited number of spots available for each session to ensure that everyone can hear on the street, so be sure to call or stop by the library soon to book your spot!

Noon Book Group (R) meets Wed., June 7 to discuss Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. On Wed., July 5, the group will discuss Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book! Open to adults.

Book to Movie Discussion Group (R): It's time to decide which is better: the book or the movie! Register at the library with your email to get reminders and updates on this Book to Movie discussion series, pick up a copy of this month's book (yours to keep!), attend our scheduled movie showing OR watch on your own (DVDs will be available to check out), and attend the discussion, where we will talk about the book and the movie, and how they compare. We will take a vote as to which was better! Open to adults.

June title: News of the World by Paulette Jiles  
Movie Viewing: Fri., June 23 @ 2:00 p.m.                  
Discussion: Fri., June 30 @ 2:00 p.m.                          

July title: The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
Movie Viewing: Fri., July 21 @ 2:00 p.m.
Discussion: Fri., July 28 @ 2:00 p.m.

Watercolor Workshop: Hummingbird (R)($) will be held Thurs., June 15 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).

Family Book & Popcorn Tasting (R) Register now for you and your family to attend on Tuesday, June 27 @ 6:00 p.m. at the library. Sample a variety of Shirley's Popcorn flavors and a themed selection of book titles for all ages to enjoy.

Family Storytime (Birth-Pre-K): Monday’s @ 6:00-6:40 p.m. and Wednesday's @ 10:00-10:40 a.m. No registration necessary this summer! Storytime will be in two parts. Stories and Songs will be for 20 minutes. Extended Activities will be for the remaining 20 minutes. All Storytimes will be about reading, singing, playing, and socializing with peers.

Allen County RTA: Coming Our Way (R) - Tues., June 6 @ 11:00 a.m. - Join the Allen County RTA in a fun filled morning. We will learn about public transportation and the Allen County bus system. There will also be a trolley to look and see inside. Open to families.

Read with a Dog (Pet Partners) (R): Register for your own personal 10 minute time slot to read with a Pet Partners Dog at the library! A great way to earn some reading time with a furry friend! Tuesday mornings in June: June 13: 10:00-12:00 p.m. (Stella); June 20: 10:00-12:00 p.m. (Sam and Max); June 27: 10:00-12:00 p.m. (Sam and Max). Open to children/teen (with participating adult).

Learn & Create (R): Calling all K-2nd Graders! Attend the All Together Now: Learn & Create, a fun program for families with children going into grades K-2. Learn about ways we can all work together, enjoy crafts & stories, and spend some quality time together. Dates are Tuesday afternoons, June 13 & 20 and July 18 & 25, all at 3:00 p.m. Registration is required for each session individually.

Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District Team Building Workshop for kids (R): Fri., June 16 @ 2:00 p.m. - Johnny Appleseed Park Rangers have created a team building workshop for children to work on team skills and how to solve a problem together. Program designed for kids K-5.

Imaginative Playtime (R) - Sat., June 17 @ 10:00 a.m. - Sign your child up to come to the library and participate in activities inspired by that popular canine children's pre-K television show. Rotate around the room to different stations to enjoy a variety of options and watch the imaginations grow!

3-5 Taskmaster (R) - Thurs., June 22 @ 1:00 p.m. - Compete against friends and classmates. You will be given a task to complete and your competition will also complete a task. Whoever completes the task the fastest or correctly will be given points to win Taskmaster.

Game Night (K-5): Wed., June 28 @ 6:00 p.m. - Join us in a night filled with games, puzzles, cards, and Bingo! Bingo winners will get to pick a prize from the prize box.

Let's Glue Together! Collage Workshop with Amanda Brasfield of Spiritus Collage (R)($) on Thurs., June 29 @ 6:00 p.m. Create a beautiful 5x7 collage on canvas board with an inspiring message, using just paper, paint, and lots of glue! There is a $5 supply fee taken at the door, which covers everything! Open to ages 12 and up. Please register by June 22.

Teen Craft Hour: Every Thursday @ 2:00 p.m.  Bring a craft from home or make a craft with provided supplies. Enjoy a different space to craft and visit with friends. Air Popcorn will be provided as a snack.

Teen Taskmaster: Thurs., June 22 @ 3:00 p.m.  Compete against friends and classmates. You will be given a task to complete and your competition will also complete a task. Whoever completes the task the fastest or correctly will be given points to win Taskmaster.

Mobile Health Clinic: Fri., June 30 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.

Hummin' & Strummin' starts at 5:30 p.m. on every Monday that the library is open. This is a relaxed, song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. 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. The public is welcome to come to the library and listen!

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. 

*Library Closed Monday, June 19, 2023 in observance of Juneteenth.  Due dates will be adjusted accordingly