NOTE: The library's supply of Covid tests ran out on January 2; more are expected to be delivered in the near future.

The following Bluffton Public Library update is also available as an email. Click HERE to subscribe.

Events and Programs 

Winter Read Challenge: The library is happy to announce the Winter Read Challenge for children, teens, and adults! Pick up a Winter Read Bookmark at the library, or download and print it from our website. Then complete five or more challenges during the months of January through March to receive a prize. At this time, you may also enter a drawing to win a larger prize!

Mitten Tree continues with Bluffton Community Assistance Program: Help decorate our tree with NEW mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, earmuffs/bands and umbrellas for ALL ages. Donations will be collected December through January and given to Bluffton Community Assistance Program.

Hot Tea Tuesdays! In January and February, stop by the library between 10:00 a.m.  and 3:00 p.m. and get yourself a cup of hot tea to warm up with during your library visit!

Noon Book Group (R) meets Wed., Jan. 3 to discuss The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts. On Wed., Feb. 7, the group will discuss The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book! The 2024 Noon Book Group Title List is available at the library and on the library’s website and social media.

Mobile Health Clinic: will be on Wed., Jan. 10 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.

Watercolor Workshop: Penguins (R)($) will be held Thurs., Jan. 18 and 25 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, and children with an accompanying adult.

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!

Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle will meet at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of January and February. 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! (Schedule is planned to go back to every Monday evening later in the year.)

Book to Movie Discussion Group (R) will be meeting in February to discuss Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Books are available at the library now to allow for plenty of reading time for this classic. Stop by the library to pick up the book (large print also available) and to register with your email for Book to Movie reminders and updates. Movie will be shown at the library at noon on Feb. 14 and discussion will be held at noon on Feb. 21. Not able to make the movie showing? DVDs will also be available for checkout.

Pre-K Storytime & Baby Storytime returns in February!  Join us for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Pre-K Storytime is open to ages 3-5 and Baby Storytime is open to ages birth-2. Registration opens January 16 and is required. Please specify if your child has any food allergies when registering, as snacks are often provided. 

Holidays

The library is closed on Jan. 15th in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly. 

Don’t forget that the Ohio Digital Library remains open 24/7 from your computer or mobile device!

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.