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Check out upcoming BPL programs and services for February 2024, including reading, storytimes, discussions, community organizations, games, music, art, and movies.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Lima Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Storytime (R) - The Lima Symphony Orchestra is coming to the library for a special storytime on Mon., Feb. 12 at 10:00 a.m. Come enjoy a morning filled with music! Please register in advance. 

Words & Wine Book Discussion (R) will meet Thurs., March 7 @ 6:30 p.m. at 1861 Wine Lounge to discuss Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters while enjoying a glass of wine. Please Register and pick up the book at the Library during the month of February. There is limited seating and the book discussion is open to Adults 21+. Refreshments are available for purchase. Join us for an evening to relax, socialize and discuss.

CONTINUES

Libby/SORA 101 (R) Need to know more about how to use Libby or SORA to read ebooks, digital magazines, and to listen to audiobooks? A member of library staff will present the basics on Thur., Feb. 22 @ 6:00 p.m. and answer questions. Bring your device to follow along! Please register in advance. 

4H Informational Meeting (R) Join Allen County OSU Extension Office on Mon., Feb. 26 @ 6:00 p.m. to learn what 4H is all about, and to connect with some of the local 4H Club leaders! Open for all ages. Please register in advance. 

ONGOING 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! 

Hot Tea Tuesdays are back! In January and February, stop by the library between 10:00 and 2:00 and get yourself a cup of hot tea to warm up with during your library visit! 

Noon Book Group (R) meets Wed., Feb. 7 to discuss The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. On Wed., March 6, the group will discuss River of the Gods by Candice Millard. 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, on the library’s website and social media. 

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. 

Mobile Health Clinic: The next Mobile Health Clinic will be on Wed., Feb. 14 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: Brown Bear (R)($) will be held Thurs., Feb. 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, and children with an accompanying adult. 

Chill Zone 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 will meet at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of 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.) 

Dulcimers @ the Library: Bluffton‘s Rainbow Dulcimers 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 in! 

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!

Spring Storytime Baby, Pre-K, and Family Storytimes returns in February! Join us for a time of 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. Registration is required. When registering, please specify if your child has any food allergies, as snacks are often provided. 

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

Please notice: The library is closed on Monday, February 19th in recognition of Presidents Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly. 

DISPLAY CASE

Tea bags: Appropriate for the chilly weather we have been having!

SERVICES UPDATE

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

Ohio Digital Library remains open 24/7 from your computer or mobile device!