Check out the following events and programs at the Bluffton Public Library for the upcoming month. You can also subscribe to the BPL update by email HERE.

Mitten Tree 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 October through Mid-November and given to Bluffton Community Assistance Program. What a great way of being neighborly and helping others! 

Holiday Gift Silent Auction
The Bluffton Public Library is seeking donations for the upcoming Holiday Gift Silent Auction in November. Join us in raising funds to support library programming and services! Show your support with your generous tax-deductible donations in the form of gift baskets, gift cards, gift certificates, and more, accepted through October 12! For more information, please stop by the library. 

Noon Book Group (R)
Wed., Oct. 2 meeting to discuss The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman. On Wed., Nov. 6, the group will discuss Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom, who will join the group via Zoom. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book! 

Mobile Health Clinic 
ATTENTION! This service has been moved to the second Thursday of each month and an earlier time. The next Mobile Health Clinic will be on Thu., Oct. 10 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.) Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. 

Watercolor Workshop: Scarecrow (R)($)
This workshop will be held Thu., Oct. 10 at 2:00 p.m. - 3:45 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. 

Ghost Painting Workshop(R)($)
Workshop with local artist Amanda Brasfield: Join us on Thu., Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. for an engaging art workshop where we’ll transform vintage photographs printed on paper with a touch of Halloween magic. Using paint and paint pens, participants will creatively enhance photos, adding supernatural elements for a ghostly and unique result. Perfect for those looking to infuse a bit of seasonal flair into their artistic expression. There is a $5 supply fee at the door (cash only please), and advance registration is required as space is limited. Open to adults and teens. 

Medicare 101
Allen County Council on Aging will present Medicare 101 on Tue., Oct. 22 at 6:00 p.m. There will be time for questions after the presentation, and participants can find out about other services offered by the Allen County Council on Aging. Please register in advance. 

Galley Book Group
Mixed Titles (R) will meet on Wed., Nov. 20 at 12 p.m. This month’s discussion will be of an assortment of Galley books provided by the publishers, scheduled to be published September 2024 or later. 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. 

Plush Animal Lover’s Day
Bring your special stuffed friend to the library, Monday, October 28 for some fun! Sign up for library cards, get a polaroid picture taken, and there’s even a special storytime @ 3 p.m., open for Pre-K - 5th grade, no registration required. 

Fall Storytimes
It’s not too late to register for Storytime. 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. 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: most 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
A program celebrating Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday that continues through Oct. 31, 2024. The challenge is for Pre-K - 5th grade. Join Smokey in learning about the environment and wildfire prevention. Read books, take action, and have fun! 

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

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
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. 

October’s display has Fair Trade handmade items from Ten Thousand Villages, celebrating 50 years. 

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.