Here's a list of events taking place in October at the Bluffton Public Library. To register for any program or for more details e-mail: [email protected], or call the library at 419-358-5016.
Come “Paws 2 Read” with Teddy the therapy dog on Saturdays, Oct. 1 and 15, at 10 a.m. Teddy loves hearing stories or just getting a friendly cuddle. This program supports literacy, the humane treatment of animals, and healthy stress relief practices. No registration required.
Fall Storytime continues Mondays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, and 24, at 6:30 p.m., or Tuesdays, Oct. 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 10 a.m. Registration is required and spots may be full.
Dulcimers @ the Library continues on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Jammin’ @ the Library continues every other Monday at 6 p.m. (Oct. 10 and 24).
Chill Zone takes place on Tuesdays at 3:45 p.m. It is a time and space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events and crafting etc. Suggestions for activities are welcome. Snacks are provided.
The Gardeners of Bluffton/Pandora Area meets on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Tutor Me Paperless returns Wednesdays by appointment. Need help with a new tablet or laptop? Not sure how to check out free eBooks through our library? Tutor Me Paperless is a basic technology tutoring service offered every other month. Specify what program or device you need assistance with when registering.
The library’s Adult Book Discussion group meets Wednesday, Oct. 5, at noon to discuss At the Water’s Edge by Sara Gruen. Need more time to read and prepare? Join the November’s book discussion on The Witches by Stacy Schiff. This discussion group always looks for new members, but registration is requested.
Yoga Fit by BFR continues on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. on the library lower level. To register and pay your membership fee, contact Bluffton Family Recreation at 419-358-4150.
All ages are welcome at Storytime at Suter’s, and registration is not necessary. Join Miss Esther on Thursday, Oct. 6 and 13 anytime between 1-2 p.m. for fun stories and games at Suter's Cider Press, 8250 Road R, Pandora. This is weather permitting. Picnic blankets and tarps will be used for seating any children. Feel free to bring a lawn chair for comfort.
Brain Builders is back. This program returns Thursday, Oct. 6 at 4 p.m. Brain Builders is for children grades K-5. It provides opportunities for problem-solving and imaginative construction. Registration is required and space is limited.
On Thursday, Oct., 6 at 6 p.m., the library’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Writer’s Group meets.
Friday Photo Challenge: BPL loves to see its patrons having fun. Come participate every Friday in October for a photo finish to your week.
1) Take a photo
2) post it on your social media profiles, and
3) tag the library's profile, #weheartbluffton, and #fridayphoto.
If you don't have a photo-capable phone the staff will snap a picture of you to share directly to the library's social media.
The staff promises to let you see it before they send it. Themes for each week include:
• My Faves (books, movies, music, programs...)
• Best Reading Spot (corner window? comfy chair?)
• On Display (interact with one of many library displays)
• Let Me Take a Selfie (use the selfie station and share your love of the library.)
Sign up at the library and then meet staff and other hikers at The Quarry Farm’s shelter house to go on a Guided Hike at the Quarry followed by the chance to meet the farm animals and for refreshments.
The Quarry Farm (Nature Preserve and Conservation Farm) is at 14321 Road 7L, Pandora. The rain date is Oct. 22. This program is free and open to all ages, but some portions of the path may not be stroller-friendly.
Teen Read Week is Oct. 9-15 and celebrates the right to “read for the fun of it!” Check out a display of book suggestions created by several hand-picked teen library patrons.
On Thursdays, Oct. 13 and 27 at 6 p.m., “The Golden Fleece” Yarn Group meets on the library’s main floor. This group is for needle crafters of all techniques and levels. The group hopes to promote community involvement and do projects for charity. E-mail [email protected] for more information or show up during a meeting on the library’s main level (no registration necessary).
The library will hold a Family Polka Party featuring Elaine Wehri on accordion on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m. This family-filled event will include refreshments, live music, and games. Register in advance to help the library plan accordingly.
The library’s final “Farmer’s Market Storytime” at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market is Saturday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. No registration required. Bluffton’s Farmers’ Market in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main Street.
On Monday, Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m., artist Jeanne Beutler hosts a Watercolor Workshop on the lower level. This program is “Georgetown Lighthouse,” and registrants will create their own 8 by 10 inch watercolor art on mat board. Program cost is $10, payable at the door. Cash only, please.
All ages are welcome at the family-friendly event, Japanese Art Gallery and Storytime by Ayane Hida, Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator of the Mazza Museum. Learn about Japanese art and children's art programs through the Mazza Museum, and listen to a children's story told in Japanese and English. Registration is required.
On Thursday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m., the library hosts Babies Love Books. It is a time of stories, movement and song for babies and toddlers (ages birth to 3 years). Activities promote language and motor development. Children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program. No prior registration necessary.
The Gluten Free/Food Allergy Support Group meets Monday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m., in the lower level.
The library holds a Haunted Library Fun House ( by the library’s Teen Volunteers) Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join us for spooky family fun. Take a rest from trick or treating and enjoy refreshments, games, crafts, and an optional scare zone on the library’s lower level. A suggested donation is $1. Proceeds go to library programs and services.
The Holiday Gift Silent Auction is in November. Donate items by Oct. 15. Ask at the front desk or email [email protected].
During October, the library will display a collection of teas from the library community, and books from the library’s collection celebrating National Family History Month.
Check the library’s display of helpful genealogy, history, and scrapbooking materials near the Shannon History room. Don’t forget the library’s in-house subscription to Ancestry.com free to patrons.
