Mark your calendars for these upcoming one-off or special events at the library in May:
May the 4th Be With You; the library will be celebrating Star Wars Day on Friday and Saturday, May 3-4. There will be Star Wars-themed activities in the children’s area both days.
Beth Theisen, a Naturalist from Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District, will present Backyard Habitats on the main floor of the library on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. This presentation is open to the public and is hosted by The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area. No registration is required.
The Friends of the Library Book Sale starts on Wednesday, May 8 at 5 p.m. and ends Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m. The book sale is on the lower level of the library, and includes sweet treat and drinks free of charge, as you browse. All proceeds benefit the library’s many programs and services to the public. The sale is open Wednesday, May 8 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Thursday May 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, May 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Teacher Appreciation Craft Week is May 13-17. Show your teacher some appreciation by making a craft supplied by the library. Supplies will be out on our main floor during open hours as long as they last during the third week of May.
Benefits of Massage Therapy presented by Kelly Griffin and Becky McIntosh of Beyond MedSpa, Blanchard Valley Health System, is at 6 p.m. on May 16 on the lower level of the library. Anyone interested will need to register by May 11. This program is part of a Health Education Series presented by Blanchard Valley Health System's Speakers' Bureau and hosted by Bluffton Public Library.
Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will visit the library for another free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, May 31 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, osteoporosis, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening). Participants may speak with Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. The ONU Healthwise program employs health care providers to reach the local community with knowledge and resources to address health-related concerns and to improve your health.
Bruce Chesser, Professor Emeritus of Ohio Northern University and prolific local artist, will performs a Pottery Demonstration on the lower level of the library on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. Participants will learn basic, fundamental techniques of pottery making and may ask questions along the way. Registration is required by May 20.
After the last day of school, enjoy a free popsicle at the library.
A number of recurring events, clubs and groups happen at the library. Here's a list of the activities going on at your local library in May:
The Adult Book Discussion group meets on May 1 at 12 p.m. to discuss "The Heart's Invisible Furies" by John Boyne. Copies of each month’s book are available for checkout the month prior to each discussion. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is requested. If you need more time to read the book, the next group discussion book is "Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk" by Kathleen Rooney. The next discussion group will meet on June 5, and meet with Ms. Rooney via Skype, video chatting software.
Tutor Me Paperless is a basic tech tutoring services offered free at your library. Stop by the library or call 419-358-5016 to set up a one-on-one tutoring session on May 1, 8, 15, or 22. A member of staff may be able to help you acclimate to your new device, set up an email account, and/or help you access eBooks through the Ohio Digital Library.
Every Friday at 10 a.m., the lower level of the library is open for Playgroup. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys.
Babies Love Books Storytime is on May 9 at 10 a.m. Activities promote early literacy, language, and motor development. No prior registration is necessary, but all children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program with them.
Farmer’s Market Storytime starts on Saturday, May 4 at 10 a.m. Join us for a fun session of Star Wars themed stories, games and crafts. To take part, meet Youth Services staff in the Bluffton Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main Street.
Dulcimers @ the Library meet every Tuesday at 1 p.m. on the lower level, and Jammin’ @ the Library meet on Mondays, May 13 and 27 at 6 p.m. on the main level. Jammin' is a song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. Bring your acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears.
With the school year coming to a close, the last Chill Zone session will be an Ice Cream Party on May 14. Chill Zone is a kind of after-school club for teens and tweens. They meet on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Anyone in 6th through 12th grade is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.
If you have some spare time on your hands this summer, the library would love to have your help. There will be a Teen Volunteer meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m. for 45 minutes to discuss the Summer Program. This is for teens, ages 13-18. Please invite anyone you know that would be interested in volunteering this summer.
The library’s showcase will feature a collection of newspapers in honor of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing from our community during the month of May. View the display on our main floor near the front desk. Look for information about our summer program, “A Universe of Stories”-- “landing” soon at your library.
Please note, the library will be closed on Monday, May 27 for Memorial Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.
To register for any of the above events, go to the library's front desk, call 419-358-5016, or visit the library's website.For information, please email [email protected] for more information.
