Here's an overview of event and programs in August at the Bluffton Public Library:
Parents of school-aged children: Are you interested in learning more about your family's educational rights? Legal Aid of Ohio presents a free Educational Rights program for parents on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.
Registrants will receive a broad overview of parental rights in regards to various school-related topics with time for questions to follow. Possible topics include: Bullying, Disciplinary Procedures, Special Education Rights & IEPs, and what to do if you disagree with your child's/children's school.
Registration is required and the program will be in the library's lower level meeting room. L.A.W.O. is a non-profit law firm offering civil legal representation to low income families, serving 32 counties in western Ohio.
On Aug. 14 at 10 a.m., join Johnny Appleseed Metro Parks District Naturalist Jessie Elsass to learn about Invertebrates. The B.E.E.T.L.E. will be parked at Bluffton's Buckeye Park beside the pavilion. We'll meet you there. Registration required.
The library will host a health education program, Wellness for Women, on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Dr. Molly Senokozlieff will lead the program, and there will be time after the presentation to ask her questions.
Senokozlieff is a women’s health specialist and is a provider at Bluffton’s Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology. Please register for this program by Aug. 12. This program is part of a Health Education Series presented by Blanchard Valley Health System's Speakers' Bureau and hosted by Bluffton Public Library.
Starting preschool or Kindergarten is really exciting. Join us for a special Storytime to celebrate this new adventure through books, songs, and rhymes. The first day of School Storytime is on Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. (choose one). Registration required.
Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Celebration Pizza Party is Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. This event is a celebration for families who have completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. Children will receive a certificate and gift. Please speak to a member of staff if your family has completed the challenge and register for our celebration. We'll post you a special invitation.
The Village of Bluffton and Wessler Engineering presents “Bluffton's Water: Where It Comes From and Where It Goes” on Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. During this informative program, Ryan Brauen of Wessler Engineering will explain how water makes it to your homes and businesses and share information about the processes our used water goes through after exiting our homes and businesses. This program is open to the public, and time for questions and discussion is to follow the presentation.
The program is on the lower level of the library, and registration is required. This presentation was originally presented at a spring Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting.
National Play Music on the Porch Day is Saturday, Aug. 31. Celebrate on the library’s “front porch” starting at 10 a.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and play, sing, or simply listen to music. (We’ll move inside if the weather doesn’t cooperate.)
Back to School Days at the Library. Welcome back to another year of school – full of learning and fun (and homework, too). Starting Aug. 21, come to the library and pick up a little something to help you celebrate or make the transition a little bit easier.
These regular library programs will continue in the month of August:
• Playgroup is at 10 a.m. every Friday in August. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys.
• Dulcimers @ the Library continue meeting on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Patrons are welcome to listen as our local dulcimer group prepares for upcoming performances.
• The Noon Book Discussion group meets on Aug. 7 at 12 p.m. to discuss The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is requested. Copies of each month’s book are available for checkout the month prior to each discussion.
Need more time? The next meeting is on Sept. 4 to discuss The Huntress by Kate Quinn, and to meet with Ms. Quinn via Skype, video chat software. Email [email protected] for more information.
• Babies Love Books Storytime is on Aug. 8 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.
• Jammin’ @ the Library is Aug. 12 and 26 at 6 p.m. This is a song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. Bring your acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears.
• Homeschoolers Learning Libratory begins again on Aug. 14 at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join us for a fun time of experiments, exploration and creative fun. Our theme will be “Fabulous Food.” Registration required.
• Farmer’s Market Storytime continues on Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. All ages are welcome. Meet us in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on South Main Street.
• Lettering Workshop Plus: We are continuing our lettering workshops. Explore brush lettering techniques and materials with the assistance of a lettering enthusiast on Aug. 26 from 6-7 p.m. This program is for ages 12 through adult. Registration required.
• Chill Zone begins again on Aug. 27. Chill Zone is a safe space for tweens and teens to hang out and relax at the library. Awesomeness happens Tuesdays after school, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events, and crafting. Snacks are provided.
• Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ONU’s Healthwise Program will visit the library for free Mobile Health Clinic on Aug. 30 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Receive 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 community with knowledge and resources to address health-related concerns and to improve your health.
• The library’s showcase will feature a collection of Hotwheels and Matchbox Cars from our community. Come check it out in our display cases near the front desk and in the children’s area.
