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Art, crafts, gardening, Medicare in March

Lots of activities this month at the Bluffton Public Library

Here's what happening in March at the Bluffton Public Library.

The ​Winter Book Challenge ​ends in March. Complete 5+ challenges to receive a prize, and enter a drawing to win a larger prize. Winners will be notified in early April.

In honor of Student Art Month, this year’s ​Student Art Showcase​ begins March 5 with a Launch Party at 6 p.m. Join for refreshments and check out the creative work from young artists in our community. Students’ artwork will  be on display for the rest of the month. Art teachers from area schools have made art selections for their students and submitted them for this event. A selection of homeschool student art will also be included, as submitted by parents.

The ​Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora Area (GBPA)​ will kick off the 2020 gardening season with the presentation ​Growing and Harvesting Leeks and Onions​ on Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Amanda Wischmeyer, owner of Little Riley Creek, a local organic farm, will teach the group how to propagate leeks and onions. Participants will learn about soil and sun preference, blanching, as well as what the categories of "long day" and "short day" mean to the success of ar growing season. This program is free and open to the public, courtesy of GBPA.

On Thursdays, March 12, 19, and 26 during library open hours, celebrate National Craft Month at Bluffton Public Library’s ​Crafter Days​. Stations will be set up on the main floor and all supplies are provided by the library. 

Medicare 101​ is on Monday, March 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the library. Representatives from the Allen County Council on Aging will share the information about Medicare this year. There will also be a time for questions and those that attend can find out about other services the ACCOA offers. Registration is not required to attend, but will help the staff know how many to prepare for. You may register at the library or by calling 419-358-5016.

The ​Grandma/pa & Me Abstract Art Lesson​ will be presented by Janette Reineke, art instructor and author of ​Fear No Art: You Can Do It! ​on Monday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m.

This program is for grandparents and their grandchildren in 1st-5th grade. Each will create their own piece of abstract art in the style of Wassily Kandinsky's ​Composition VIII ​using poster paint.

Each finished piece will include a frame when completed. There is a supply fee of $10 ($5 per painting) taken at the door. One child per adult for this lesson, please. Call 419-358-5016 or stop by the library to register by March 23. Space is limited.

The ​3D Printer​ is at the library in March. Suggested donations are 50 cents per hour of requested print to help cover the cost of the filament. Patrons are welcome to bring a flash drive with a pre-formatted file to print or choose from the selection of items available on the printer. For questions or more information,  call or email [email protected]​.

The following regular library programs continue this month:

Tutor Me Paperless ​sessions are available on Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25. Tutor Me Paperless is an ongoing tech tutoring service during select months at the library. Sessions are available by appointment only and may be made at the front desk or by calling 419-358-5016. A member of staff may be able to help patrons acclimate to a new device, set up an email account, or help access eBooks through the Ohio Digital Library.

Playgroup ​is every Friday at 10 a.m. The library will provide the space and toys. No registration is necessary, but all children must be with a parent or child care provider who will remain with them throughout the hour.

Spring Storytime​ begins on Monday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. Storytime is for preschool children ages 3-5, and registration is required. Join for a time of stories, games, crafts, and fun while developing early literacy skills. Specify if your child has any food allergies when registering, as snacks are often provided. Licensed therapy dogs of ​Pet Partners will join Storytime​ on Monday, March 30, at 6:30 p.m.

Chill Zone ​continues Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 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. No registration is necessary.

The ​Adult Noon Book Discussion​ group meets on Wednesday, March 4, to discuss ​Before We Were Yours​ by​ ​Lisa Wingate. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is requested. Copies of each book are available for checkout the month prior to each discussion.

Need more time? The next meeting is Wednesday, April 1, and the group will video chat with author Karen Abbott to discuss her new book ​The Ghosts of Eden Park​.

Babies Love Books Storytime​ is on Thursday, March 12, at 10 a.m. Activities promote early literacy, language, and motor development. Registration is requested, and all children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program with them.

Jammin’ @ the Library​ takes place on Mondays, March 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. Jammin' is a song-circle style jam session and anyone is welcome to join. Bring your acoustic instrument, voice, or listening ears.

Dulcimers @ the Library​ continues meeting at the library on most Tuesdays at 1 p.m. Patrons are welcome to listen as our local dulcimer group practices.

Homeschoolers Learning Libratory​ meets Wednesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. Homeschooling families are invited to join us for a fun time of experiments, exploration, and creative fun. Registration is required for each session.

A Watercolor Workshop​ is Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m. Jeanne Beutler will teach on the lower level of the library. Walk away with a watercolor piece of art, complete with mat. There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only). Advance registration is required, as space is limited.

Ohio Northern University students and licensed medical staff of ​ONU’s Healthwise Program ​will visit the library for a ​free Mobile Health Clinic​ on Friday, March 27, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Receive free screenings for blood pressure, osteoporosis, blood sugar, and cholesterol (fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening). Participants may discuss their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. No registration is necessary.

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