The Ohio Library Council (OLC) presented the Bluffton Public Library with an award for Outstanding Program at the April 12 OLC Northwest Chapter Conference in Toledo.  Cindi Chasse and Melanie Clawson accepted the award on behalf of the library. 

The library's Holiday Extravaganza and Silent Auction Preview held last November was recognized for its uniqueness and success. The benefits of the November program, in addition to raising $2,933 for literacy and learning, were also recognized.  Those include:  highlighting the library as a vibrant community hub, building teamwork and collaboration, and developing community relationships. 

The Bluffton Public Library continues to operate with annual state funding cuts that exceed 20 percent.  Doug Evans, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council, shared that Ohio’s public library funding is equivalent to 1998 levels.  As a result, many public libraries in Ohio, including Bluffton, continue to rely on additional support from fundraisers such as the November silent auction, volunteers who donate their time and talent, the Friends of the Library who support programs and services and generous community support to maintain essential services.

"It is such an honor to receive this award on behalf of the library.  It is also a testament to the great things can be accomplished when a small, dedicated staff and a community comes together to support literacy,” director Cindi Chasse shared.