You might call it a month of holidays in December at the Bluffton Public Library. Here's an overview of events planned:

On Fridays in December (2nd, 9th, and 16th), BPL will feature holiday crafts. The library will provide crafts for kids, teens, and adults to make within the library.  Take some time to be creative, and maybe your creation will be shared on our website and social media.  BPL is also seeking scrapbooking items like paper, decals, scraps, etc. to be used in future craft programs in the library.

Got library fines? During the week of Dec. 5, the library will bring back its promotion, Food for Fines. This is your opportunity to have some of your fines waived while helping the community at the same time. For each canned good donated, $1 is forgiven from your fines. Check the flyer and the Food Pantry wishlist for requested items and restrictions. The library is unable to accept items that are expired or damaged.

The library's annual holiday music and refreshments schedule follows:
• Dulcimer Gatherin’ & Rainbow Dulcimers Monday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.
• Ryan Strickler on keyboard (Christmas, covers and compositions) Wednesday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m.
• Wendy Chappell-Dick (animals of Christmas) Monday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.
• Jim Boedicker and Ed Zickafoose (Christmas favorites) on Monday, Dec. 19, 6:30 p.m.

These family friendly programs held on the main floor of the library includ free refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Bluffton Public Library.

Join the library for Shine Storytime on Monday, Dec. 5, at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. Families are welcome to join us for holiday stories and crafts. No prior registration is necessary and we will meet in the Youth Services /Storytime Room.

This event replaces our Santa Paws Storytime event, which was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Chill Zone continues in December on the 6th (Game Day), 13th (Ugly Holiday Sweater and Movie), and 20th (White Elephant Bingo) at 3:30 p.m. Anyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to join. Snacks are provided. See Miss Esther in Youth Services for more information.

The library’s Adult Book Discussion group meets Wednesday, Dec. 7, at noon to discuss Underground Girls of Kabul by Jenny Nordberg and participate in a White Elephant Book Swap.

Need more time to read and prepare? Join January’s book discussion on The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. This discussion group is always looking for new members, but registration is requested. Please call 419-358-5016 or email [email protected] for more information.

Yoga Fit by BFR continues Wednesdays in December (7th, 14th, and 21st) 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.

Want to learn more about the latest expansion to the Bluffton Hospital?
Bluffton Public Library will host a representative from Blanchard Valley Health System on Thursday,  Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

This program is titled How Will the Women's Center of Bluffton Hospital Benefit Me?, and will feature an informal presentation led by a hospital representative, during which attendees are encouraged to ask their questions and offer their comments. Please register for this informational event by emailing [email protected], calling the library at 419-358-5016, or stopping by the front desk during regular library hours.

The library is excited to offer this relevant program as a resource to its community; if you have suggestions for future programs or resources, please submit your idea utilizing the library's "Contact Us" form on Blufftonpubliclibrary.org.

Santa’s Fire Truck! Kick off the holiday season on Tuesday, Dec.13 at 6 p.m. with the Bluffton Fire Department at Bluffton Public Library. Join us to greet Santa, read holiday stories and create some decorations to take home. All ages welcome. No prior registration necessary.

Ayane Hida of the Mazza Museum is back with another event for all ages: The Chopstick Challenge. Participants will compete to pick up various foods with chopsticks. This program is for all ages, with registrants 2nd grade and under requiring a parent or guardian. Sign up today.

The Gluten Free/Food Allergy Support Group continues to use the library as its meeting space on Monday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.  Meet on the library’s lower level to join.
 
On Thursday, Dec. 22, at 10 a.m., the library will host another session of Babies Love Books. Join us for a special time of stories, movement and song for babies and toddlers (ages birth to 3 years). Activities are chosen to promote language and motor development. All children must be accompanied by a parent or child care provider who will participate in the program. No prior registration necessary.

The library will close on Dec. 23, 24 and 26 and reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Due dates will be adjusted accordingly.

On Thursday, Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. will be a family movie.  We’ll be voting on a family-friendly film (G or PG) that evening.