Icon viewers will appreciate the January programming at the Bluffton Public Library. Here's a summary of events planned.

Registration for Winter Storytime opens Jan. 3. You may register via phone (419-358-5016), or email ([email protected]), or at the front desk. Space is limited to 18 children per session. This program is for Preschool Children (ages 3 to 5), and occurs on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. or Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Winter Storytime schedule:
Jan. 23 and 24: Bedtime and Pajamas
(children may wear their pajamas and/or slippers to this storytime)
Jan. 30 and 31: Dancing Dragons and the Year of the Rooster
Feb. 6 and 7: Bathtime
Feb. 13 and 14: Yummy, Yummy in My Tummy
Feb. 27 and 28: Dinosaurs
March 6 and 7: Boxes

Annual Hot Tea Tuesdays begins Jan. 3 and continue through February. Come in from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and warm up with a free cup of hot tea and a cookie (or two). Sip and peruse the library’s collection of books, DVDs, music, audiobooks, magazines, children's kits, and more.  Also, ask about ebooks, video, magazines and books available through OverDrive using your library card.

Dulcimers @ the Library continues at its regular time, Tuesdays at 1 p.m. on the library’s lower level.

Chill Zone is for ‘tweens and teens to hang out and relax Tuesdays after school, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Students 6th through 12th grade are welcome. Activities include gaming, socializing, themed events and crafting, etc. Suggestions for activities are welcome. Snacks are provided.

January schedule:
Jan. 3: Movie Madness
Jan. 10: Chopstick Challenge with The Mazza Museum’s Ayane Hida
Jan. 17: Say “Cheese” Day
Jan. 24: Luau Party
Jan. 31: Ramen Noodle Challenge

Adult Book Discussion group meets Jan. 4 at noon to discuss The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. This monthly discussion group invites new members, but registration is requested.

Yoga Fit by BFR continues Wednesdays in January (4, 11, 18, and 25) 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.

The library offers free one-on-one tech tutoring sessions called Tutor Me Paperless on Wednesdays by appointment.

These sessions happen every other month and cover the basics of navigating laptops, PCs, smart phones, tablets, Microsoft Office, or obtaining eBooks free through the Ohio Digital Library by way of the Overdrive app.

On Jan. 5 at 6 p.m., the library’s Sci-Fi Fantasy Writer’s Group will meet.

Library Playgroup, returns to Friday mornings on January 6, 13 and 27, at 10 a.m. Make a play date and the library will provide the space and toys. Registration is not required for these Playgroup sessions.

Jammin’ at the Library continues on Jan. 9 and 23, at 6 p.m. On Jan. 19 at 6 p.m., is a Jammin’ @ the Library Instructional program. This session is for discussion and demonstrations of the techniques used at Jammin’ at the Library. It is held in the lower level meeting room to allow participants to break up into groups and work on special interests. No registration necessary.

Art Fun for the Whole Family begins Jan. 20 at 3:30 p.m. This program features art and crafts activities for all ages. Make a balanced mobile after reading about Alexander Calder or a drip painting inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock. All participants should wear old clothes. An adult must accompany children under the age of 8. No registration necessary.

On Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m., local artist Jeanne Beutler returns for a Watercolor Workshop on the lower level of the library. This session is titled “Winter Birch Trees” and registration is required (and the number of registrants is limited.) Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat. There is a $10 fee at the door (cash only).

Gluten Free and Food Allergy Support Group meets on Jan. 23 at 6:30. The group now meets in the Local History Room on the main level.

On Jan. 26 at 10 a.m., the library will host Babies Love Books. It’s 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.

Note about closings: The library will close on Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day.

The library will also close on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly on both closing dates.

For information on any of the January programs:
• stop at the front desk
• call the library at 419-358-5016
• or e-mail the library at [email protected]