The health and safety of our customers and staff at the Bluffton Public Library is a top priority and the library is working hard to keep services available. As of the time of this announcement, the library is open for curbside pickup only.

Lots of interesting programs make up the November list of events at the Bluffton Public Library. A summary follows:

Bluffton Public Library Postcard Penpals - ​Readers advisory for Pre-K-12th Grade:​ Not sure what to read next? We are here to help. ​Email Youth Services ([email protected]) the following info: name and address (for library use only), age, grade and favorite book. Your child will receive a postcard of ideas for their next read.

Window Star Take & Make: ​Learn how to create colorful window stars made with kite paper. Kite paper stars are a fun way to brighten up your window any time of year. Often made in Waldorf schools, this is an excellent activity to practice hand-eye coordination. All ages may participate. Kits containing kite paper squares and instructions will be available for pickup at the library ​starting Nov. 9​. Check out our social media for how-to videos.

Origami Live!:​ Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead us in another live teaching session of origami on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 6:30 p.m. This program is open to all ages and will take place via Zoom. Receive an origami paper ​Take & Make kit ​through Curbside Pickup starting Nov. 17 and don’t forget to email ​[email protected]​ to register and receive the Zoom link. A couple of our past Origami Live programs are posted on the library’s YouTube if you would like to make those origami crafts on your own.

November/December Recipe Exchange - Cookie & Dessert Edition ​Submit your favorite tried-and-true cookie/dessert recipe(s) by ​Nov. 20​. Receive a collection of submitted recipes and a list of book recommendations back in early December. Submit your name, recipe(s), and preferred method of receiving the Recipe Collection (email/pick up at the library/mail) to [email protected]​, in the book drop, or by mail.

Paint with Water Take & Make​ ​Pages from ​Bob Ross Paint with Water​ will be available for pickup at the library starting ​Nov. 16 ​and while supplies last. Each kit consists of 1 special paint page from the book and a paintbrush (selection of pages is random). Call or stop by the library to request, starting​ Nov. 16.​ ​Open to adults and teens.

Hanger Snowflake (and more) Take & Make Kits​ consisting of new clothes hangers, zip-ties, and instructions, are available for pickup at the library starting Nov. 23 and while supplies last. Create a seasonal decoration for your home, at no cost to you! Call or stop by the library to request. Open to adults and teens.

Adopt a Winter Book Buddy Program starts Nov. 30: ​PreK-3rd graders are invited to adopt a stuffed animal friend to read to in the winter months. Each adoption pack contains: a book buddy, adoption certificate, reading log and surprises. Parents and caregivers can schedule a Curbside Pickup time to collect a Winter Book Buddy, while supplies last.

2020 Bluffton Public Library Fundraiser ​There are many ways you can show your support for your library. Stay tuned to our social media and website for additional information about our upcoming winter fundraiser.

The library’s ​Beanstack Challenges​ continue, including:
●  10 to Try​ (geared for ages 12-adult) and ​Kids 10 to Try ​(geared for ages 5-11) are challenges to read a book in each of 10 categories, track reading, and share your favorite discoveries with the library and your fellow readers.

●  Mindfulness​ (geared for all ages - kids may need assistance) invites you to take a deep breath, notice your surroundings, and acknowledge how you are feeling. Try this challenge and earn 10 new badges as you take some much-needed “me” time.

●  1,000 Books Before Kindergarten​ now available through Beanstack. Log in from your internet browser or download the ​Beanstack​ app on your device and try them today.

Please notice: ​The library will close early on Nov. 25 (5:30 p.m.) and remain closed Nov. 26-28. Due dates are adjusted accordingly. Don’t forget that the Ohio Digital Library remains open 24/7 from your computer or mobile device.

The library will review services and update as needed .Check ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/covid19​ for current services updates.

Curbside Pickup hours are now extended to ​Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m to 1 p.m.​ 

Patrons may schedule a pickup by filling out the online form at ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup​ or by calling the library during Curbside hours. For more information about these services, email [email protected]​ or call the library during curbside hours.