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Library has you in mind during December

Lots of holiday-related activities planned

Bluffton Public Library has you in mind in December. The staff has many holiday-related activities planned. A listing of those follows:

Services Update -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 press release, the library is open for Curbside Pickup only. The library will review services and update as needed so be sure to 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.

Notice​: The library is closed Dec. 24-26, and closes at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. Due dates are adjusted accordingly. Don’t forget that the Ohio Digital Library remains open 24/7 from your computer or mobile device.

Events and Programs
Holiday Ornament Designs: ​Request a Take & Make starting ​Dec. 1.​ Kits will consist of natural wooden disc slices, examples/practice worksheets, and jute string. You provide the rest.

Paper Snowflake Take & Make:​ Request a Take & Make kit starting ​Dec. 7 ​or create your own masterpiece at home. Decorate your windows at home or drop off your paper snowflakes in the book drop and keep an eye on the windows on Main St. and the library's front doors to see yours featured.

Zoom Bedtime Storytime, Dec. 7, 6:45 p.m.:​ Join Mrs. Esther and Bernie via Zoom to enjoy some fun bedtime stories and songs. Grab a snuggly blanket and cuddly toy. Call to register in advance to receive the Zoom meeting details.

Avoid the Holiday Energy Blues: Tips to Reduce Utilities Bills​ is on ​Dec. 8 at 6:30​ p.m. via Zoom. This program is led by Amy Carles of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel. The winter heating season usually means increased utility bills. Learn tips to save money on your natural gas, electric and water bills by making no-cost or low-cost changes around the house. Disconnection and reconnection rights and programs to assist with utilities will also be discussed. Please register by emailing [email protected] or calling the library by ​Dec. 5.

Enjoy "Peanuts" characters and pick up a ​Charlie Brown Holiday Activity Kit ​from ​Dec. 17-19.​ Request a Charlie Brown-themed holiday kit containing a magnet craft and some fun activities to try at home. Kits are available via curbside pickup on the above dates. The activities are for children and tweens.

Bluffton Public Library Postcard Penpals - ​Readers advisory for PreK-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.

Origami Live!:​ Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead us in another live teaching session of origami on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 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 Dec. 8, 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.

Virtual Book Reading of Bluffton Anthology: ​On Tuesday, ​Dec. 22, at 6:30 p.m. ​via Zoom, the library will host Fred and Rudi Steiner. Hear an excerpt from the included Bluffton essays, and the inside scoop of how the idea began. The anthology includes writings from: Rick Emmert, Dave Essinger, Ron Geiser, Jeff Gundy, Brendon Matthews, Ruth Bundy Naylor, Joanne Niswander, Rick Ramseyer, Carolyn Urich Rich, David Rempel Smucker, Tobias Buckell, Robert Kreider, Charles Hilty. To register and receive the Zoom link, email [email protected] or call the library by 5 p.m. on Dec. 22.

Paint with Stickers Take & Make: ​Pages from “Paint by Sticker Masterpieces” will be available for pickup at the library starting​ Dec. 14 ​and while supplies last. Each kit consists of 1 art page and correlating stickers from the book. Call or visit the library’s website to request. Open to adults and teens.

Adopt a Winter Book Buddy Program Nov. 30 - Dec, 6: ​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. ​How does it work?​ ​The library accepts monetary donations through mail or online. Please mail your tax-deductible donation to the library at:

Bluffton Public Library
Attn: Donations
145 S. Main St.
Bluffton, OH 45817

or donate to the library online via your debit or credit card by clicking the link to the library’s Paypal account at ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/donate​. Visit our social media and website for additional information about this ​“Non Event” 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.

●  1000 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.