Noon Book Group via Zoom meets May 5 to discuss The Widows with author Jess Montgomery. The book to be discussed on June 2 is How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior. To register, and for the most up to date information, please email [email protected].

Origami Live!: Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead us in another live teaching session of origami on May 11 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 May 4 and don’t forget to email [email protected] to register and receive the Zoom link.

Virtual Family Trivia Night: Grab the family and put your brains together! On May 20 at 6 p.m., Ms. Lauren will host another Family Trivia Night using Kahoot and Zoom (two mobile devices and/or laptops/computers are required for gameplay.) Family groups may consist of six members or less, and questions are all family friendly. Register by emailing [email protected] by May 16 and receive instructions by email. The winning family will be announced on social media.

The library continues The Book Bag - A Library Subscription Service. The program allows community members to request a monthly themed or specially curated bag of items from the library collection along with an activity. The Book Bag checks out for four weeks, with new bags being automatically prepared for pickup the next month. If you haven't registered yet, no problem. We still have some space. Visit the library’s website at www.blufftonpubliclibrary.org/book-bag or call the library for more information. This program is open to all ages.

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

“Take & Make” Activity Kits
Spring Pop-up Greeting Card Take & Make Kit: Pick up a kit and make your own paper greeting card(s). Available May 3. Open to adults and teens.

Tiny Herb Take & Grow: Would you like to try out your green thumb? Pick up a kit and give it a whirl this summer with a small flower pot, potting soil, herb seeds and book recommendations! Available May 3. Open to adults and teens.

May Creativity Kit: Creativity Kits are full of fun, themed crafts and activities for children (Grades PreK-5). Available at the front desk or via curbside pick-up throughout May and while supplies last.

Community Animal Artwork Project!: You can help decorate the library windows for our Summer Program. Pick up and take home either a blank sheet of art paper and draw an animal for us, or pick up an animal coloring sheet and color it. Then drop it off at the library so we can display it in the library windows during the summer! Paper/Coloring Sheets available starting May 3. Open to all ages.

Notice: The library is closed on May 31 for Memorial Day. Due dates are adjusted accordingly.

The library’s showcase will feature the Enduring Forest art exhibit by Ron Headings during the month of May. View the display on our main floor near the front desk.

Look for information about our summer program, “Tails & Tales” beginning in June at your library.

Services Update
The health and safety of our patrons and staff at the Bluffton Public Library are a top priority. According to Ohio’s Public Advisory System, Allen County is at Level 2, and library visits are available again.

Patrons must wear a mask, distance physically, and observe capacity requirements. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (ages 18+) who will remain with them during their visit.

Returns continue to be made in the outdoor book drop, and browsing patrons who decide not to check out an item they have touched are to place those items on designated tables in order to quarantine them.

For more information about library procedures, please visit our website or refer to signs posted on the library’s front door. Curbside Pickup is still available for those who prefer this service.

Library visit hours are:
●  Mondays -Thursdays: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
●  Fridays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Appointments are not required, but patrons may call in advance to reserve a public computer. Curbside Pickup hours are:
●  Mondays -Thursdays: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
●  Fridays: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
●  Saturdays: 10 a.m-1 p.m.

Patrons may schedule a pickup at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup or by calling the library at 419-358-5016 during Curbside hours.