MEDIA RELEASE__Check out September 2026 Bluffton Public Library events and programs.

LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH
Libraries offer something for everyone—no matter your age, background, or goals. Whether you’re checking out a classic story or trying something new, finding harmony at the library’s programs, finding your focus in a study room or vibing out in a cozy nook, or composing your future with new skills, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you, and your library card is the ticket. This September, B sharp and sign up for a library card! 

BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Noon & 2:00 Book Discussions (R) will meet Wed., Sept. 2 at Noon and at 2:00 p.m. to discuss The Cardinal by Alison Weir. On Wed., Oct.2, at Noon and at 2:00 p.m., the groups will discuss True Grit by Charles Portis. Stop by the library front desk to register for your preferred time, check out the book, and to receive email updates! 

ACRYLIC ART CLASS
Fall Deer Scene (R)($) will be held Tue., Sept. 8 @ 6:00 p.m. Join Hannah as she guides you through the process of creating a painting in acrylic on canvas. Cost is $10. Register in person or online as space is limited. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult. 

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC
The next Mobile Health Clinic will be held on Thu., Sep. 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All services are provided by individuals with the Ohio Northern University Healthwise program. 

This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol (please fast for 12 hours to participate in cholesterol or blood sugar screening). Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. 

*Note: Mobile Health Clinic Weather Policy: If the Bluffton or Ada school district has a weather delay or cancellation, Mobile Health Clinic will be cancelled that day. 

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Pig (R)($) will be held Thu., Sep. 10 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Crumrine will teach on the lower level of the library. 

Walk away with your own watercolor piece of art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please). Register in person or online as space is limited. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult.

JAPANESE TEA HISTORY

Register in advance for this program on Tue., Sep. 15 @ 5:30 p.m. Lima Sister Cities Association will present. Learn about the history of Japanese tea, and experience your very own tea ceremony. Sample Japanese tea/food. 

Seating is limited. Open to adults and teens with an accompanying adult. 

GIRL WITHOUT A COUNTRY
Rick Ramseyer presents Girl Without a Country (R) on Wed., Sep. 16 @ 5:30 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Should willingness to kill be a requirement for U.S. citizenship? 

Author and former Bluffton resident Rick Ramseyer will discuss his grandmother's landmark fight for citizenship nearly 100 years ago. His new book - Girl Without a Country - tells the compelling story of Martha Graber, a Mennonite, registered nurse, and conscientious objector who was twice denied citizenship because she refused to say she would take up arms to defend the United States, setting up a climactic third hearing that was covered by newspapers nationwide. 

Featuring dramatic testimony, historical insights, and interesting backstories that stretch from Alsace-Lorraine in western Europe to America’s heartland, the book includes never-before-published details and surfaces an array of topical issues, from immigration and citizenship to pacifism and patriotism. 

Books will be available for purchase ($25) following the presentation. Cash/Venmo/Paypal accepted as payment. Register in person or online. 

FRIENDS BOOK SALE
Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held at the library Sept. 24-26 in the library’s lower level. Sale proceeds benefit library services, materials, and programs. Your purchase at this sale goes to enriching Bluffton and the surrounding community. 

● Thu., Sep. 24: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

● Fri., Sep. 25: 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 

● Sat., Sep. 26: 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

50 FOR 250
John Jantzen and Wendy Chappell-Dick have given themselves a challenge: to learn 50 songs to celebrate America 250! These selections range from music popular in colonial times up to the Civil War. Included in the fifty are songs of immigrants, Native Americans and African American Slaves, as well as hymns and courtin’ tunes, all accompanied by dulcimer, guitar and spoons. Many will recognize songs Pa played on the fiddle in the beloved Little House on the Prairie books. 

The Fifty songs will be divided into three performances. Part one will be Aug 20, and John and Wendy will be joined by Monica Harnish on fiddle and Jan Wiebe on whistle. Part two will be Sept. 17, and part three Oct. 15. All the concerts will be at 6:30 on the Main Floor of the Bluffton Public Library. 

PLANT SWAP
Plant Swap with Activate Allen County - Tue., Sep. 29 @ 6:00 p.m. Join us for another Bluffton Plant Swap at Bluffton Public Library! This time, we will again be

swapping both house plants and outdoor perennials, so come with either or both. A plant swap is where people bring an outdoor perennial plant (in good condition) or a house plant (or both) to exchange (“swap”) it for a new variety of plant. It’s a great way to expand your plant collection & meet friends! 

Numbers will be assigned as participants arrive & everyone can go home with a new plant for their collection. For questions or additional information: call 419-222-6045, visit the Bluffton Library or email Chad Welker at [email protected]. 

GALLEY BOOK GROUP
Mixed Titles (R) will meet on Wed., Oct. 21 at NOON. This discussion will be of an assortment of Galley books provided by the publishers, scheduled to be published starting September 2026. Register for the discussion, Read a book from the box as soon as you are able, Return so others can read it and Repeat as desired until the discussion date. At the discussion, the group will briefly talk about each book read, rate the titles, and discuss whether it is book-discussion-worthy. 

BACK TO SCHOOL
Back to School Days at the Library! Welcome back to another year of school - full of learning and fun (and homework, too)! Starting August 31-September 4, visit the library and pick up a little something to help you celebrate, sign up for a library card, and take a tour through the library.  

FALL STORYTIME
Fall Storytime begins Wed., Sep. 9 and will run through Nov. 18. Join Miss Beth for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Little Ones Storytime: Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (Birth-under 3 year olds) Pre-K Storytime: Wednesday mornings at 10:45 a.m. (3-5 year olds) 

HOMESCHOOL LUNCH BUNCH
Pack a lunch and meet up with other homeschool families for informal social time and a fun story, activity, game, and/or craft. This fall, we will focus on American History to tie in with the America 250 celebrations. Meet downstairs at Noon in the large activity room on the following Fridays: Sept. 11, Oct. 2, and Nov. 6. No registration required. 

CURIOUS KIDS CLUB
Kids in grades K-5 are invited to stop by after school this fall to explore a variety of fun activities based upon a different theme each month. Activities will include STEM challenges, science experiments, and/or crafts. Stop by the library anytime between 2:00-4:30 p.m. on the following Thursdays: Sept. 17, Oct. 15, and Nov 19. September's theme: Magnets. 

TEEN SNACK ATTACK
Calling all hungry teenagers in grades 6–12! Stop by the library after school to hone your chef skills and create a delicious snack, dessert, or appetizer. We will meet at 3:30 p.m. on the following Mondays: Sept. 14, Oct. 5, and Nov. 9. No registration required.

TEEN AFTERNOON MOVIES
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to meet up with friends for a well-deserved after-school break (3:30 p.m.) while watching a fun movie. Meet downstairs in the large activity room on the following Mondays: Sept. 21, Oct. 19, and Nov. 16. Popcorn will be provided. The September movie includes true love, sword-fighting, some “inconceivable” dialogue, and is rated PG. No registration required. 

TEEN CRAFTS
Teens, let's warm up our crafting skills! Meet after school at 3:30 p.m. for a different craft each month on the following Mondays: Sept. 28, Oct. 26, and Nov. 30. In September we will create fall leaf bowls. No registration required. 

SIGNING WITH JOY
ASL Family Storytime: Join Joy from Corson Communications on Mondays, Sep. 21, Oct. 19, and Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 at 6:00 p.m. for Family Storytime in ASL! Learn and experience American Sign Language through stories, games and interactive play - All are welcome and no registration is required. 

PLAYGROUP
Playgroup is held most Fridays at 10 a.m. Make a playdate and the library will provide the space and toys! 

HUMMIN’ & STRUMMIN’
Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle will be held Mondays, Sep.14, 21, & 28 at 6:00 p.m.  This is a relaxed, song-circle style music session and anyone is welcome to join or listen in and come and go as you need. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears! 

OPEN CHESS TUESDAYS
The library has an area designated on the Main Floor for open chess from 5:30-7:30 p.m. every Tuesday the library is open. Bring your own board or use one of the library’s! All ages are welcome! 

LABOR DAY CLOSURE
The Library will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of Labor Day.  Due dates are adjusted accordingly. 

COMMUNITY DISPLAY CASE
Showcase your collection or exhibit your cause. Show us what you collect, create, or are passionate about, or help provide awareness or resources for others in the community. Check out this month's display: Between the covers - treasures left in library books 

AHA LIBRARIES WITH HEART
The American Heart Association’s program “Libraries with Heart” offers patrons who visit the Bluffton Public Library a chance to check their blood pressure at the library or borrow kits to monitor their blood pressure at home, just like they can check out a book.