Summer is over and the Bluffton Public Library has a busy September planned for patrons. Here's the schedule;

The library continues to offer​ Library Use Appointments ​when available. Visit the library’s website for more information or call the library at 419-358-5016 with your questions.

Patrons may schedule appointments by calling the library or emailing ​[email protected]​. All individuals must wear a face covering, and those ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) who will remain with them in the library.

Library use hours are Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patrons with appointments must call the library when they arrive in order to enter the building.

Those who do not have access to a cell phone may call the library before they leave with an estimated time of arrival.​ Making an appointment will secure your time slot, but arriving without an appointment may have a wait time, depending on the number of people in the library at that time.

The library also continues to offer​ Curbside Pickup ​services, and the 24/7 outdoor book drop for returning items.

Interlibrary loan also continues, so patrons may place holds on materials from other libraries in the SEO Library consortium.

For more information about Curbside Pickup, visit blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup​ or call the library during curbside open hours, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. Due dates will be adjusted accordingly, and the digital library and WiFi will continue to be available 24/7.

Events and Programs

The monthly ​Noon Book Group ​will meet via Zoom on ​Wednesday., Sept. 2 at 12 p.m.​ The September, October and November meetings will each feature a Q&A session with the author of that month’s book selection. Featured authors/books are: ​William Kent Krueger (​This Tender Land​), Robert Dugoni
(​The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell​), ​and​ Karen Abbott (​The Ghosts of Eden Park​). Register in advance and request a ​Book Group Book Bundle ​for future meetings by emailing [email protected]​.

Virtual Reference Desk: ​Remember when you would schedule time to ask for help? We're bringing this back, virtually. Schedule a virtual appointment for one-on-one help with a librarian. To schedule an appointment on Sept. 10, 17, or 24, please call the library or email [email protected]​.

Make a (Pirate) Hat Day: ​Starting on Sept. 15, the library will provide craft kits to make your very own pirate hat. Arrange a pickup of your Take & Make kit through Curbside Pickup and send us a picture of you wearing it on Talk Like a Pirate Day (Saturday, Sept. 19)

Origami Live:​ Mai Hirashita, Japanese Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator for BGSU, will lead another live teaching session of origami on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. This program is open to all ages and will take place via the video software, Zoom. To register and receive the Zoom link, please email Ms. Lauren at [email protected]. We know that not everyone has origami paper, though, so the library has you covered. Schedule a Curbside Pickup of an origami paper kit by calling the library or by filling out the form on our website at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup.

Poetry Teatime: ​Families (or anyone, really) are encouraged to start a regular ritual of slowing down and sharing tea and treats, accompanied by the glorious language of poetry. Join us via Zoom for a fun family event on Monday,  Sept. 21, at 6 p.m. We'll provide you with a special Poetry Teatime Kit including: a recommended book list, tea bags, and Zoom instructions. Call to register by Sept. 10.

The Mobile Health Clinic:​ Bluffton Public Library will host a free Mobile Health Clinic on Friday, Sept. 25, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. All services are provided by individuals with the Ohio Northern University Healthwise program. This clinic includes free screenings for blood pressure, osteoporosis, 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.

Please notice: ​Many Take & Make Kits and Book Bundles from the library’s Summer Program are still available. Schedule a pickup on our website or call the library. The library will also continue offering digital book displays and lists to help you find your next read at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/booklists​.

Banned Books Week:​ Celebrate your freedom to read Sept 27 - Oct 3. Find a list of banned books on our website at ​blufftonpubliclibrary.org/bookdisplays​.

Library Card Sign-up Month:​This year, Wonder Woman reminds us that libraries are wonderful. Having a library card empowers you to learn more about the world around you with access to books, databases, and many other resources! Enjoy some of the wonderful benefits of your local library by signing up for a card during September.