Every month the Bluffton Public Library provides an overview of programming for the Icon and as an online and email newsletter. Check out what's new at the library, starting with programs requiring registration in advance:

Book & Wine Tasting (R)($)
This event is scheduled for Monday, March 27 @ 6:00 p.m. at Greenhorn. We will be "sampling" 4 books paired with 4 Greenhorn wine samples and finger foods. Who knows, maybe you will discover something new! There is a $10 fee at the door (cash only please), and advance registration is required as space is limited. Open to adults 21+. Please register by March 22.

Watercolor Workshop
A Daffodils (R)($) workshop will be held Thursday, March 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Beutler 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), and advance registration is required as space is limited. Open to adults and teens/children (with a participating adult).

Defending Dillinger
Author and speaker Denise M. Testa presents Defending the Dillinger Gang (R) Who was the first woman attorney to participate in an Allen County, Ohio murder trial? Join us on Monday, March 20 @ 6:00 p.m. as we celebrate Women’s History Month and discover why a suffragist trailblazer would defend not one but three members of the John Dillinger Gang. Please register by March 16. 

Family, Baby, and Pre-K Storytimes (R)
Storytimes continue through April 26. Register via QR code or stop by the library front desk to register. Storytime is a reading and song-filled half hour to encourage a relationship with reading. Register for Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. OR Wednesday mornings at 10:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Medicare 101
Allen County Council on Aging will present Medicare 101 on Tuesday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. There will be time for questions after the presentation, and participants can find out about other services offered by the Allen County Council on Aging. Please register by March 27. 

Student Art Month
The library is honored to be hosting local students' art. Art teachers from Bluffton schools have made submitted selections for their students and a selection of homeschool student art will also be included, as submitted by parents. The art will be on display for the entire month. Join us for refreshments and check out the creative work from our young community during the Student Art Showcase on Thursday, March 16 at 6:00 p.m. 

Women's History Month
Through March 31, Bluffton Public Library is participating in “Women’s History Month,” and “Read Across America” Reading Challenges sponsored by Beanstack.  Earn badges while you celebrate women’s history and join your community as you discover that reading can take you anywhere!  Keep Reading Bluffton!

Book Group on the first Wednesday of the month
Noon Book Group (R) will meet on Wednesday, April 5 to discuss Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict. Stop by the library's front desk to pick up book discussion book(s) for the next discussion and to sign up for email updates and reminders. Limited copies available.

Galley Book Group (R)
This group will meet Wednesday, March 15 at noon to discuss the advance reader (galley) version of A Half-Baked Murder: A Cannabis Café Mystery by Emily George (cozy mystery; first in a series) to be published late February 2023. The group will meet with author Colleen Cambridge on Wednesday, April 19 at 12:00 to discuss Mastering the Art of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge (fiction/mystery & detective/historical; first in a series) to be published in April 2023. Stop by the library's front desk to pick up book discussion book(s) for the next discussion and to sign up for email updates and reminders. Limited copies available.

Mobile Health Clinic
The mobile clinic's next visit is Friday, March 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.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) and osteoporosis. Participants may speak with ONU Healthwise students and staff about their results or concerns, and even receive referrals to area doctors. Please notice: Covid-19 vaccinations are not available at these clinics.

Live Music Song Circle
Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle will meet at 5:30 p.m. on each Monday the library is open. (Check the library calendar or website.) This is a relaxed, song-circle style music session and anyone is welcome to join or listen in. Bring your instrument, voice, or listening ears!

SERVICES UPDATE

COVID-19 Test Kits
At-Home Abbott BinaxNow test kits are available at the Library. We are limiting 4 boxes per household per day. These are proctored test kits and contain 1 test per box. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call to schedule curbside pickup.