MEDIA RELEASE__Details for April 2026 programs at Bluffton Public Libray, 145 S. Main St. See the March calendar HERE.

Events and Programs 

National Library Week, April 19-26, 2026 is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. This year's theme, “Find Your Joy,” is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library. 

Friends of the Library Spring Tea & Silent Auction ($) will be held on Thu., Apr. 30 at 6:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Cathryn Essinger, mother of fellow Bluffton author, Dave Essinger. Tickets are $20 and can be paid for and picked up at the Bluffton Public Library front desk starting March 23. Cash or check accepted. Limited seating is available, so be sure to stop by the library soon to purchase your ticket(s)!

Prize Donation Drive - We need your help! In preparation for 2026 Summer Read Unearth a Story, the library is seeking donations of items suitable for prizes for all ages.  The library has an Amazon Wish List set up for this purpose. Monetary donations are also accepted (cash, check, or Paypal.) Provide your contact info when you donate, to be recognized on our Donor Thanks flyer that runs through the summer! Pick up a donation request letter from the library for more information. All donations are tax deductible. 

Noon & 2:00 Book Discussions (R) will meet Wed., Apr. 1 at Noon and at 2:00 p.m. to discuss Go As a River by Shelley Read. On Wed., May 6, at Noon and at 2:00 p.m., the groups will discuss Happiness Falls by Angie Kim. Stop by the library front desk to register for your preferred time, check out the book, and to receive email updates!

Mobile Health Clinic: The next Mobile Health Clinic will be held on Thu., April 9 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), and flu vaccines. 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: Lighthouse (R)($) will be held Thu., April 9 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 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), and advance registration is required as space is limited. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult.

Acrylic Art Class: April Showers (R) ($) will be held Tue., Apr. 14 @ 6:00 p.m. Join Hannah as she guides you through the process of creating an April Showers painting in acrylic. Cost is $10. Register in person or online as space is limited. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult.

Building Brain-Healthy Habits (R) Tues., Apr. 21 at 5:30 p.m.  Join us at the Bluffton Public Library in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter as we learn about the research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement, and use of hands-on tools to incorporate these recommendations into a  plan for healthy aging. Register in person or online. 

First American Voices: Whitman & Dickinson, the Poetry of a Blooming Nation, presented by Allen County Poet Laureate Laurin Wolf  (R) will be held Tue., Apr. 28 @ 6:00 p.m. Listen to a lecture by the Allen County Poet Laureate on the uniquely American voices that emerged in early 19th Century America. Through the lens of a reclusive and a former Civil War nurse, we can understand what America was becoming and where poetic voice broke open. Experience a step back into the beginnings of American poetry and come to hear poems read aloud. Laurin Wolf is the Allen County Poet Laureate. She holds an MFA from Kent State University and a BA from the University of Pittsburgh, both in poetry writing. Her chapbooks include: come back mother (Dancing Girl Press 2020), and about staying in (Finishing Line Press 2018). She teaches at Rhodes State College.  Register in person or online.

Teen Snack Attack! Calling all hungry teenagers, grades 6-12! Stop by the library after school to hone your chef skills and create a delicious snack, appetizer, or dessert. We will meet Mon., Apr. 27 at 3:30 p.m. No registration is required.

Spring Storytime (R) continues through April 29. Join Miss Beth for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Little Ones Storytime is open to ages birth-2 and Pre-K Storytime is open to ages 3-5. When registering, please specify if your child has any food allergies, as snacks are often provided.
Register in person or online.
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) 

Family Storytime: Birds! (R) Join us Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 p.m. for a fun evening of stories and activities in the children's activity room. Families with children of any age are welcome.  Register in person or online.

Family STEM Club: Do you have a budding engineer in your family? If so, join us for exciting STEM engineering challenges one Thursday evening each month at 6:00 p.m. As a family unit, design, test, and modify your own creations. Meet downstairs in the large activity room Apr. 23. No registration required.

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. Meet downstairs in the large activity room at noon on Friday, Apr. 17. No registration required.

Signing with Joy - ASL Family Storytime. Join Joy from Corson Communications each month, February-April, for Family Storytime in ASL!  Learn and experience American Sign Language through stories, games and interactive play - Mon., Apr. 6 at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome and no registration is required. 

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

Hummin' & Strummin' Song Circle will be held Mondays, Apr. 6, 13, 20, and 27 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 on 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!

NEW! Library Puzzle Swap - You’ve completed a puzzle, now what to do? Swap them! Swapped puzzles should be in good condition with all the pieces. For each puzzle you bring, you can take home a new one. For all ages.

Community Display Case: Cherry Blossoms

Services Update

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.  

Download the SEO Libraries app to manage your library account. Library card at your fingertips. Place items on hold. Check due dates. Browse the catalog. Download it at the Apple App Store or on Google Play.

Don’t forget that the Ohio Digital Library remains open 24/7 from your computer or mobile device!