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Banned Books Week is October 5–11: “Censorship is so 1984. Read for Your Rights.” This year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society and that we must defend our rights. Books on display at our library will include materials that have been banned or challenged in libraries, booksellers and schools across the globe. This list is compiled by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (www.ala.org/bbooks). 

The Bluffton Public Library is seeking donations for the annual Holiday Gift Silent Auction fundraising event in November. Join us in raising funds to support library programming and services! Show your support with your generous tax-deductible donations in the form of gift baskets, gift cards, gift certificates, and more, accepted through October 18! Please itemize and include fair market value and contact information when dropping off the donations. Please stop by the library or call if you have any questions. 

Noon Book Group (R) meets Wed., Oct. 1 at a slightly later time at 12:30 p.m. and the group will discuss The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, and the author will be joining the group via Zoom. Stop by the library front desk to register and pick up the book, and to receive email updates! 

Is Your House Haunted? Property Research Basics (R) Mon., Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. What do you know for sure about your property? When was it built? Who lived there? Learn how to research the history of your home, the previous residents, or local folklore to determine if your property has any unusual past events and maybe even hear a tale or boo!. Register in person or online. 

Mobile Health Clinic: The next Mobile Health Clinic will be held on Thu., Oct. 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: Fall landscape (R)($) will be held Thu., Oct. 9 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Local artist Jeanne Crumrine will teach on the lower level of the library. Walk away with your own watercolor art, complete with mat! There is a $10 supply fee at the door (cash only please). Register in person or online. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult. 

Medicare 101 (R) will be presented by the Allen County Council on Aging on Tue., October 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Register in person or online. 

Robert H. Verb presents The James Webb Space Telescope (R) on Thu., Oct. 23 @ 6:00 p.m. Verb, retired U.S. army officer and engineer, will discuss his involvement in the creation of NASA’s largest and most powerful telescope: the James Webb Space Telescope. The presentation will include pictures as well as pieces and mineral samples for the audience to look at. There will be time for questions and discussion with the audience. Open to all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register in person or online. 

LET’S TALK ZOMBIES! (R) Lisa Robeson, Professor Emerita of English at ONU, will be leading a book discussion on World War Z by Max Brooks on Wed., Oct. 29 at 6:00 p.m. in the lower level of the library. Come prepared to discuss the book and learn about zombies in literature. Books are available for checkout at the library front desk.  Open to adults. Seating is limited. Register in person or online. 

Author David Fierst presents: Hidden Disgrace (R): Revealing the Distress Signals Covered by North American Indian Myths on Thu., Nov. 6 @ 6:00 p.m. David Fierst, attorney and author, will discuss how his book came to be after he visited the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Dakota and grappled with the living conditions there. Through meticulous research of original historical documents, he has worked to understand how these peoples have been treated throughout history, looking beyond the simple notion of “inevitable” westward expansion, and casts new light on the situation today and what might be done to make improvements.Books will be available for purchase for $25 cash at the event. Register in person or online. 

Fabric Pumpkin Art Class with Bluffton Art Company (R)($) will be held Tue., Oct.. 14 at 6:00 p.m. with Hannah Warwick of Bluffton Art Co. Come prepared to create your own pumpkin with fabric (your pick from a variety of cotton, felt, wool, and plaid), cotton stuffing, and cinnamon sticks – no sewing involved! Cost is $15 per person and will be taken at the door (cash only, please). Register in person or online. Open to adults, and teens and children with an accompanying adult.

“Open Hours” is held Monday afternoons after school at 3:30 p.m. for students in 6th-12th grade. Stop in to work on homework, puzzle or craft, play a game, or snag a book and read. More activities to come – Snacks are always provided. 

It’s the return of Anime Club! Help us plan the events and talk about all things anime (and manga too) – the first meeting is Fri., Oct. 17 @ 3:30 p.m. for students 6th-12th grade. For more information, please contact the library. 

Signing with Joy – ASL Family Storytime. Join Joy from Corson Communications each month, September – December, 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. Mark your calendars: Oct. 20, Nov. 17, and Dec. 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the children’s program room. 

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

Fall Storytimes (R) continue through November 12! Join Miss Beth for a time of stories, games, crafts, and lots of fun while developing early literacy skills! Baby 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. 

Baby Storytime: Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (Birth-under 3 year olds) Pre-K Storytime: Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. (3-5 year olds) 

Hummin’ & Strummin’ Song Circle will be held Mondays, Oct. 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. Bring your acoustic 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! 

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. This month we will be displaying a Raggedy Ann and Andy collection. 

Services Update 

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