The staff of Bluffton Public Library are excited to announce the library’s Summer Program “Imagine Your Story,” beginning June 15 and ending on August 15, 2020. June 15th will also mark the launch of the library’s first digital Summer Reading Challenge utilizing the software and app, “Beanstack.” Starting on our library’s website, patrons may utilize Beanstack to register online, track their reading, and earn prizes along the way! The library will also continue to offer events, programs, and services online and through pickup services to provide support, education, and entertainment for community members of all ages.

Summer Reading Challenge goes digital

Beanstack is a software that helps you and/or your family discover books, keep track of your reading, and reach reading goals — and as usual, reaching those reading goals means you will be rewarded for your hard work! (Yes, the library has prizes!) Thousands of libraries and schools utilize Beanstack for their reading programs, and Bluffton Public Library staff are excited about their first online Summer Reading Challenge.

To read more about Beanstack, visit our webpage at blufftonpubliclibrary.org/summerprogram.  To visit the library’s Beanstack page directly, visit  blufftonpubliclibrary.beanstack.org.  Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge opens June 15, 2020, and may be completed on the library’s Beanstack page or by calling the library at 419-358-5016.

Those unable to access the digital version of the Summer Reading Challenge may participate in the

Summer Reading Challenge as library staff accommodate in these ways:

• Paper forms are available at the lobby in the Village Office starting June 15.
• Request to pick-up paper forms at the library using our Curbside Pickup service.
• Request a mailed or emailed form by calling the library or emailing

 pr@blufftonpubliclibrary.org

• Print out a form from our website: www.blufftonpubliclibrary.org
• Paper forms, once completed, may be turned in via the outdoor bookdrop.

Events and programs

The following events and programs are offered online utilizing the program speaker’s online software of choice. Read the description for each to learn how you can attend from your device of

choice from home or wherever you are! Please note: July and August events and programs are still to be announced.

• Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body: Tips from the Latest Research:

As part of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter will collaborate with the library in the effort to increase awareness and provide resources to those that may need help.

Check library social media for upcoming classes through the Alzheimer’s Association. This free virtual education session about the brain was recorded using BlueJeans software and after its upload on June 15, patrons may access it at any time from the library’s website and Facebook.

• Fireflies – presented by Dan Hodges, Naturalist at Johnny Appleseed Metro Park

District:

This virtual program in collaboration with the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District is open to all ages and will take place on Tues, June 23 at 6:00 p.m. The presentation will last approximately 45 minutes via the Zoom software, with time for questions following.

To register for this digital event, RSVP on the Facebook Event page or by emailing the library at director@blufftonpubliclibrary.org by June 19 and receive the Zoom link and information on how to join. Please do not publicly share the link. Thank you!

• The Quarry Farm and Bluffton Public Library present “Quarry Farm Fridays”:

Most Fridays through the summer, patrons are invited to watch a fun video featuring the Animal of the Week on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. Those who attend live may ask questions via the Facebook chat, but those who are unable to attend may still view the video later in the day when it is posted on both organizations’ Facebook pages and websites. See our flyer to see each animal of the week!

Once the video goes live, there will be themed Animal Book Bundles available. Read more about book bundles below.

• The Noon Book Discussion group will meet virtually via Zoom on Wed., July 1 at noon to discuss The Good Neighbor: The Life & Work of Fred Rogers by Maxwell King. This monthly discussion group is open to new members, and registration is required by June 30. Register by emailing asc@blufftonpubliclibrary.org.

Because interlibrary loan is currently unavailable, we are unable to offer multiple hard copies of this book. In the meantime, this title is currently listed as “Always Available” as an audiobook on the Overdrive and Libby apps through the library catalog. Check it out there with your library card and listen from your laptop, phone or tablet!

The next book club meeting is Wed., August 5, and the title is pending. Email asc@blufftonpubliclibrary to be added to our Noon Book Group Discussion email list.

• BookTalk Tuesday- for teens!: Follow the library on Instagram @blufftonpubliclibrary and join the live stream on Tues., June 16 at 2 p.m. Librarians will be on Instagram

Live to talk about the newest young adult book titles, provide suggested reads, and answer questions about teen programs and materials

• New at the Library: On Mondays, June 22 and June 29 at 12 p.m., join library staff as they discuss new materials added to the library, talk about reserving book bundles, and answer your questions! You can watch live on the library’s YouTube channel.
• Teens interested in helping the library through making reading lists, writing reviews, and suggesting materials and programs should join the staff for a Virtual Teen Advisory Group meeting on Thurs., June 25 at 2 p.m. This will be a friendly discussion about how the library can help support the area teens! To register, please email

 pr@blufftonpubliclibrary.org.

• Sign up for the library’s first ever Virtual Game Night! Play a friendly game of “CodeNames” on Tues., June 30 at 6 p.m. This program is open to families with older children, teens, and adults. To register, please email pr@blufftonpubliclibrary.org.
• Ask A Librarian: Our staff are available to help anyone needing assistance accessing our resources online. Please take advantage of our live #askalibrarian chats on social media: on Wednesdays from 12-2 p.m. on our Instagram, on Thursdays from 12-2 p.m. on our Twitter, and on Fridays from 12-2 p.m. on Facebook. Patrons may also ask research questions or for book recommendations.

“Take & Make” Kits and Book Bundles

Throughout designated weeks of the Summer Program, “Take & Make” Kits and Book Bundles will be curated and gathered by library staff and made available for patrons while supplies last. Pickup of these kits and bundles may be scheduled using the library’s Curbside Pickup webpage at  blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup or by calling the library.

• “Take & Make Kits for Grades K-5: The library will have weekly themed “Take and

Make” craft kits available for pickup starting June 23rd and continuing through

August 15. Children will create a Unicorn Kite, a Story Fan, a Magic Wand, and more! These activities are for children going into grades K-5. See our flyer for each week’s theme.

• Storytime Book Bundles: To make sure you don’t miss out on Storytime fun, library staff have created a number of special themed Storytime book bundles. Available from June 15th. A full list of themes can be found on our website. Each bundle contains 3 books and a guidance card with songs and fingerplays. Storytime is for children ages 3-5.
• Quarry Farm Fridays & Animal Book Bundles: As part of Quarry Farm Fridays, the library will make themed Animal Book Bundles available each week after the video goes live! Sneak peak: June 19 features Sophie the Pot Bellied Pig, and June 26 features Quinn the Fox!
• Display Book Bundles? Do you miss browsing displays? Good news! We’ve created some display book bundles, based on what would have been displayed during this month. You can either request a pre-made bundle or “build your own” from one of our reading lists!
• Thoughtful Conversations: Racism: This ongoing series will focus on parts of the library’s collection to help support your conversations at home and with others. Upcoming topics will include: Pride Month, Fear & Anxiety, Mental Health, and Grief. For a book list, please visit: blufftonpubliclibrary.org/thoughtful-conversations-series .

Pre-made book bundles may be requested for pickup. A community that supports and respects each other creates citizens who inspire and support each other.

Library materials services continue

The library continues to offer Curbside Pickup service and the 24/7 outdoor book drop for returning items. All pickups must be set up in advance via our website, and appointments are not confirmed until you receive communication via phone call or email. For more information, or to place holds on library materials, visit  blufftonpubliclibrary.org/pickup  or call the library during curbside open hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Public Services Coordinator / Bluffton Public Library

419-358-5016 / psc@blufftonpubliclibrary.org