A message from your library
Regardless of county status, staff are available via phone, email, or social media to answer questions and provide reference services. Our WiFi is always on, unlocked, and can be accessed in the parking lots and outside the building. The health and safety of our patrons and staff at the Bluffton Public Library are a top priority and the library is working hard to keep services available. The library will review services and update as needed.
For more information...
Please return checked-out library materials in our 24/7 outdoor book drop or in the library only. No returns may be made through Curbside Pickup Appointments.
Continue checking the library’s website or social media for updated information. We invite you to explore library resources we have to offer on our website.
If you have questions, please email the library at pr@blufftonpubliclibrary.org.
To stay healthy, the CDC and other health agencies recommend:
- Washing your hands frequently. Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home and away from others if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces frequently.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Local updates
The Bluffton Hospital has a COVID-19 triage and testing center available by appointment only. Persons who believe they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 may call 419-369-2399 for a phone pre-screen conversation with a registered nurse.
Other area testing centers include:
- Blanchard Valley Health System (Findlay): 419-423-7890
- Allen County Public Health/Lima Memorial Health System/Mercy Health St. Rita’s (Taking calls daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.): 419-226-9000
Trusted Information Sources
Sharing accurate information from trusted sources is critical to reduce misinformation. Find reliable and current information about the outbreak from local and national agencies below.
Recorded and live updates
- from Ohio: https://ohiochannel.org/collections/governor-mike-dewine
- from the White House: https://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse
Ohio Department of Health
The Ohio Department of Health maintains a website with the up-to-date information on the outbreak, current risk to the public, and links to helpful resources.
- https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/
- ODH has also set up a call center to address questions regarding COVID-19. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and can be reached at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
- Information about Masks
- Top 5 Ways To Disinfect When Everyday Supplies Run Out
- COVID-19 News Releases & News You Can Use
Allen County Public Health
Centers for Disease Control
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has set up a website with a range of information about the current risk to the public, symptoms to watch for, prevention, testing, and advice for schools, communities and businesses.
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Educational Materials | Nonpharmaceutical Interventions
Cleveland Clinic
World Health Organization
Library Resources for Coronavirus Information
Coping With Stress and Anxiety
- Managing Stress and Anxiety
- Calm App
- Mindfullness Coach (For Veterans)
- Breathe2Relax App
- Virus Anxiety
- NAMI - National Help Line
- NAMI - Sources for Immediate Help
- Coronavirus Sanity Guide
- SAMHSA: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During and Infectious Disease Outbreak
- Shine: Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety
- Mental Health & COVID-19
- https://heyimhere.org
- Be Present Ohio » Struggling Mentally - Help for Teens & Young Adults
- Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis
- Mental Health During COVID-19: Signs Your Child May Need More Support
Department of Labor
Resources for Parents & Families
- Child Care Information from Ohio Job and Family Services
- Helping Children Cope
- Coping After a Disaster
- COVID-19 Parent Handout
- Supporting Childrens Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health
- Daniel Tiger: How to Talk to Your Kids About the Coronavirus
- Prevention Action Alliance - Help for Parents
- National Association of School Psychologists: COVID-19 Resource Center
- National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent's Resource
- BrainPop: Coronavirus information for Kids
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Parent/Caregiver Guide - Helping Families Cope
- Guía de ayuda para padres y cuidadores para ayudar a las familias a enfrentar la enfermedad Coronavirus 2019
- Resources for Dealing WIth Stress and Anxiety in Children - American Psychological Association
- Mindfulness for Kids & Teens - American Psychological Association
Resources for Information: Bluffton Area & Beyond
- While At Home
- Bluffton Area Need Help/Give Help Facebook Page
- Bluffton Chamber of Commerce - Business Updates
- 211.org
- Keeping People Safe - Social Distancing
- We Care People: Mental Health Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties
Resources for First Responders
- Emergency Responders: Taking Care of Yourself
- Disaster Responders
- Providers Resiliance
- Ten Percent Happier - Access for Healthcare Workers
- Headspace - Access for Healthcare Workers
COVID-19 Resources/Info for Patrons
COVID-19 Risk Level Dashboard from Brown School of Public Health
A LOOK INTO THE PAST:
Vintage advertisements and posters that encourage social distancing