Hastings Reads kicks off at library

The annual Hastings Reads event kicked off Saturday at the Pleasant Hill Library. Sled dogs were on hand for children to learn about. This year’s theme is “It’s a Dog’s Life.”

The main event in the program is coming at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, when New York Times best-selling author Garth Stein will read from and sign copies of his award-winning book “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” at Hastings Middle School.

During the day, Stein will be working with students at the school.

Other events

Hastings residents will be able to discuss Stein’s book at several events before his visit here.

The Senior Center book group will discuss “The Art of Racing in the Rain” at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at the Senior Center, 310 River St. The discussion is open to all interested.

That evening, Pleasant Hill Library will host a discussion from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the library. Librarian Gladys Kim will lead this discussion.

The Hastings Area YMCA is hosting a family fun night for elementary children and their parents from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22. Hastings author Charlie Johnson and his dog Emmy will visit with the children. Several dogs from Rio Gran will also be present to lead a safety demonstration.

The evening is free and includes pizza. No registration is necessary.

Tags: news, hastings, minnesota, spiral, local