Hastings Reads 2024 is set to kick off this February, with a month filled with fantastic and free activities for all
ages.
This year’s theme is “It’s Going to be Okay,” and the book selections are Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib
Khorram (adults/teens), Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper (middle grades), and Looking for Happy by Ty
Chapman (elementary grades). Books can be checked out from the library, purchased at any bookstore, or
purchased in town at the YMCA and Tilden.
The main event is an author visit from Adib Khorram, author of the awarding-winning novel, Darius the Great is
Not Okay. Khorram will be at HHS for a lyceum on February 12 and will speak that evening at 6:30 in the
Hastings Arts Center. The event is free and open to all, and Khorram will sign books.
Ty Chapman, author of Looking for Happy, will also be in town on February 23 for family night at the YMCA. This
event for families with children in elementary school will include pizza, books, and movement, and—of course—a
book reading with the author.
Other events include book discussions, a movie at the senior center, meditation and yoga classes, library events,
a resiliency workshop, and a presentation on creating caring communities. All events are free, and detailed
information is on the Hastings Reads website and Facebook page.
This is Hastings Reads’ 18th year! It is a community-wide reading program that seeks to encourage reading and
discussion of books and how they can help us understand the lives and experiences of ourselves and others.
Everyone is invited to read the books and participate in the events. Let’s start reading and talking today!