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Library to kick off summer reading during block party on May 31
Hastings Public Library kicks off the 2025 Summer Reading Program with a Block Party. The theme of the 2025 Summer Reading Program is "Color Our World,” focusing on art, diversity, and the stories that color our world.
The Block Party will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at the Hastings Public Library, 314 N. Denver Ave. The block party activities will take place outside of the library, on the 300 block of North Denver Avenue, which will be closed to traffic during the event
The Block Party will host several community organizations, including Joy Ride Pedal Company, Hastings Museum, Master Gardeners, Prairie Loft, Mentoring Works, Hastings Police and Fire Dept., and Apex. Booths will include temporary tattoos, pedal rides, activities, and more. The Hastings Public Library will also turn the Bookmobile into an escape room. Two hundred meals, donated by Runza and The Plainsman, will be available while supplies last.
There will also be a booth available for registration for the Summer Reading Program and information about upcoming programs through the summer as well as a table to sign up for a library card inside the library. Registration for the Summer Reading Program can also be done directly on the Beanstack app or through the Summer Reading Program page on the library’s website.
The program is available to all ages, categorized into the following groups: Ages 0 to 4; Ages 5-7; Ages 8-12; Ages 13-17, and Ages 18 and older. Each group has different reading goals to be completed to earn tickets to be put toward a grand prizes for each group. Winners to be drawn at the end of the program.
Free events and programs are available throughout the summer, including Page to Stage: The Little Mermaid, 10:30 a.m., on June 16; Raptors On-Site, 2 p.m., on June 25; and Magician Jeff Quinn, 2 p.m., on July 23. For a complete list of events with details, visit the Library's online calendar on the Library website.
New to this year’s program, HPL will conclude the Summer Reading Program with a wrap-up party. The Color Blast wrap-up party will be 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 2 at Lake Hastings. We will host a color run/walk along with engaging outdoor games. Grand prize winners of the Summer Reading Program will be announced at the event at 11:45 a.m.
For more information about the program or events, please visit the library's website on the Library website or call the library at 402-461-2346.
Published Date: 05/19/2025