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HPL to recognize National Library Week with bookmobile 60th Birthday Celebration
Hastings Public Library invites the community to celebrate National Library Week, April 21–25, with a variety of activities centered around this year’s theme, “Find Your Joy.” The week will highlight the many ways the library connects people to stories, resources, and each other—both inside the building and out in the community.
Throughout the week, patrons are encouraged to participate in a “Find Your Joy” Patron Shout-Out Station, where visitors can share what they love most about the library. Youth visitors can also take part in joy-themed stations located on the second floor, offering ways for kids to explore what brings them happiness at the library.
The highlight of the week will be a 60th Birthday Celebration of Bookmobile Service 5-6 p.m., on Wednesday, April 22 in the library’s greenspace. The event honors six decades of continuous bookmobile service bringing books, programs, and connections directly into neighborhoods across the community. The celebration will include: live music from the Hastings Middle School Band; cake and refreshments; historical displays highlighting the bookmobile’s legacy; and tours of the current bookmobile, which has served the community for over 25 years.
In addition, Bryant’s Books is partnering with the library to support the bookmobile collection. Beginning Wednesday, community members can visit the bookstore to purchase a book to be donated to the bookmobile. Donors will have the opportunity to place a personalized bookplate inside their contribution.
“For 60 years, the bookmobile has been a vital part of our mission to meet people where they are,” said Sam Rundle, outreach supervisor. “National Library Week is the perfect time to celebrate not only that legacy, but also the everyday moments of joy our patrons experience through library services.”
All events are free and open to the public. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and celebrate the joy of libraries. For more information, visit www.hastingslibrary.us or call at 402-461-2346.
Published Date: 04/21/2026