Events for Adults
The Library, while committed to providing an oasis of calm and quiet, enthusiastically makes room for discussion and engagement. Our programs — always free — represent a range of interests as eclectic and inclusive as our community. Supported by the Friends organization, the Library screens films, presents concerts, holds art workshops, and hosts author talks and lecture series.
Planning such events, we have the enviable advantage of a rich pool of resident talent upon which to draw: writers, scholars, educators, scientists, musicians, and other accomplished individuals eager to share their expertise and experience. Widespread attendance by the public enlarges the scope of the Library and affirms its pride of place in village life.
Memoir Writing Workshop
May 7, 14, 21, 28
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
For everyone who has written, wants to write, or is scared to write about their life! This workshop is sure to inspire you and have fun while doing so.
We focus on craft: making your story as good as it can be. But you are not required to submit anything if you don’t want to.
Note – There is no writing or reading in the workshop. Work is submitted in advance.
Maximum enrollment: 15
Workshop is led by Rachel Levine, an award winning writer of fiction, poetry, plays, & humor, with an MFA in fiction. She teaches creative writing all over Westchester County. Visit her website for more information and to view her teaching schedule.
Email RachelLevine55@gmail.com to register.
Jonathan Rosen on The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness, and the Tragedy of Good Intentions
May 20
7:30 p.m.
Rosen will discuss his account of his friendship with Michael Lauder, a brilliant fellow student who was diagnosed as schizophrenic before killing his pregnant fiancée in 1998. The book, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores mental illness and the history of institutionalization, with a heart-rending Hastings backdrop.
Little Miss Sunshine
May 22
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Hastings Senior Thursday presents a screening of Little Miss Sunshine (Rated R – 101 minutes). The movie stars Steve Carell, Toni Collette, and Abigail Breslin.
Sponsored by the Hastings Outreach Program, Hastings Senior Council, Hastings Public Library and Destination Hastings.
“Keeping It Real” Book Club
May 30
11:00 a.m.
The Hastings Public Library’s non-fiction book club will be discussing the first 400 pages of The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert Caro.
Copies are available at the Circulation Desk of the Library.
Please email has@hastingslibrary.org to register or for more information.
Mahjong Group
Tuesdays
12:30 p.m.
If interested in playing Mahjong at the Library, call (914) 478-3307 or visit the Circulation Desk and leave your name and number.
Players will need to bring their card from the Mahjong League.
Movin’ the Mind and Groovin’ the Balance
Tuesdays
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Participate in a dance class for folks with Parkinson’s and movement challenges.
Join dancers Julie Worden (Mark Morris Dance Group, Dance for PD Teacher, PMD Alliance Ambassador) and Andrea Sherman (Choreographer with Jacques D’Amboise, writer on ritual and aging).
Suggested Donation: $5
Parking passes will be available at the Circulation Desk of the Library.
Email has@hastingslibrary.org for more information.
“I have been thoroughly enjoying attending the Parkinson’s Dance classes. Julie and Andrea have developed dance routines set to music that are engaging, fun and adaptable – fostering balance and flexibility in a supportive and inclusive program. I have met some wonderful people!” -Jane Carpe, participant
“I look forward to the dance classes, they keep my old bones limber, keep me moving well and I always leave them smiling!” -David Wood, participant
Knitting and Crocheting Group
Tuesdays
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
At the present time, we have reached our maximum number of participants. Please know this is not a teaching group, but a social gathering for knitters and crocheters to work on individual projects.
For more information or to be added to the waiting list, please contact Reference Librarian, Jeanne Bastone: jbastone@hastingslibrary.org
Project Linus
Sundays, once a month, date TBA
For well over 10 years, the Hastings Library has hosted a group of dedicated knitters and crocheters who make blankets for Project Linus, a national organization named after the Peanuts character who always carries a security blanket with him. The donated blankets are distributed to hospitalized and other children in need of some comfort.
I recently received a very heartfelt thank you card from Doris-Patt Smith, a coordinator from Project Linus. It is such a gratifying experience to participate in this program and I invite anyone who might be interested in joining our group to email me for more information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks.
Jeanne Bastone, Reference Librarian
jbastone@hastingslibrary.org
Perspectives: An Intergenerational Community Discussion Group on Life and Culture
Second Tuesday of the month
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
For ages 13 and up.
A social hour featuring loosely guided discussions centered on a curated selection of movies, books, music, graphic novels, podcasts, and more.
Each month, a new piece of media will be discussed over snacks and coffee.
Join other members of your community to share common ground and gain a new perspective.
Email has@hastingslibrary.org to register or for more information.
The Seed Exchange
The Seed Exchange is at the Hastings Public Library!
Thanks to Katie Tolson and the Hastings Pollinator Pathway, the Fred and Louise Hubbard Heirloom Seed Collection has been revived.
The drawers of a vintage card catalog are labeled with the genre of seeds therein: flowers, herbs, vegetables and native plants. And, there is a clear container on top of the card catalog where you may place seeds you would like to contribute.
For questions or more information please stop by the exchange or go to the Hastings Pollinator Pathway website.