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.
Jane Austen Dance Party
January 24
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth will be celebrated around the world on December 16, 2025.
To recognize the occasion, the Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library will be hosting – what else! – an English country dance. (Watch this video to see an example by the Country Dancers of Westchester.)
Our dance will be for anyone twelve years and up and will include instruction from Paul Ross of Country Dancers of Westchester.
Goers are welcome to dress in contemporary clothing or tap their historical imagination, with ballgowns, boots, vests, and cravats all welcome.
Space is limited. Registration is required. Call the Library or email rkelly@hastingslibrary.org to register or for more information.
About Jane Austen:
Austen was born on December 16, 1775 in the Village of Steventon, Hampshire, England, the seventh of eight children; her father was rector of the local parish church. She is the author of six novels, including Sense and Sensibility (1811) and Pride and Prejudice (1813). Austen’s novels remain very popular.
Emily Dickinson once said, “Tell all the Truth but tell it slant,” and this is exactly what Austen did; not coyly or girlishly but as a perceptive, empathetic (and often hilarious) artist, her books founded in realistic portrayals of the landed English gentry, a system defined by patriarchal constraint, marital anxiety, economic gaming and, as ever, human longing. As Jane Bennet says (to her sister) in Pride and Prejudice, “I should so much rather marry for love, Lizzy.”
Mahjong Group
Tuesdays
12:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Thursdays
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 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.
Come join dancers Julie Worden and Andrea Sherman for a movement class for folks with Parkinson’s and balance challenges.
Julie Worden is a dancer with the Mark Morris Dance Group, Dance for PD teacher and an ambassador for the PMD Alliance. Andrea Sherman is a dancer, a writer on ritual and aging and was a choreographer with Jacques D’Amboise.
This project is funded by a grant from the Field Hall Foundation and Arts Alive, a regrant program of ArtsWestchester with support from the Office of the Governor, the New York State Legislature, and the New York State Council on the Arts.
Parking passes will be available at the Front Desk of the Library.
Suggested donation: $5
Email has@hastingslibrary.org with any questions.
Knitting and Crocheting Group
Tuesdays
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels come together to share an afternoon working on their various projects. Although this is not officially a teaching group, we welcome novice and more experienced knitters and crocheters to join us and are always happy to help those who need some support.
Please email Jeanne Bastone at jbastone@hastingslibrary.org for more information.
Project Linus
Sundays, once a month, date TBA
Project Linus is a national organization that collects and distributes handmade knitted and crocheted blankets to hospitalized and other children in need of some comfort. It is named after the Peanuts character Linus, who is always portrayed with his security blanket in hand. Knitters and crocheters are warmly invited to participate in this wonderful cause.
Please email Jeanne Bastone at jbastone@hastingslibrary.org for more information.