The public is invited to help the Hastings Public Library celebrate its 120th Anniversary with music, games and cake at the Thornapple Plaza, Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Events include a Hula Hoop workshop and contest, a Cup Cake walk to support children's programs, balloon animals, a giant chess game, a chance to throw a pie in the face of someone you know, have your picture taken on a pirate ship and maybe even win a prize bag.

Library Administrator Laura Ortiz invited Hastings City Council members to the event, noting that Department of Public Services Director Lee Hays has volunteered to be the target in pie throwing at 3 p.m. Despite Hays opinion that he was so nice, no one would want to hit him in the face with a pie, a majority of council members immediately volunteered to be the pie throwers.

The Hastings City Council celebrated the milestone with Mayor Frank Campbell reading an official proclamation Aug. 8. What started as a lending library for members only by the local woman’s club in 1896 has evolved into a state of the art facility that is the first library in Michigan that is GOLD Leed Certified for Architectural Design, he said. //

The library averages 13,500 visitors a month with more than 65,000 items in a 15,000 square foot building on East State Street. A staff of 13 dedicated professionals and 75 volunteers provide many library services and programs, Campbell said. In September, 2013, the library welcomed its millionth visitor.

The library, which moved from Church Street to its present location in 2007,  is supported by millage from residents of Rutland and Hastings townships and the City of Hastings.

A community room is available for use by non-profits and civic groups and library card holders are entitled to use the internet once a day. The internet and wireless connections are filtered to conform with Michigan and federal laws. Unlimited Wi-Fi is available without log-in or password.