The Art of Fighting: Building Better, Stronger Relationships with Priya Parker
2026-09-15 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library- Virtual
Register Here

Join us for a paradigm-shifting, essential event as we sit down with world-renowned master facilitator Priya Parker to discuss her groundbreaking new book, The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict.
In The Art of Fighting, Priya Parker explains that we can’t form and grow effective relationships without a fight. She rejects the idea that conflict is abnormal or that good groups don’t fight. All groups change and evolve; indeed, it’s because people disagree that good groups flourish.
As she did in the now-classic The Art of Gathering, Parker draws on her far-reaching experience as a conflict facilitator, her own detailed research, and real-world examples to lay out the ways that people can identify disputes, determine how to address them, and what to do if they are insurmountable. Whether people disagree in the boardroom or the locker room, on a playground or in church, online or in person, conflict is a part of life, and understanding healthy conflict and how to harness its power is more important than ever. The Art of Fighting is a vital primer to help all of us understand how to do that.
Register today to learn how to turn everyday arguments into profound moments of connection and trust!

About the Author:
Priya Parker is an internationally recognized expert on creating purposeful gatherings and reimagining how we come together in our communities and our workplaces. She is a conflict facilitator, strategic advisor, speaker, and author of the acclaimed book The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters and the host of The Art of Gathering Digital Course. Whether addressing CEOs, non-profit leaders, students or community organizers, Parker captivates audiences with her unique blend of storytelling, research-backed insights, and practical strategies.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Hutchinson Public Library.

Is the Book Always Better? Book + Movie Discussion
2026-09-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Whether you love or hate film adaptations of your favorite stories, this book club is the place to have an exciting conversation about books, casting choices, plot changes, cinematography, and more! We meet every other month with a new title each time. Joining is easy! Check out the book for the “Is the Book Always Better?” book club at the public service desk.

Adventurers Guild
2026-09-12 13:30 - 16:00, 2026-08-08 13:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Sign up here!

Children’s Chess Club
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Come to the Youth Services area and play and learn strategy from a chess instructor.

Read to Rover
2026-09-10 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-13 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Studies show that children gain confidence when reading to dogs. Whether your child is a pre-reader, just learning to read, or is a proficient reader, they will enjoy this fun program. When readers get three punches on their punch card, they get a free book! This program is in partnership with Hutchinson Kennel Club Therapy Dogs.
No registration required.

Board Game Night
2026-09-10 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-13 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Join us for an evening of fun, friendly competition, and community at Board Game Night! Whether you’re into strategy showdowns, lighthearted party games, or classic card games, there’s something for everyone.
Games Include:

Tabletop Games

Party games

Card games

Trivia

(Feel free to bring your own favorite to share!)
Snacks will be provided — come hungry for both games and goodies!
Free and open to the public.Ages 18 and up.
Bring a friend or come solo — either way, you’re sure to have a great time!

Writing the Nightmare: A Ship Called Sickness and One Unforgettable Space Crew with Daniel Kraus
2026-09-08 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library- Virtual
Register Here

Prepare to launch into the darkest depths of deep space! Join us online as we sit down with master storyteller Daniel Kraus, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, to celebrate the release of his breathtaking new novel, The Sixth Nik.
Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars The Sickness: a ship woven from biomatter and capable of reacting to every need of its human crew. Sisilla, a nine-year-old cultist with a brain enhanced by arcane tech known as “niks,” has boarded to investigate the enigma of Fém—a plague-riddled planet that has abruptly gone rogue.
The mysterious crew includes a faceless assassin, a beautiful engineer jigsawed by plastic surgery, a peyote-addicted medic, and—most lethal of all—a rugged, NonModded captain with a score to settle with Sisilla. Other dangers abound. A hacked robot begins to believe Sisilla is its daughter. The Sickness itself is mutating, possibly even pregnant. And the secret of Fém is more horrific than anyone could have imagined. To survive, Sisilla will need to forsake her predetermined fate and embrace the unknown.
Register now to gain exclusive insight from one of the most visionary voices in modern fiction.

About the Author:
Daniel Kraus is a Pulitzer Prize-winning, New York Times bestselling writer of novels, TV, and film. His novel Angel Down was the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner, a New York Times Top 10 Book of 2025, and a national bestseller. His novel Whalefall received a front-cover review in the New York Times Book Review, won the Alex Award, was an L.A. Times Book Prize Finalist, and was a Best Book of 2023 from NPR, the New York Times, Amazon, Chicago Tribune, and more.
With Guillermo del Toro, he co-authored The Shape of Water, based on the same idea the two created for the Oscar-winning film. Also with del Toro, Kraus co-authored Trollhunters, which was adapted into the Emmy-winning Netflix series. He co-wrote The Living Dead and Pay the Piper with legendary filmmaker George A. Romero. Kraus’s The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch was named one of Entertainment Weekly‘s Top 10 Books of the Year. Kraus has won the Bram Stoker Award, Scribe Award, two Odyssey Awards (for both Rotters and Scowler), and has appeared multiple times as Library Guild selections, and more.
Kraus’s work has been translated into over 25 languages. He lives with his partner in Chicago. Visit him at danielkraus.com.

For the Record - Books + Music Club
2026-09-08 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-08-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
For the Record is a place for music lovers to gather and share their love of both reading about and listening to music. Join us for a monthly meetup on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00PM. We dive into the stories behind iconic musicians and albums, while sharing our favorite tracks and newest record finds. We read the 33 1/3 series. These are short books, each about a different musician and album. We explore a new one each month with a discussion about the book, album and the music that moves us. Whether you are a vinyl enthusiast or just passionate about discovering new sounds, For the Record offers a fun and welcoming space to connect.

We meet every month except for September.
Visit our Adults page to see what we are reading this month. Books are available for check out at the Public Service desk.

LEGOS® at the Library
2026-09-05 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-01 10:30 - 12:00 UTC | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Learn about creative ways to build and explore your own ingenuity and imagination, and socialize with other LEGO fans! Check out our collection of LEGO books as well.
This is a free program, does not require registration, and is suitable for children & families ages 3 – 12 (younger children should be carefully monitored because of choking hazards). Building prompts and challenges may be provided by library staff, but are not mandatory.

The Democracy We Must Keep: Why the Ideas that Built America Still Matter with David O. Stewart
2026-09-01 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library- Virtual
Register Here

Award-Winning Historian and Bestselling Author of Impeached and The Summer of 1787

Join us as we chat with award-winning historian David O. Stewart about his newest work, The Democracy We Must Keep, and the question he explores throughout the book: What did America’s founders say about democracy, and can we remain true to their vision for America?
Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled.
In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry’s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution.
Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape.
These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy:

Power must be limited.
Leaders must answer to the people.
Individual rights must be protected by law.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them.
Register today to gain a deeper understanding of how American democracy started, why it still matters, and the active role each generation must play to uphold it.

About the Author:
David O. Stewart has published eleven award-winning and best-selling books of history and historical novels. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington Independent Review of Books. His most recent fictional series, the Overstreet Saga, is inspired by family stories his mother told. He lives in Maryland with the light of his life, Nancy Floreen; they have three children and six grandchildren.

Is it Real? Or is it AI? AI Myth Busting Pizza Party
2026-08-28 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Register Here

Games
Prizes
Food
AI Questions and Answers

On Friday, August 28th, we are having a party. We’ll provide pizza and snacks. This party is about AI, not to celebrate it, but to explore it. You probably have a lot of questions. How do you spot an AI-generated image? What about AI-generated news articles and fake stories on social media? How is it affecting our ability to access factual information? How do I even use ChatGPT anyway? What are the concerns with AI? What are the possibilities?
Maybe you don’t know where to start to find answers to all of those questions. After all, there isn’t really anyone to ask is there? What about your local library?
At our party, we’ll play games to see if we can pick out AI-generated images from real ones, we’ll explore what might indicate a story isn’t true, or signs that it may have been written by AI. We’ll even spend a little time experimenting with language models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. This is an open invitation to explore AI, learn about it, experiment with it in an open environment, with library staff to guide you, answer questions, and help you navigate a new and fast-developing technology.
Registration is required. This program is for adults 18+.

Strange New Words Science Fiction Book Club
2026-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Sandhills Brewing, 111 West 2nd Ave., Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Strange New Words will take you on a literary journey through time and space with friends! This book club meets at the library every other month on the fourth Thursday at 6:00PM. Together, we’ll explore new and thought-provoking realms that shed light on the complexities of the human experience—often through unexpected perspectives. Whether you’re a seasoned sci-fi enthusiast or just beginning to explore the genre, Strange New Words offers a welcoming space for rich discussion, discovery, and connection. Join us as we navigate the unknown and unravel stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire.

Virtual Author Talk with Lucy Foley
2026-08-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Register Here

Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.
High in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel. With glorious mountain views and exclusive access to powdery slopes, it draws guests from far and wide.
The notorious actress.
The high-flying politician.
The society wife.
The reckless friend.
The shrewd doctor.
But not everyone is here for a winter holiday. Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice. And someone is watching from the shadows. A polite, unassuming woman with an extraordinary mind: Miss Marple. When a body is found and a blizzard cuts off all escape, only Miss Marple can connect the clues before the killer strikes again. Because it isn’t a question of who has a motive, but who’s next…

About the Author:
Lucy Foley is a No.1 Sunday Times, Irish Times and New York Times bestselling author. More than 10 million copies of her books are in print worldwide, and several are currently being adapted for the screen. She is a Waterstones Thriller of the Month author, a three-time nominee at the British Book Awards, and The Guest List was a Reese’s Book Club selection and winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery Thriller. As a life-long Agatha Christie fan, Lucy has drawn immeasurable inspiration from the Queen of Crime. She was one of 12 writers to contribute to Marple, a collection of short stories featuring the beloved detective. And in Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, she was inspired to transport Miss Marple – her favorite Christie creation – to the glamorous post-war setting of the Swiss Alps, in a mystery that feels gloriously escapist yet utterly relevant to our times.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Hutchinson Public Library.

Mystery Mavens
2026-08-25 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
6:00 pm
Sun Room
Mystery Mavens meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this month’s book and participating in a discussion, please contact adult.program.coordinator@hutchpl.org or call 620-663-5441 ext. 123

Virtual Author Talk with Beronda Montgomery
2026-08-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Register Here

Join us for a riveting conversation with award-winning biologist Beronda Montgomery as we discuss her book, When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy.
The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicine. These trees, and others, testify not only to the complexity of the Black American narrative but also to a heritage of Black botanical expertise that, like Native American traditions, predates the United States entirely.
In When Trees Testify, award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees, as well as the cotton shrub, are intertwined with Black history and culture. She reveals how knowledge surrounding these trees has shaped America since the very beginning. As Montgomery shows, trees are material witnesses to the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants.
Combining the wisdom of science and history with stories from her own path to botany, Montgomery talks to majestic trees, and in this unique and compelling narrative, they answer.
Register today for this insightful discussion about Black history and botanical mastery.

About the Author:
Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individuals perceive, respond to, and are impacted by the environments in which they exist. Her primary laboratory-based research has been focused on the responses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e., plants and cyanobacteria) to external light cues. Additionally, Beronda pursues this theme in the context of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals, and the role of innovative leaders in supporting success.
Beronda is author of two books When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy (2026, Henry Holt and Co.) and Lessons From Plants (2021, Harvard University Press).

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Hutchinson Public Library.

Tech-Share Meetup
2026-08-22 14:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Tech-Share MeetupGot questions about your phone, tablet, laptop, or other tech gadgets? Bring them to the Tech-Share Meetup! Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, learning a new app, or just curious about how something works, we’re here to help. This friendly, drop-in session is a great place to get one-on-one assistance, share tips, and learn together in a supportive environment. All ages and skill levels are welcome—just bring your questions and your device!

Salt City Readers
2026-08-19 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Hutchinson Public Library, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
Let’s talk about books! We explore a variety of fiction genres each month!
Salt City Readers meets every third Wednesday each month.
Check out the books at the Public Service Desk or on Cloud Library!

Talk Together Tuesday
2026-08-18 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
A multi-lingual social event where you can practice any language you are learning in a real-world conversational environment.
This is a friendly place to meet neighbors, share stories, and celebrate languages from around the world. Enjoy light refreshments and group activities. it’s a lively mix if language, laughter, and learning!
Have questions? Reach out to Adult Education and Literacy Services by calling us at 620-663-5441 or emailing adulteducation@hutchpl.org

The Legacy of Julia Child's Kitchen with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
2026-08-04 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Register Here

Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. The book includes interviews with chefs who knew Julia well, commentary on her favorite culinary tools and kitchen gadgets, and a stunning array of photos.
Julia Child’s 20’ x 14’ kitchen was a serious workspace and recipe‑testing lab that exuded a sense of mid‑century homey comfort. It has been on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., for most of the past twenty-three years, and museum goers have made it a top destination.
The kitchen contains more than one thousand parts and pieces—tools, appliances, utensils, furniture, artwork, knick‑knacks, books, and bits of whimsy—all reflecting Julia’s status as an accomplished chef, gastronome, delightful cooking teacher, television trailblazer, women’s advocate, mentor, and generous, jovial friend.
Julia Child’s Kitchen (and this online conversation) is a must‑have for every serious home cook and Julia Child fan. Register now to enter the discussion and learn more about how Julia Child continues to influence food today!
About the Author:
Paula J. Johnson is a curator and public historian at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. She conducts research and collects objects relating to the history and culture of American food and serves as the Director of the Smithsonian’s Food History Project. Johnson was one of the curators who collected Julia Child’s home kitchen in 2001 and led the team that created FOOD: Transforming the American Table, a multi-layered exhibition that explores the major changes in food production, distribution, and consumption in the United States since the 1950s. She has shaped and contributed to many public programs on food history and leads the annual “Food History Weekend.” Johnson is the author of many articles and three books, including Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space (2024). She received the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar in the Humanities Award in 2020.
Johnson began her museum career at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, and has worked at the Smithsonian since 1991. She is a member of the Association for the Study of Food and Society and Les Dames d’ Escoffier. She serves on the editorial collective for Gastronomica: The Journal for Food Studies.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Hutchinson Public Library.

Craft-Cutter Workshop
2026-08-01 10:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library – Makerspace, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
This workshop covers basic instruction for our craft-cutter, the Cricut Maker 3. You will design and create a vinyl decal, and learn how to make stickers, fabric-transfers, and more.

You will need an email address to register for your Cricut ID.
There is no cost to attend.
Basic computer and reading skills are required.
No previous experience is required.
Seats are limited, but this workshop will be offered regularly. If you can’t attend a scheduled workshop, please contact us to discuss alternatives.
The Makerspace will be closed to other activities during this workshop.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ:

Young children must be able to understand written and verbal instructions unaided, as well as use a desktop computer.
Each individual attending will need a current Hutchinson Public Library Card. Student library cards are not valid for Makerspace workshops.

Teen Summer Reading Party
2026-07-31 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
If you’re a 7th-12th grader and you completed our summer reading challenge, then we invite you to come celebrate with us! We’ll have snacks, games, and an after-hours scavenger hunt. Plus, the library’s Young Adult Advisory Board will debut their summer film!
Teen summer reading finishers will be emailed an RSVP link

3D Printing Certification
2026-07-30 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Hutchinson Public Library – Makerspace, 901 N Main St, Hutchinson, KS, 67501, United States
We will soon require training to use our 3D printing services. This introductory workshop covers basic information to perform 3D printing projects. Completing it gives you access to use our 3D printing equipment, and you will make a small 3D print at no cost.

There is no cost to attend.
Basic computer and reading skills are required.
No previous experience is required.
Seats are limited, but this workshop will be offered regularly. If you can’t attend a scheduled workshop, please contact us to discuss alternatives.
The Makerspace will be closed to other activities during this workshop.
You may need to return later to pick up your completed 3D print

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ:

Young children must be able to understand written and verbal instructions unaided, as well as use a desktop computer.
Each individual attending will need a current Hutchinson Public Library Card. Student library cards are not valid for Makerspace workshops.

T-Rex Pocket Painting
2026-07-30 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | KS
Register Here

Unearth a Story™ underscores the joy of discovery that reading brings and that every person and every community have stories waiting to be found and shared – through books, programs, and local knowledge.
Registration for the Summer Reading Challenge begins June 1st! Register on Beanstack and complete the challenge to win a Kansas State Fair Ticket!
T-Rex Pocket Paintings
Paint a T-Rex skull surround by beautiful prehistoric foliage as a companion piece for the Triceratops we painted last month. Enjoy a relaxing environment with music and conversation while you paint. All skill levels are welcome. You’ll learn techniques that make learning to paint less overwhelming and more fun.
Both being part of a community and creating art improve improve mental health and well-being for adults of all ages. Joining a library art program can help you rediscover your creativity, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors.

Registration is required. There are two dates for this program, please only sign up for one.

If you have any questions please reach out by email or phone.
adult.program.coordinator@hutchpl.org
620-663-5441 ext. 123

Summer Storytime
2026-07-30 10:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | KS
Great for any age! Our summer storytime includes stories, rhymes, music, and a puppet show!
Attendees will build lasting memories while learning!
