The annual Hastings Reads program is focusing on books about the Civil War experience.

Its first event will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the LeDuc Historic Estate, 1629 Vermillion St. in Hastings, when Spencer Johnson, a middle school teacher and Civil War scholar, will discuss "The Civil War: Why We Remember." His talk will be free and open to the public.

The reading program this year is featuring this selection of books:

• For adults and high school students, "The Widow of the South," by Robert Hicks.

• For middle schoolers, "Iron Thunder," by Avi.

• And for elementary school students, "B is for Battle Cry," by Patricia Bauer and David Geister.

Johnson, who grew up in suburban Chicago, was always interested in the Civil War, and he has been a historical interpreter and re-enactor at such places as Historic Fort Snelling, the Sibley House and the LeDuc Estate. He also was an extra in the movie "Glory," which dealt with the 54th Massachusetts regiment, a black regiment in the Civil War.

For more information, go to www.hastingsreads.com.

LAKEVILLE

'Keeping the House' is next discussion topicThe Heritage Library reading groups' next discussion topic will be "Keeping the House" by Ellen Baker, a historical novel about an abandoned house and the experiences of the family that owns it spanning two world wars.

Baker will be on hand for the evening reading group's meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The afternoon group will meet at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 2.

Participation in the reading groups is free and open to anyone, with no advance registration necessary.

The Heritage Library is located at 20085 Heritage Drive in Lakeville. For more information, go to www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 952-891-0362.

NORTHFIELD

'Night on Bear Island' is MondayThe Northfield Arts Guild and the Puppet Tellers will present "A Night on Bear Island" at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third St. in Northfield.

The show features colorful large puppets and dramatic sound effects in a story about friends Basil and Samantha and their adventures when they are marooned on Bear Island. Though frightened by noises, they overcome their fears and make a new friend.

After the performance, members of the audience can stay for a free workshop where they can create their own puppet from household materials.

Tickets are $3 and will be available at the door. For more information, go to www.northfieldartsguild.org or call 507-645-8877.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

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NORTHFIELD 'Night on Bear Island' is Monday The Northfield Arts Guild and the Puppet Tellers will present "A Night on Bear Island" at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Arts Guild Theater, 411 West Third St. in Northfield. The show features colorful large puppets and dramatic sound effects in a story about friends Basil and Samantha and their adventures when they are marooned on Bear Island. Though frightened by noises, they overcome their fears and make a new friend. After the performance, members of the audience can stay for a free workshop where they can create their own puppet from household materials. Tickets are $3 and will be available at the door. For more information, go to www.northfieldartsguild.org or call 507-645-8877 .