Gadsden Reads 2026: Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier

The Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation is proud to bring back the popular community reading program, Gadsden Reads, for 2026.

The book selected is Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey. The community is invited to read the book (there’s also an audiobook available) and to participate in the discussions and events scheduled in May and June 2026. All events are free and open to the public.

Gadsden Reads is a partnership between the Gadsden Cultural Arts Foundation, the Gadsden Public Library, Etowah County Board of Education, and Gadsden Museum of Art. Most events, unless noted, take place at either the Hardin Center at 501 Broad Street or the Gadsden Public Library at 254 S. College Street, both in downtown Gadsden.

Copies of the book are available to checkout at the Gadsden Public Library.

Gadsden Reads is funded through the City of Gadsden, Alabama State Council on the Arts, and generous donors throughout our community.

Calendar of Events, subject to change:

Friday, May 1: Soft launch at Every Mind a Masterpiece on Broad Street

Friday, May 8: Kickoff during Alabama Arts Trail on Broad Street; Eden Brent free blues piano concert, Hardin Center, 7 pm

Tuesday Lunch, May 12: Carmine DiBiase: “The World is Too Much With Us: Selflessness in Life and Art,” Hardin Center, noon

Thursday Evening, May 14: Express Your Mess mixed media art activity with Kris Catoe at Hooten Holler, 173 Hillview Road, Gadsden 35901, 6 pm. RSVP and more info here

Tuesday Lunch, May 19: “Becoming A Big Fish” with Jennifer McGriff: Sometimes growth requires more than motivation – it requires a bigger environment. In this session, we’ll use journaling to uncover the beliefs, relationships, and surroundings influencing your potential. You’ll identify what’s keeping you small and explore intentional ways to grow into the next version of yourself. Hardin Center, 12-1 pm

Thursday Evening, May 21: Downtown Art Walk with Ray Wetzel, beginning at Gadsden Museum of Art, 515 Broad Street, Gadsden 35901, 5:30 pm

Tuesday Lunch, May 26: Energy Management Management for Caregivers with author Mamta Mishra, Hardin Center, noon

Thursday Evening, May 28: Finding Stability Through Yoga in Times of Change with Janie Watkins, Absolute Fitness, 115 W. Grand Ave, Rainbow City 35906, 6 pm pre-registration NOT required

Thursday Evening, June 4: Sound Bath with sound healer Danielle Hall, PhD. of SoundEmbrace, Gadsden Public Library, 5:30-7 pm.  Registration required due to limited space.  For details and registration, contact LaShunda at 256.549.4699, ext. 2126.

Thursday Evening, June 11: Partner Massage at Home for Beginners with massage therapist Katie Campbell, Gadsden Public Library, 5:30-7 pm.  Registration required due to limited space. For details and registration, contact LaShunda at 256.549.4699, ext. 2126.

Tuesday Lunch, June 16: The Stories We Carry: Understanding How We Experience Life and Respond, led by Tanya Ragan, Hardin Center, noon

Thursday Evening, June 18: Chair Yoga with certified yoga teacher Barbara Hightower, Gadsden Public Library, 5:30-7:00 pm.  Registration required due to limited space. For details and registration, contact LaShunda at 256.549.4699, ext. 2126.

Tuesday Lunch, June 23: “Build The Garden You Want” with Angela Whorton, a lifelong resident of Etowah County, a mom, mental health nurse, previously a hospice and social worker, and a Master Gardener. Angela is currently working on her Advanced Master Gardener Certificate.

Thursday Evening, June 25: Psychic Protection and Cutting Chords with Jason Kirby, Gadsden Public Library, 5:30-7 pm. Registration required due to limited space. For details and registration, contact LaShunda at 256.549.4699, ext. 2126.

Tuesday Lunch, June 30: Roundtable Book Discussion at Hardin Center, noon

Thursday Evening, July 2: Conclusion with free Gadsden Symphony Orchestra concert at Hardin Center, 7 pm