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: Art activity with Kris Catoe at Hooten Holler, 173 Hillview Road, Gadsden 35901, 6 pm

Tuesday Lunch, May 19: Journaling with Jennifer McGriff, 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:

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

Tuesday Lunch,  June 2:

Thursday Evening, June 4: Yoga at the Work Station-Sitting and standing yoga for wellness, Gadsden Public Library

Tuesday Lunch, June 9:

Thursday Evening, June 11: Junk Journaling-How to take the “junk” from your day (receipts, wrappers, tickets and other ephemera), and turn it into a mixed media memory, Gadsden Public Library

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: Self Massage-Techniques for loosening your muscles, Gadsden Public Library

Tuesday Lunch,  June 23:

Thursday Evening, June 25: Psychic Protection and Cutting Chords, Gadsden Public Library

Tuesday Lunch, June 30:

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