11/11/2025
For the dedication of the picture book room at the Hastings Public Library, the illumination of a blue, pink, and green neon sign took the place of a standard ribbon-cutting on Sunday, Nov. 2.
The sign, which reads “The Young Room,” was made in honor of Ed Young — the Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator and author of more than 100 children’s books who lived in Hastings for nearly half a century and passed away in 2023 at age 91.
Inside the room, vinyl prints of characters from Young’s books — mice, foxes, cranes, cats, and more — now decorate the walls and ceiling. The neon sign and prints were designed and created by Young’s elder daughter, Antonia.
“That sign was a labor of love,” Antonia told the crowd gathered for the unveiling at 1 p.m., while standing beside her younger (though taller, she pointed out) sister, Ananda. “We spent many magical hours ourselves as kids — and adults — in this space. So to create something lasting here… it’s truly an honor.”
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