Calendar of events
Dates, locations, and times are subject to change. Some workshops or events may charge a fee. Contact Kathryn Brockmeier to submit your event.
Upcoming in 2013
May
- May 1 Submissions for Creative Nonfiction Contest Opens Sponsored by Prairie Schooner
- May 2 & 3 Heartland Storytelling Festival Beatrice, NE. Contact Merrith Baughman at 402-223-3514 for details. At the Homestead National Monument.
- May 2 - 5 Prairie Writers' Workshop Red Cloud, NE. “A Fiction Workshop” — This 4-day workshop offers 20 hours of fiction-writing instruction under the leadership of Andrew Malan Milward, artist in residence.
- May 3 Heartland Storytelling Evening Workshop 6 pm. Beatrice, NE. Contact Merrith Baughman at 402-223-3514 for details. At the Beatrice Public Library, 100 N 16th St.
- May 4 Book Signing with William Kent Kruger 1 pm. Omaha. Kruger will sign Ordinary Grace. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- May 9 Motor-Coach Tour to Red Cloud Omaha, Lincoln, Red Cloud. On this one-day bus trip, you will be able to experience the beautiful "Divide" and tour Cather's childhood home, as well as other historic buildings related to Cather's life and writing. Send an email to info (at) willacather.org for more information, or contact Sharon Jensen at 402-639-1983.
- May 9 Book Signing with Shane J. Lopez 6 pm. Omaha. Lopez will sign Making Hope Happen: Create the Future You Want for Yourself and Others. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- May 11 Book Signing with Leo Biga 1 pm. Omaha. Biga will sign Alexander Payne: His Journey in Film - A Reporter’s Perspective, 1998-2012. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- May 11 Book Signing with Rachel Shukert 2:30 pm. Omaha. Shukert will sign Starstruck. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- May 18 Book Signing with John Price 1:00 pm. Omaha. Price will sign Daddy Long Legs: The Natural Education of a Father. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- May 23 Book Signing with David Sedaris 7:00 pm. Omaha. Sedaris will sign Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls. Special guidelines are in effect for this signing. See website for details. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- May 25 - June 1 Great Plains Theatre Conference Omaha, NE. Offers playwrights the opportunity to interact with, and have their work seen by top writers, directors, and actors from around the country. In addition, playwrights will be able to work directly with these professionals in hands on writing and industry workshops. Playwrights will also participate in daily panel discussions and have tickets to evening performances with master playwrights and theatre practitioners.
- May 28 - June 1 Story Catcher Summer Writing Workshop and Festival Chadron, NE. This is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring writers to gain insight from noted authors. Participants have a chance to learn from and discuss writing with established authors in an intimate, casual environment. Presented by the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society and Chadron State College.
- May 29 A Concord of Gaiety & Sweet Sounds 7:00 pm. Lincoln, NE. “Methinks ye shall join your cousins for merriment and mirth,” featuring Nebraska Shakespeare’s hilarious circus of Two Minute Shakespeare and Flatwater Shakespeare Company’s musical journey through verse in popular songs. Included will be previews of each company’s summer season. To R.S.V.P. for this free event, call 402.472.6788 or email radio (at) netnebraska.org by Monday, May 27th. At NET, 1800 North 33rd Street.
- May 31 - June 1 58th Annual Willa Cather Spring Conference Red Cloud, NE. The featured book for the 2013 Spring Conference will be O Pioneers! in celebration of the 100th anniversary of its publication. Sponsored by the Willa Cather Foundation.
- May 31 - June 1 Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival McCook, NE. "Patterns of the Prairie: A Celebration of Story and Song" Featured story teller: Kevin Kling. The festival is dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, and sharing of the stories of our place and our people, stories of patriotism, hard work, sacrifice and inspiration.
June
- Through June 1 Great Plains Theatre Conference Red Cloud, NE. Offers playwrights the opportunity to interact with, and have their work seen by top writers, directors, and actors from around the country. In addition, playwrights will be able to work directly with these professionals in hands on writing and industry workshops. Playwrights will also participate in daily panel discussions and have tickets to evening performances with master playwrights and theatre practitioners.
- Through June 1 Story Catcher Summer Writing Workshop and Festival Chadron, NE. This is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring writers to gain insight from noted authors. Participants have a chance to learn from and discuss writing with established authors in an intimate, casual environment. Presented by the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society and Chadron State College.
- Through June 1 58th Annual Willa Cather Spring Conference Red Cloud, NE. The featured book for the 2013 Spring Conference will be O Pioneers! in celebration of the 100th anniversary of its publication. Sponsored by the Willa Cather Foundation.
- Through June 1 Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival McCook, NE. "Patterns of the Prairie: A Celebration of Story and Song" Featured story teller: Kevin Kling. The festival is dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, and sharing of the stories of our place and our people, stories of patriotism, hard work, sacrifice and inspiration.
- June 2 O Pioneers! 1913-2013 11 am - 3 pm. Beatrice, NE. Commemorative events: film showing, book discussion with Laureen Riedesel, presentation by Dr. Steven Shively. At Homestead National Monument of America.
- June 4 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 2 pm. Oakland, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Oakland Public Library, 110 East 3rd St.; e-mail books (at) oakland-library.org for more information.
- June 8 Nebraska Center for the Book Board Meeting 10 am, South Omaha Library, Omaha, NE.
- June 10-14 FINE LINES Writing Camp 2013 Summer Camp for Creative Writers Omaha, NE. For authors of all ages. Join writers who add clarity and passion to their lives with the written word. We will have fun with sentences, learn to play while developing poems-stories-essays, and discover creative corners of our minds that we did not know existed. The camp will be located at Beveridge Middle School at 1616 South 120th Street, Omaha, NE.
- June 16-22 International Cather Seminar Flagstaff, AZ. “Willa Cather: Canyon, Rock & Mesa Country” With Nina Baym and Sue Miller. Set in the locale of Willa Cather's pivotal 1912 visit to the Southwest, the 14th International Willa Cather Seminar will highlight the places that inspired Cather, like her protagonist Thea Kronborg, to develop a new understanding and expression of her art. The seminar will include excursions to the several sites. Hosted by Northern Arizona University and the Willa Cather Foundation.
- June 15 - 28 Superior Summer Screenwriting Colony Superior, NE. The schedule will immediately immerse you in the writing process where you will be encouraged to progress from story idea, to treatment, to step-outline and finally to complete the First Act of the Screenplay.
- June 19 - 23 Chautauqua: “Free Land? 1862 and the Shaping of Modern America” Papillion, NE. Addresses the collective impacts of the Homestead Act, the Pacific Railway Act, and the Morrill Act on Nebraska, the Great Plains and the nation. The influences of these three pieces of legislation, all passed within six weeks of each other in 1862, will be explored through scholar portrayals of six prominent historical figures: Union general and railroad builder Grenville Dodge, author Willa Cather, Ponca chief Standing Bear, author and homesteader Laura Ingalls Wilder, homesteader and inventor George Washington Carver, and humorist Mark Twain as moderator. Kick-off event and nightly programs. Workshops for children and adults along with other activities will be held during the day throughout Chautauqua week. Presented by Humanities Nebraska.
- June 26 - 30 Chautauqua: “Free Land? 1862 and the Shaping of Modern America” Grand Island, NE. Addresses the collective impacts of the Homestead Act, the Pacific Railway Act, and the Morrill Act on Nebraska, the Great Plains and the nation. The influences of these three pieces of legislation, all passed within six weeks of each other in 1862, will be explored through scholar portrayals of six prominent historical figures: Union general and railroad builder Grenville Dodge, author Willa Cather, Ponca chief Standing Bear, author and homesteader Laura Ingalls Wilder, homesteader and inventor George Washington Carver, and humorist Mark Twain as moderator. Kick-off event and nightly programs. Workshops for children and adults along with other activities will be held during the day throughout Chautauqua week. Presented by Humanities Nebraska.
July
- July 1 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 7 pm. West Point, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At John A. Stahl Library, 330 N Colfax; e-mail kathy (at) wplibrary.com for more information.
- July 8 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 2 pm. Palmyra, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Palmyra Memorial Library, 525 Illinois Place; e-mail palmyramemoriallibrary (at) gmail.com for more information.
- July 22 - 26 Slam Poetry Camp for Teens Omaha, NE. Slam poetry…what is it? Who does it? How is it different from other poetry, other performances, rap or other music? Explore incredible, hilarious, eloquent and poignant contemporary poets via recordings (video and audio) and live performance. Write and perform your own poetry. Sponsored by Metropolitan Community College and Nebraska Writers Collective. For more information, see Page 3 of the brochure, College 4 Teens Summer Schedule.
- July 27 Norfolk Public Library Literature Festival Norfolk, NE. For literature lovers of all ages. Featuring Jodi Moore, Caroline Rose, and Carl Deuker. There is a fee. Contact Karen Drevo at 402-844-2108, kdrevo (at) ci.norfolk.ne.us, at Norfolk Public Library more information.
- July 27-29 OSFest 5 Omaha, NE. Science Fiction and Fantasy Festival: Workshops, Science talks, Anime programming, Film and Television activities, Costuming workshops, Coffee with the Guests of Honor, Free book library, Masquerade and Hall costume contests, Author readings, 2013 OSFest Independent Film Festival, Room Parties. Sponsored by the Omaha Science Fiction Education Society.
August
- Contact Kathryn Brockmeier to submit your event.
September
- September 12 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 4:30 pm. Nebraska City, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Morton-James Public Library, 923 First Corso; call 402-873-5609 for more information.
- September 24 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 6:30 pm. Norfolk, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Norfolk Public Library, W Prospect Ave.
- September 25 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 10 am. Norfolk, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Norfolk Public Library, W Prospect Ave.
- September 26 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion Columbus, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Columbus Public Library, 2504 14th St.; contact Rachelle McPhillips at rmcphil (at) columbusne.us for more information.
- September 28 Adult Conference Day, Plum Creek Children’s Literacy Festival Seward, NE. Includes a wide variety of workshops presented by authors, illustrators and literacy experts.
October
- National Reading Group Month Nationwide. On this site you'll find the story behind National Reading Group Month, a calendar of nationwide events, and resources and tips for enhancing book discussions.
- October 9-11 Nebraska Library Association / Nebraska Educational Media Association Conference Three days of library related programs and exhibits. Kearney, NE.
- October 30 Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities 7:30 pm. Omaha. Annette Gordon-Reed will deliver the 18th annual lecture, followed by a discussion with special guest, Peter Onuf. Gordon-Reed is the author of the book The Most Blessed of Patriarchs: Thomas Jefferson and the Empire of Imagination. For tickets and/or sponsorship information, please call Heather Thomas, Humanities Nebraska director of development, at 402-474-2131. At the Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St.
November
- November 4 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion Lexington, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Lexington Public Library, 907 N. Washington St.
- Contact Kathryn Brockmeier to submit your event.
December
- December 17 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 4 pm. Wakefield, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Gardner Public Library, 114 West Third St.; contact Kathy Muller at gplibrarian (at) gmail.com for more information.
Ongoing
Lincoln
- Acoustic Open Mic Lincoln, NE. Wednesdays, 8 pm - 12 am, at Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 South St. For musicians and poets. Hosted by Spencer. Call 402-477-2007 for more information.
- F Street Writers Workshop Lincoln, NE. At the F Street Community Center. Humor, flash-fiction, romance. With Terrance Oberst, facilitator. Contact Terrance, terranceoberst (at) gmail (dot) com for more information.
- FEATURED EVENT John H. Ames Reading Series Lincoln, NE. Monthly, 2 pm. Readings by Nebraska authors. At the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors, Bennett Martin Branch, Lincoln City Libraries, 136 S. 14th St.
- Lincoln City Libraries Book Talks and Book Discussion Groups Lincoln, NE. Includes Books Talk at Bethany and Gere branches, Courtyard Book Chats in the Garden, Just Desserts Mystery Discussion Group, and Great Books Reading and Discussion Group.
- Lunch at the Library Lincoln, NE. 12:10 pm, 1st Wednesday. Bring your lunch and enjoy coffee provided by The Mill. Sponsored by Nebraska Literary Heritage Association, support group for the Jane Pope Geske Heritage for Nebraska Authors. At Bennett Martin Public Library, 14th & N Streets. For more information: heritage (at) lincolnlibraries.org.
- Nebraska Romance Writers Lincoln, NE. Last Tuesday, with a few special exceptions. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Lincoln City Libraries Gere Branch. Meetings generally feature several mini-workshops on motivation, craft, or a potpourri presentation designed to inspire our writing members.
- no name reading series Lincoln, NE. Every other Friday, 4 pm, at SUR Tango. Run by the graduate students in the UNL English department, the series aims to support the creative talent that comes out of the department by promoting that talent throughout the greater Lincoln community.
- One Book One Lincoln Lincoln, NE. Various activities. Inviting Lincoln to read and discuss the same book. Become a fan on Facebook.
- Open Mic Night Tuesdays, 9:30 p.m., Lincoln, NE. Open Mic night for Singer/Songwriters, Slam Poets, and Stand Ups. Hosted by Susan Steele and Aimless Entertainment. To pre-register to perform, email treynolds [at] AimlessEntertainment.com. At The Alley, 1031 M Street.
- Open Mic Night Last Saturday, 7 - 9:30 p.m., Omaha, NE. For musicians, poets, any and all. At Aroma's, 1033 Jones St.
- Park Teen Center Underground Open Mike Coffeehouse Night Lincoln, NE. Last Thursday of the month, 7 - 8:30 pm. Open mic/slam poetry/hot cocoa/coffee/acoustic music for Grades 8-12 at Park School (855 S 8th St., basement). Call 402-441-9471 for more information.
- Poet Show It Lincoln, NE. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 8 pm. Local writers come and read. Local people come and drink. Coffee, booze, poetry, fiction. Discovery. At 1122 D St.
- Poetry at the Moon Lincoln, NE. Mondays, 7 pm. They offer the microphone to anyone who has written poetry, stories, or songs and wishes to have the opportunity to share them. Contact Melinda, crescentmoon (at) inebraska.com, for more information. At Crescent Moon Coffee, 816 P St.
- Smash Teeth Poetry Slam Lincoln, NE. 2nd Wednesday, 7 pm. With Oracle Jones and Ryley G. At the Panic (218 N St). 21 and over.
- SP CE Lincoln, NE. Every Saturday, 2 pm. Writing group. At SP CE. 2nd floor of the 14th and O building, northeast corner. Go up the stairs next to Novel Idea Books.
- Tuesdays with Writers Lincoln, NE. 1st Tuesday, 7 pm, at the South Mill, 4736 Prescott. Featured speaker. Open mic follows. Contact Deborah McGinn, dmcginn (at) lps (dot) org for more information.
Omaha
- Lil Divas Book Club for Teens Omaha, NE. Meets monthly, 2 - 4 pm, at the Charles B. Washington Branch of the Omaha Public Library. Come join a book club especially for African American girls! Each month we’ll sample another hot young adult urban fiction title. Join us for food, friends and fun! E-mail Russ Harper at rharper (at) omahalibrary (dot) org for more information.
- The Midwest Poetry Vibe Omaha, NE. Wednesdays, 9 pm - 1 am, at Arthur’s, 8025 W. Dodge Rd. One of the most diverse events in the Midwest, come feel the vibe. Poetry, the latest R&B and Neosoul music, live performances, a different concert DVD of a national artist, food and drink specials, and much more. Presented by Versatile Entertainment Group, Inc.
- Missouri Valley Reading Series Omaha, NE. Sponsored by the UNO Writer’s Workshop, the Missouri Valley Reading Series has been hosting some of the best writers of contemporary literature for over thirty years. Featured writers have included John Cheever, Frank Conroy, Ron Hansen, Richard Dooling, Hilda Raz, Dorianne Laux, Tom Lux, Brent Spencer, Jonis Agee, Erin Belieu, Nance Van Winckel, Tony Eprile and many others. Traditionally held in the fall.
- Naked Words Open Mike Omaha, NE. 1st Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm. Poetry, frivolty, the occasional Pop-Tart. Hosted by Heidi Hermanson. At Soul Desires, 1026 Jackson St. Email Heidi, prairie (dot) sky (at) gmail (dot) com for more information.
- Omaha Healing Arts Center Poetry Slam Omaha, NE. Year-round, 2nd Saturday of each month, doors open at 7 pm, at the Omaha Healing Arts Center in the Old Market. Open mic and slam. Join their Facebook group.
- Open Mic at Aroma's Omaha, NE. Last Saturday, 7 - 9:30 pm. For musicians, poets, any and all. Come in and talk to Leslie (the dude with the beard) or Becks (the redhead) behind the counter to sign up. 20 minute time slots are allotted, unless the night is slow. Then they will be longer. At 1033 Jones St. Visit the Aromas Coffeehouse Facebook page.
- Open Mic at the LUNk House Omaha, NE. 2nd Tuesday, 7:30 pm sign-up, 8 pm start. This is an opportunity for revolutionary writers, activist poets, freethinkers, beatniks, hippies to have a space to speak their mind, and inspire the hearts of us all through the beauty of music and spoken word. At 1213 N. 12th St. Join the LUNk Collective Facebook group.
- Poetry in Motion Omaha, NE. 3rd Thursday, 7 - 9 pm. A spoken word, open mic, jazz music, spiritual experience. Hosted by Michelle Troxclair. Members are free, non-members $5.00 at the door. For membership information call 402-502-5315. At Love’s Jazz & Art Center, 2510 N. 24th St.
- PROVOKE Poetry Omaha, NE. 1st Monday, 7 - 9 pm. Open mic hosted by Jack Hubbell; it’s the poetic equivalent to that sharp pointy stick your mom always warned you about. At the PS Collective.
- Shoot Your Mouth Off III Omaha, NE. Tuesdays, 9 pm sign-up, 9:30 pm start, at The Hideout, 320 S 72nd St, 402-504-4434. “An evening of poetry, comedy and chaos the way it was meant to be seen: in a bar with 50 of your closest friends!”
- Verbal Gumbo 7 - 11 pm. Omaha, NE. 3rd Thursday. Crabby about the political climate? Want some okra change? Just want to discuss your relationshrimps– or the andouille sausage in your life? Well, Verbal Gumbo is here with some hot, spicey flava with a side o’ rice and rhythm. This is the spoken word event that promotes our rich diversity of culture and style. At House of Loom, 1012 S. 10th St.
- Wednesday Words Omaha, NE. 2nd Wednesday, 11:45 am - 1 pm. An ongoing reading series recognizing award-winning writers from Nebraska, including Nebraska Arts Council's Individual Artist Fellowships in Literature honorees. Bring your lunch and enjoy the show. At KANEKO's KANEKO-UNO Library, 1111 Jones St.
- X Poetry CommUNITY, Open Mic Omaha, NE. 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 4 - 5:45 pm, at The Spot, Charles B. Washington Branch Library, 2868 Ames Ave, 402-444-4849. For teens, tweens, and all ages. Open mic event with occasional features. Contact prahduct at productoftha88 (at) yahoo (dot) com or 402-659-8353 for more information.
Various
- Buffalo Commons McCook, NE. First Tuesday of the month, 7 pm. An ongoing storytelling event.
- Geocaching the Literary Map of Nebraska Statewide. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online.
- Nebraska Writers Workshop Ralston, NE. Wednesdays, 6 - 9 pm, at the Baright Public Library directly east of Ralston City Hall.
- Not Just a Book, Club Kearney, NE. 1st Tuesday (10:30 am) and 1st Thursday (11:30 am), at Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Ave. For the avid reader whose interests lie in authors from Nebraska and about Nebraska including many that pertain to artists relevant to our state. There is no cost for this program, however occasionally you may want to purchase a book. Call 308-865-8559 to register.
- Open Mic Poetry Night at A to Z Books North Platte, NE. 2nd Friday and 4th Saturday, 7 pm, at A to Z Books, 507 North Jeffers. It’s a fun, funny, widely varied group. Poems can be short or long, funny or touching, rhymed or free verse. Musicians too. George Lauby of The North Platte Bulletin emcees and makes you feel comfortable. Call 308-534-0140 for details.
- Poetry Downtown on the Bricks Kearney, NE. 3rd Tuesday, 7 pm, at Book Ends Used and Collectible Books, 2218 Central Ave. They are actively seeking poets who are interested in sharing their work at these readings. Call Book Ends at 308-293-0031 or email bookends(at)rcom-ne.com for more information.
- Teen Book Club Council Bluffs, NE. Meets monthly, 4-5 pm, at the Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave. Call 712-323-7553 for details.
- Vermillion Literary Project Poetry Slam 7 pm. Vermillion, SD. Last Thursday. One of the best things about poetry slam is the range of poets it attracts. You’ll find a diverse range of work within slam, including heartfelt love poetry, searing social commentary, uproarious comic routines, and bittersweet personal confessional pieces. Poets are free to do work in any style on any subject. Coffee Shop Gallery, 24 W. Main Street.
- Volkswalk: Walking with Wright Morris Central City, NE. Walk in the footsteps of Wright Morris. This volkswalk was designed to take walkers past famous landmarks from Wright Morris’ life and writings. Sponsored by the Omaha Science Fiction Education Society.
Previous events in 2013
January
- January 4 - March 30 The Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild Exhibit Lincoln. Photographs by Michael Forsberg. Center for Great Plains Studies, 1155 Q St.
- January 12 Book Signing with David Von Drehle 1 pm. Omaha. Drehle will sign Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America's Most Perilous Year. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- January 12 Journey Stories Smithsonian Exhibition 10 am - Noon. Lincoln. Explore the Journey Stories Smithsonian exhibition for stories of America's history of immigration and travel. Learn how transportation and migration helped build our nation, how mobility has shaped us, and how America looked to travelers along the way. At the Nebraska State Capitol, 15th & K Streets.
- January 15-19 Kearney Area Storytelling Festival Kearney, NE. You're invited to come hear professional storytellers--along with area tellers--present the art of storytelling in many area venues. This year's headliners include Dovie Thomason and Rafe Martin. At various locations. E-mail kasfschedule(at)gmail.com for more information.
- January 16 Artifacts and Illuminations: Critical Essays on Loren Eiseley 3:30 pm. Lincoln, NE. Speakers: Thomas Lynch, Associate Professor of English, UNL; Susan N. Maher, Dean, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota Duluth. Center for Great Plains Studies, 1155 Q St.
- January 20 "Backstage" with Ron Hull 2 pm. Bancroft, NE. A Sunday at the Museum program. Ron's life and career in broadcasting. Book signing to follow. At the John G. Neihardt State Historical Site, 306 W. Elm Street.
- January 21 2013 Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize Submission Deadline
- January 23 Governor's Proclamation Signing Ceremony Lincoln, NE. "One Book One Nebraska Reads 'O Pioneers!'" At Warner Chamber of the Nebraska State Capitol, 1445 K St.
- January 26 Poetry Performance and Workshop 1 - 3 pm. Lincoln, NE. Performance and workshop by poetry slam founder Marc Smith. At nu Vibe Coffee, 126 N 14th St.
- January 26 Poetry Performance 7:30 pm. Omaha, NE. Poetry slam founder Marc Smith performs. Sponsored by the Nebraska Writers Collective. At the OM Center, 1216 Howard St., Omaha.
- January 28 & 29 Prairie Schooner Winter Issue Launch Event 7 p.m. Lincoln, NE. This free and open-to-the-public event features Sherman Alexie. On the first evening, during which Alexie will not be in attendance, Prairie Schooner will host a screening of Smoke Signals, a film written and co-produced by Alexie. On the second evening, Alexie will read from his creative work, which will be followed by an on-stage interview with Kwame Dawes, Prairie Schooner Editor-in-Chief, and a book signing. At the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
- January 30 Book Signing with Pete Hautman 6 pm. Omaha, NE. Pete Hautman will sign copies of The Obsidian Blade. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
February
- Ongoing February through March 30 The Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild Exhibit Lincoln, NE. Photographs by Michael Forsberg. Center for Great Plains Studies, 1155 Q St.
- February 1 - 22 Reading for Meaning Art Exhibit Lincoln, NE. Jordan Buschur made oil paintings representing books as harbors of knowledge, meaning, and pleasure. Buschur uses books as symbols for one’s personal taste and accumulated knowledge. At the LUX Center for the Arts, 2601 N. 48th St.
- February 12 Metropolitan Community College Reading Series 7 pm. Norfolk, NE. With Matt Mason. Matt Mason's new book, The Baby That Ate Cincinnati, is due out in spring 2013 from Stephen F. Austin State University Press. Connector Building, Room 222, Metropolitan Community College, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. Questions? Call Katie at 308-738-4529.
- February 13 Visiting Writers Series 7 pm. Norfolk, NE. With South Dakota rancher, wildlife biologist, and award-winning writer Dan O’Brien. His most recent books are The Indian Agent, and Stolen Horses. Hawks Landing, Northeast Community College. Contact Neil Harrison at neil (at) northeast (dot) edu for more information.
- February 14 Book Signing with Ted Kerasote 6 pm. Omaha, NE. Ted Kerasote will sign copies of Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- February 16 Cheers for Miss Bishop Film Showing 2:30 pm. Lincoln, NE. See the film, based on the Bess Streeter Aldrich novel Miss Bishop, in the same theatre where the world premiere was held in 1941. Benefit for the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation. View the flyer [PDF]. At the Rococo Theatre, 140 N. 13th St.
- February 17 Annual Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest Deadline Four divisions: Adult, High School, Middle School, and Intermediate School. 1000 to 2000 words (there is no minimum word requirement for the Intermediate category) and submissions should be written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works.
- February 17 Visit Nebraska's Forgotten Cemeteries 2 pm. Bancroft, NE. A Sunday at the Museum program. With Brad Kellogg. At the John G. Neihardt State Historical Site, 306 W. Elm Street.
- February 19 Lecture and reading by Mary Vermillion 7:30 p.m. Mystery writer Mary Vermillion will discuss and read from her latest novel Seminal Murder. A Nebraska Literary Heritage Association event.
- February 21 Writers Write Workshop 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Lincoln, NE. Sponsored by the Creighton University Creative Writing Program. At the Skutt Center, Room 105, Creighton University. Contact Rachel Bouzis, rachelbouzis (at) creighton.edu, for more information.
- February 24 Author Visit with Barbara Eymann Mohrman 2 p.m. Neligh, NE. Barbara Eymann Mohrman will present a program on her book Four Blue Stars in the Window. Sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council and the Neligh Library Foundation. At the Neligh Public Library, 710 Main St.
- February 25 Plain Talk: Publishing Secrets Revealed 6:30 p.m. Norfolk, NE. Author panel with Mary Connealy, Neil Harrison, Alan Bartel, and J.V. Brummels on tips on getting writing published and marketed. At Norfolk Public Library, 308 W. Prospect.
- February 25 Emerging Voices Journal Submissions Due A journal of literature and art at Western Nebraska Community College. For detailed submission guidelines, please contact Janet Craven, jcraven (at) wncc.edu.
- February 26 E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues “True Islam: Human Rights, Faith, and Women” 7 pm. Lincoln, NE. With Nobel Laureate Shirin Ebadi. Dr. Ebadi is the author of The Golden Cage: Three Brothers, Three Choices, One Destiny. At the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 N. 12th Street.
- February 27 Book Signing with Julija Sukys 6:30 pm. Omaha, NE. Julija Sukys will sign copies of Epistolophilia: Writing the Life of Ona Simaite. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- February 27 Poetry Reading with Li-Young Lee 2:30 pm. Lincoln, NE. At the Bailey Library (2nd fl.), Andrews Hall, UNL campus.
- February 27 Poetry Reading with Li-Young Lee 7:30 pm. Lincoln, NE. Center for Great Plains Studies, 1155 Q St.
- February 28 Book Signing with Rainbow Rowell 6:00 pm. Omaha, NE. Rainbow Rowell will sign copies of Eleanor & Park. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- February 28 Wayne State College Poetry Slam XXIX 7:00 pm. Wayne, NE. Registration starts at 6:30 pm. If anyone would like to participate in the slam they will need 4 original poems and $5 for registration at the door. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the WSC Press. At The Max Bar & Grill, 109 Main St.
March
- Ongoing through March 30 The Great Plains: America's Lingering Wild Exhibit Photographs by Michael Forsberg. Center for Great Plains Studies, 1155 Q St.
- March 8 Book Signing with Timber Hawkeye 6:00 pm. Omaha, NE. Timber Hawkeye will sign copies of Buddhist Boot Camp. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- March 8 Writing Workshop with Chris August 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Omaha, NE. workshop by Individual World Poetry Slam champion Chris August on performing poetry at the Kent Bellows Studio (3303 Leavenworth St., Omaha). Priority on workshop time will be given to students participating in Louder Than a Bomb: Omaha but all are invited.
- POSTPONED to April 7 March 10 "Woody Guthrie" 2 pm. Bancroft, NE. A Sunday at the Museum program. Learn the impact of singer/songwriter and activist Woody Guthrie. With mike Adams and Kathryn Benzel. At the John G. Neihardt State Historical Site, 306 W. Elm Street.
- March 11 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 6:30 pm. Omaha, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Omaha Public Library's Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln.; call 402-444-4848 to reserve a seat.
- March 11 Author Talk with Genevieve Dewey 7:00 pm. Kearney, NE. Contemporary fiction and romance author Genevieve Dewey will share about the process of writing, getting published and welcomes questions. Book signing to follow. At Kearney Public Library, 2020 First Ave.; contact Christine Walsh, 308-233-3283 or cwalsh (at) kearney.gov for more information.
- March 13 Stir 6:30 pm. Omaha, NE. A project that incorporates the arts and spirituality at First Christian Church (6630 Dodge St., Omaha). Featured artists: painter, Bill Hoover; poet, Heidi Hermanson; and actors, Greg and Shannon Jaxies. The passage the artists will be creatively re-interpreting will be John 8:1-11. The event is free and open to the public.
- March 13 Shakespeare's Sister 4 - 5 pm. Lincoln, NE. What if Shakespeare had a sister who was just as talented? Come celebrate women’s accomplishments in literature by reading excerpts from your favorite female authors or even your own works. Featuring readings from “Women Write Resistance,” an anthology of poetry edited by Dr. Laura Madeline Wiseman, lecturer in the UNL Department of English. In Rm. 340 of the Nebraska Union, UNL.
- March 16 I am a Man: How and Indian Chief Set Off on a 600 Mile Journey to Bury His Son and Ended Up Beating the U.S. Army in a Federal Courtroom 7 pm. Nebraska City, NE. Presentation by Joe Starita. At the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Center, 100 Valmont Dr. Contact Erv Friesen at 402-874-9900.
- March 17 "The Road is All" film showing 1:30 pm. Omaha, NE. One Book One Nebraska programming. At Omaha Public Library's Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln.; call 402-444-4848 to reserve a seat.
- March 17 - April 20 Louder Than a Bomb: Omaha Youth Poetry Festival Omaha, NE. Students from more than 12 area high schools and junior highs compete in team poetry slams. There will also be workshops by touring artists and more.
- March 19 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 7:00 pm. Bassett, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather with Kay Lynn Kalkowski. At Rock County Public Library, 400 State St.
- March 20 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 6:30 pm. Omaha, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Omaha Public Library's Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St.; call 402-444-5299 or follow link above to reserve a seat.
- March 20 Visiting Writers Series 7 pm. Norfolk, NE. With South Dakota poet Norma Wilson, author of Under of the Rainbow. Hawks Landing, Northeast Community College. Contact Neil Harrison at neil (at) northeast (dot) edu for more information.
- March 26 "The Road is All" film showing 5:45 pm. Omaha, NE. One Book One Nebraska programming. Registration required. At Omaha Public Library's Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St.; call 402-444-5299 or follow link above to reserve a seat.
- March 26 Author Reading with Michelle Herman 7:30 p.m. Omaha, NE. Michelle Herman will read from her new book Stories We Tell Ourselves. Sponsored by the Creighton University Creative Writing Program. At the Skutt Center, Room 105, Creighton University. Contact Rachel Bouzis, rachelbouzis (at) creighton.edu, for more information.
- March 27 Feathers and Verses 2:30 pm. Alma, NE. With William Clemente. At the Alma Johnson Center, 509 Main St. Contact Pat Underwood at 308-928-8992.
- March 27 "Global Ireland" Poetry Reading 7:30 pm. Lincoln, NE. With Eamonn Wall, Drucilla Wall, and Ray McManus. At the Great Plains Art Museum, 1155 Q St.
April
- April 2013 National Poetry Month
- Through April 20 Louder Than a Bomb: Omaha Youth Poetry Festival Omaha, NE. Students from more than 12 area high schools and junior highs compete in team poetry slams. There will also be workshops by touring artists and more.
- April 4 Prairie Schooner Book Prize Celebration 7 pm. Lincoln, NE. This year marks the ten-year anniversary of the Book Prize, so the celebration will not only feature two recent winners of the prize but prize founder Hilda Raz and key supporter Peggy Shumaker. At the International Quilt Study Center & Museum, 1523 N. 33rd St.
- April 5 & 6 Nebraska Book Festival Omaha, NE. At the UNO Thompson Alumni Center.
- April 5-7 WillyCon Wayne, NE. Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention. With Anne Bishop, Peri Charlifu, Jeff Schipman. At the UNO Student Center on the Wayne State College campus.
- April 6 Poetry Reading with Kwame Dawes Central City, NE. Dawes is editor-in-chief of the Prairie Schooner. He will be joined by poet and managing editor Marianne Kunkel. At the Central City Public Library, 1604 15th Av.
- April 7 "Woody Guthrie" 2 pm. Bancroft, NE. A Sunday at the Museum program. Learn the impact of singer/songwriter and activist Woody Guthrie. With mike Adams and Kathryn Benzel. At the John G. Neihardt State Historical Site, 306 W. Elm Street.
- April 7 Book Signing with Andy Greenberg and Marian Shalander Kaiser 1 pm. Omaha. Andy Greenberg and Marian Shalander Kaiser will sign Your High: Life-Changing Broadcasts. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- April 9 Book Signing with Brandon Mull 6 pm. Omaha. Mull will sign Chasing the Prophecy. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- April 9 O Pioneers! Book Discussion 7:00 pm, Papillion. Led by Andrew Jewell, editor of the Willa Cather Archive. At Sump Memorial Library, 222 North Jefferson.
- April 11 Poetry Reading with B. H. Fairchild 7:30 pm, Kearney. Fairchild’s books of poetry include The Arrival of the Future, The Art of the Lathe, Early Occult Memory Systems of the Lower Midwest, Local Knowledge, and Usher: Poems. At the Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Ave.
- April 12 - 13 Nebraska Writers Guild Spring Conference Ashland, NE. With Joel Friedlander, Jonathan Maberry, and Lee Hough. At Mahoney State Park.
- POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE April 12, 13 & 14 Wine, Writers & Song Weekend Visit the website for updates on the Writers' Workshop. Brownville, NE.
- April 13 Book Signing with Jan Riggenbach 1 pm. Omaha. Riggenbach will sign Your Midwest Garden: An Owner's Manual. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- April 15 Book Discussion with David Strauss 1 pm. Kearney. Strauss will discuss his book Barbarous Souls. At the Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave.
- April 16 Publication Celebration of The Selected Letters of Willa Cather 7:00 pm, Lincoln, NE. Remarks and reading of letters from the book; book signing. RSVP attendance to jbarnes2 (at) unl.edu. At Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center and Van Brunt Visitors Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- April 18 Poem in Your Pocket Day Nationwide. The idea is simple: select a poem you love during National Poetry Month then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends.
- April 19-21 ConStellation IV - A New Hope Lincoln, NE. SciFi/Anime/Gaming convention. With Connie Willis, Tara Rueping, and Dylan Nigh. At the Holiday Inn Downtown, 141 N. 9th St.
- April 20 Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation’s Spring Banquet 6 pm. Elmwood, NE. "Beyond the Rim of the Prairie" Enjoy a plated meal and program by Professor Jeff Keown, UNL Department of Agriculture, about his annual trips escorting students to Mexico to learn about their agricultural and marketing practices, and the Mexican culture. Awards will be presented to the winners of the annual short story contest and excerpts of the winning stories read. There is a cost. RSVP by calling 402-994-3855 by April 15th. At Elmwood Elementary School, 400 West F St.
- April 20 Book Signing with Patrick Dickey 1 pm. Omaha. Dickey will sign Green Glory: A Visual Tribute to the Courses of the Majors – Golf’s Renowned Venues. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- April 20 Understanding the Qur'an: An Introduction 4 pm. Lincoln. Presented by Doug Hardt, Director, Union College Center for Interfaith Studies and Culture. Learn more about the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf. At the Shawnee Porter Care Room, Ortner Center, Union College.
- April 21 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 2 pm. Grand Island, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather, moderated by Tracy Tucker, education director of the Willa Cather Foundation. At Grand Island Public Library, 211 N. Washington St.; call 308-385-5333 for more information.
- April 23 29th Annual Adult Spelling Bee 7 p.m. Lincoln, NE. Be a contestant!! Be a spectator!! Features local celebrities as judges (and sometimes as contestants). Cheering is encouraged! A Nebraska Literary Heritage Association event. At Brewsky's in the Haymarket.
- April 24 Visiting Writers Series 7 pm. Norfolk, NE. With Nebraska poet Twyla Hansen and South Dakota poet Linda Hasselstrom, collaborating authors of Dirt Songs: A Plains Duet. Hawks Landing, Northeast Community College. Contact Neil Harrison at neil (at) northeast.edu for more information.
- April 24 Family Book Discussion: "By the Shores of Silver Lake" 7 pm. Papillion, NE. Chautauqua Book and Movie Series. Family book discussion on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s By the Shores of Silver Lake led by Cathy McMahon. Call 402-597-2040 for details. At Sump Memorial Library, 222 N. Jefferson.
- April 25 One Book One Nebraska Book Discussion 7 pm. Beatrice, NE. Discussion of O Pioneers! by Willa Cather. At Beatrice Public Library, 100 N 16th St.; contact Laureen Riedesel, lriedesel (at) beatrice.lib.ne.us, for more information.
- April 25 The Journey of the Spoken Word 5 pm. Omaha, NE. With the Wordsmiths. At the Malcolm X Conference Center, 3448 Evans St. Contact Nikitah Imani 402-554-2286.
- April 25 Plains Writers Series 2 pm. Wayne, NE. With Twyla M. Hansen and Linda M. Hasselstrom. The authors will share selected pieces from their collaborative book Dirt Songs: A Plains Duet. In the second floor lounge in the Humanities Building at Wayne State College.
- April 25 Lucky 13 Fiction Slam 5 / 7 pm. Wayne, NE. Required preliminaries starting at 5:00 pm. If anyone would like to participate in the slam they will need 2 original pieces of short fiction and $5 for registration at the door. At the Max Bar and Grill.
- April 27 Spring Conference: Neihardt & Education on the Great Plains Bancroft, NE. Speakers include Dr. Joseph Weixelman, Dr. James Work, Joe Green, Jerome Kills Small, Nancy Carlson. Moderated by Tim Anderson.
- April 27 Book Signing with Tunette Powell 1 pm. Omaha. Powell will sign The Other Woman. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- April 28 Book Signing with Stew Magnuson 12:30 pm. Omaha. Magnuson will sign Wounded Knee 1973: Still Bleeding. At The Bookworm, 8702 Pacific St.
- April 30 An Evening with Joe Starita 7 pm. Beatrice, NE. Join biographer Joe Sarita as he explains Chief Standing Bear’s remarkable journey to justice for all Native Americans. At the Beatrice Public Library, 100 N 16th St.
Related Links
- Links to other book-related calendars
- Events sponsored by the Library of Congress Center for the Book
- Library of Congress Center for the Book compendium of One Book projects, book fairs, storytelling festivals and other literary events across the U.S. and around the world
- Library calendar posted by the Nebraska Library Commission
- Lincoln City Libraries programs and events
- Omaha Public Library calendar of library events
- Nebraska event information from The Poetry Menu
- National Storytelling Network calendar
- Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America upcoming book fairs and events