Calendar of events
Dates, locations, and times are subject to change. Some workshops or events may charge a fee. Contact us to submit your event.
Upcoming in 2021
June
- June 2021 Audiobook Month
- June 3, 2021
Getting to Know Weldon Kees Through His Song and Lyrics
Geneva Public Library, 1043 G St. Geneva, NE, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Singer/songwriter Helen Waring Johnson discusses Kees and performs from this little known repertoire, focusing on Kees' witty, intelligent lyrics of songs written in collaboration with San Francisco clarinetist Bob Helm. - June 3-5, 2021
66th Annual Willa Cather Spring Conference
Online with select on-site events
Explore Willa Cather's work in relation to newspapers and magazines. This conference will focus on the intersections of Cather’s life and writings with newspapers and magazines. The 2021 Spring Conference will feature a full roster of virtual and online events; special events (noted in the agenda) will be held in person in Red Cloud, with bonus materials for those who are not onsite. - June 10, 2021
R&R Book Club
Seward Memorial Library, 233 S 5th St. Seward, NE, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Read & Review book group shares what has been read during the past month. Take advantage of this relaxing hour to enjoy conversations withno reading assignments! - June 10, 2021
Author Event - Joel Green
Columbus Public Library, 2504 14th St. Columbus, NE, 7:00 pm
Join Joel Green as he talks all about his book Robber's Cave: Truths, Legends, Recollections. - June 11-13, 2021
Twenty-Fourth 1/2 Annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling & Music Festival
McCook, NE
Prepare for a whole lot of stories, music, and fun at the 24th 1/2 Annual Buffalo Commons Storytelling and Music Festival. Events will include a historic walking tour, dinner cabaret, stage show, museum concert, art show, local stories and songs, open mic opportunities, poetry sharing, children's story fest and much, much more. - June 14-17. 2021
Story Catcher Workshop
Chadron State Park
Against the breathtaking landscape of the Pine Ridge Region of Northwest Nebraska, our writers-in-residence will lead sessions focused on crafting and improving our writing, providing participants a chance to create new work to then share and receive personalized feedback during the retreat. Participants will be able to spend the nights and days together as part of the retreat. This inspirational setting fosters a wonderful writing community focused on exploring the wild terrains of our lives. - June 17, 2021
Poetry Feedback Forum
Zoom, 6:30 pm
This is your opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your poems! The goal is to provide insights to inspire and equip with you with ideas to strengthen your work. You do not need to submit anything beforehand. - Jun 24, 2021
Virtual Author Series: Chris Harding Thornton
Virtual, 7:00 pm
Spend an evening with Nebraska author Chris Harding Thornton as she reads from her debut novel Pickard County Atlas. Mentioned as a new and noteworthy publication in the New York Times, Harding Thornton's 1970s noir novel makes a great summer read and book club selection. Tickets are free but pre-registration is required. - June 26, 2021
Discovering Your Poetic Voice
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Spend the morning working together to discover your poetic voice and nurture development. Using in-class prompts, explore how voice emerges and creates the distinctive character that makes poems unique. This session is fruiful for those new to writing as well as seasoned poets. - June 26, 2021
Garden Tour and Nebraska Authors and Artists Showcase
Seward Courthouse Square, 548 Seward Street, Seward, NE, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Enjoy a summer garden tour hosted by Pat at Liberty House. End your day downtown at the authors and artists showcase hosted by Chapters and Red Path Gallery. Meet artists and authors from Nebraska in a socially-distanced, outdoor setting. - June 28, 2021
Author Event - James J. Kimble
Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE, 6:30 pm
James J. Kimble, author of Prairie Forge: The Extraordinary Story of the Nebraska Scrap Metal Drive of World War II, will give a presentation about his book, then join a panel of local antique tractor experts to discuss the long-term consequences of scrap metal drives during World War II.
July
- July 22, 2021
5th Annual Breakfast and Books
Janzow Campus Center - Cattle Conference Room
Concordia University, College Ave, Seward, NE
Wake up and come celebrate literacy! Breakfast and Books, is aimed towards teachers, librarians, book writers, illustrators, and book lovers. It will consist of book sales, breakfast and keynote addressses. An incredible lineup of well-known illustrators will join for the fifth annual Plum Creek Children's Literacy Festival Breakfast and Books program!
August
- August 1, 2021
Annual Neihardt Day Celebration
John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, Bancroft, NE, 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
September
- September 2021 Library Card Sign-Up Month
- September 2, 2021
Joint Youth Services Retreat
Zoom, 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Registration for the Southeast Library System Joint Youth Services Retreat ends August 31. - September 6, 2021 National Read a Book Day
- September 8, 2021 International Literacy Day
- September 18, 20201
Narrative Medicine for the Soul,
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
In this workshop, explore how using poetry can tap into feelings surrounding health and have enormous healing qualities. - September 25, 20201
Indie Author Book Expo,
The Mastercraft Building, 1111 N 13th St, Omaha, NE. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join for fun, freebies, and books. - September 25, 2021
Plum Creek Literacy Festival Adult Conference
Concordia University, 800 N Columbia Ave, Seward, NE
Plum Creek Literacy Festival's Adult Conference is designed for educators and literacy enthusiasts, featuring acclaimed authors, illustrators and literacy experts. Lunch is available and qualifies for graduate credit and CEUs. In addition to specialized breakout sessions, there will be a luncheon keynote, as well as opportunities to purchase books throughout the day.
October
- October 23, 2021
2021 Celebration of Nebraska Books
The celebration, free and open to the public, will feature presentation of the Nebraska Center for the Book's Nebraska Book Awards, Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Award. The 2021 One Book One Nebraska selection, Prairie Forge: The Extraordinary Story of the Nebraska Scrap Metal Drive of World War II by James J. Kimble, will be featured, and an introduction of the 2022 One Book One Nebraska book choice will conclude the festivities.
November
December
Ongoing
Lincoln
- Book Club, First Wednesday of the month. 7 - 8 p.m. Jakes' Cigars, 101 N. 14th Street, Ste 1.
- Drop in Journal Club, Join us every third Wednesday. 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th Street. Catherine Griesen is a local book artist who makes beautiful handmade journals. She will be showcasing her talents and creating pieces of art for you.
- Graphic Novel Book Club, Second and Fourth Wednesdays of the month. 7 p.m. Indigo Bridge Books & Cafe, 701 P Street, Suite 102.
- Lincoln City Library Book Talks and Discussion Groups, All of the groups are free and open to the public. Just drop in at one of the gatherings or call the branch location if you need more information.
- One Book One Lincoln, Various activities. Inviting Lincoln to read and discuss the same book. Become a fan on Facebook.
- Open Mic Night, Wednesday nights. 7 - 9 p.m. Meadowlark Coffee and Espresso, 1624 South Street. Come share your talent with the cafe!
- Pop in Storytime, First Thursday of every month. 4 - 4:30 p.m. Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th Street. Through stories, songs, and movement, come learn more about the natural world. Everyone is invited to participate, however stories and activities are planned for children ages 3-5.
- Raven & Finch Book Club, Group meets every third Tuesday. 6 p.m. The Happy Raven, 122 N. 11th Street. Want to meet interesting people? Want to read things that you might not otherwise read? Want to talk about it? Join us for about an hour or so as we enjoy good discussions and good company.
- Read to a Cat, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Charles H Gere Branch Library, 2400 South 56th Stree Room #2. Reading to an animal helps kids relax and enjoy reading instead of dreading it. It is simple and it works! To register, contact Allisons at allisontalkspets@gmail.com
- Read to a Dog, Thursdays at 4 p.m. Bennett Martin Library, 136 S. 14th Street. Come read to Pax. These are drop-in sessions so there's no need to register! Reading with to an animal helps kids relax and enjoy reading instead of dreading it. It is simple and it works!
- SBSRC Writing Group Mini-Retreat, Fridays at 10 a.m. The Mill at Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Dr #1350.
- Storytelling Group, Fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Union College, Ortner Center Building, 48th and Prescott Ave.
- Young Adult Book Club, Last Tuesday of every month. 7 - 8 p..m. Indigo Bridge Books & Cafe, 701 P Street, Suite 102. Group meets to discuss young adult fiction with a wide variety of book themes.
Various
- Page Turners: Book Club, Ashland, NE. Last Tuesday of each month. 10 - 11 a.m. Ashland Public Library, 1324 Silver Street.
- Sundays at the Museum, Bancroft, NE. Sundays at 2 p.m. John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, 306 W Elm Street.
- A Novel Idea Book Club, Fremont, NE. The 3rd Tuesday of every month. 7 p.m. Wine Experience, 415 Main Street. Come join us for a fun discussion and friendly company. Click here to see the title for each month.
- Book Club for Adults, Grand Island, NE. First Tuesday of every month. 5:30 p.m. Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St. Click here for the 2019 selections.
- To Read or Not to Read, Grand Island, NE. Last Monday of every month. 1 p.m. Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St.
- Open Mic Night, Kearney, NE. The first Monday of every month. 8 p.m. The Other Side, 15 E. 24th Street. Come and show off your talent. Whether it is music, comedy, poetry, or anything else you want to show.
- Suite Storytime Hour, Kearney, NE. The second Monday of every month. 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Suite Child, 2304 Central Ave. All ages are welcome!
- Open Book Club, Kearney, NE. The second Monday of every month. 6:30 - 8 p.m. Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue. No registration is required and is open to anyone over the age of 18. Contact the library for more information.
- Writer's Block, Kearney, NE. 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kearney Public Libary, 2020 1st Avenue. This informal writing group meets twice a month to keep writer's block away. No experience is necessary - just the willingness to write. No registration is required.
- 2019 Reading Challenge, Omaha, NE. Mix up your reading this year! Omaha Public Libraries have created a challenge to help you get outside your reading comfort zone. Each month presents a new challenge. Tackle them all to qualify for prizes.
- Lit Pub Quiz, Omaha, NE. The first Wednesday of every month. Pageturners Lounge, 5004 Dodge Street. A monthly book-themed pub quiz with prizes.
- Romance Authors of the Heartland, Omaha, NE. 2nd Saturday of every month. 9:30 a.m. Omaha Public Library - Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Lane.
- Imaginary Gardens Reading Series, Omaha, NE. 3rd Tuesday of every month. 7 p.m. Mister Toad, 1002 Howard Street.
- Nebraska Writers Workshop, Ralson, NE. Every Wednesday. Baright Public Library Meeting Room, 5555 South 77th Street. 5:30 - 6 p.m. Teens only; 6 - 6:30 p.m. Poetry; 6:30 - 7 p.m. Scripting (Stage & Film); 7 - 9 p.m. Fiction & Readings for Feedback.
- Book Discussion Group, Schuyler, NE. The second Tuesday of every month. 7 - 8 p.m. Schuyler Public Library, 108 E. 18th Street.
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