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.
December
- December 2, 2025
Allison Adelle Hedge Coke Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Hedge Coke’ poems form a taxonomy of threatened lives — human, plant, and animal — in a century marked by climate emergency. Her ecopoetry insists upon a reckoning and resistance with and redress of America’s continuing violence toward Earth and its peoples. - December 4, 2025
Visiting Author: Susan Bruzas "Turning on the Light: My Mysterious Illness and the Year that Transformed Me"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Welcome Nebraskamemoirist Susan Bruzas to Francie & Finch Bookshop. She will be reading from her new book Turning on the Light: My Mysterious Illness and the Year that Transformed Me. "This powerful new memoir shines a light on the silent struggle of a life-threatening, unexplained illness—and the resilience it takes to reclaim your life when the odds are against you.” –Kirk House Publishers. - December 4, 2025
Verse & Vibes
Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
Papillion, 6:30 pm
An open mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar ;). Open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Everyone is welcome. Free event. Jules Coral, MC. - December 5, 2025
First Friday Book Talk & Reading w/ Abby E. Murray
Zoom, 12:00 pm
Abby E. Murray is the editor of Collateral, a literary journal concerned with the impact of violent conflict and military service beyond the combat zone. They’ve spent their adult life writing and researching conflict, contradiction, and the necessity of voice. Their first book, Hail and Farewell, won the Perugia Press Poetry Prize and was a finalist for the Washington State Book Award, and their second book, Recovery Commands, won the Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Prize from Ex Ophidia Press and has been nominated for the National Book Award. Abby served as the 2019-2021 poet laureate for the city of Tacoma, Washington, and currently teaches writing to Army War College fellows at the University of Washington. - December 6, 2025
Writing Autobiographical Poetry with Todd Robinson
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Turn your life into art. In this workshop, we will explore how autobiographical poetry can honor both your magnificence and your messy humanity. You will leave with new ways to tell your story with beauty and depth. - December 6, 2025
25th Annual Teen Poetry Bash
Omaha Public Library, Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St.
Omaha, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Whether you’re a poet or you just appreciate poetry, join us in celebrating this milestone! All Writes Reserved coaches from Nebraska Writers Collective will serve as the judges and host. Interested in competing for the prize? Contestants must be in grades 8-12 and be a resident of Douglas County, Nebraska, or its surrounding Metro area. Check out the official rules for complete details! - December 7, 2025
The Poet as Historian: John G. Neihardt and Gerard M. Hopkins
The John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, 306 W. Elm St.
Bancroft, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
The last “Sunday at the Museum” of the year will features a popular Humanities Nebraska speaker and one of our favorite historians, Nancy Gillis, with The Poet as Historian: John G. Neihardt and Gerard M. Hopkins. This presentation provides a look at how a poet writes of an historical event differently than an academic historian by comparing the work of two contemporary poets, the American John G. Neihardt and the English Anglican Priest Gerard M. Hopkins, and how each relates a tragic historical event. Gillis believes "if you want to learn the facts, read the textbooks, but if you want to feel them, read the poets." Admission is free. A light reception will follow. - December 10, 2025
Visiting Author: Tom Chorneau "Mrs. Cook and the Klan: Booze, Bloodshed, and Bigotry in America’s Heartland"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Tom Chorneau will discuss his book Mrs. Cook and the Klan, a true crime investigation that not only sheds new light on Myrtle Underwood Cook’s unsolved killing but also explores the confluence of the social, political, and economic forces that brought the Klan, lawless street gangs, a local mob boss, and the temperance movement together in a small American town. - December 12, 2025
Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Stephen Buhler, Reading from Ted Kooser's Poetry
St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Guests may study, write, read, relax, sit, talk, and generally socialize with friends over coffee, tea, and other beverages from opening at 5:30 pm until 6:00 pm when Steve Buhler reading for Ted Kooser will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will will follow until closing. - December 13, 2025
BookFest Omaha 2025
IBEW Hall, 13306 Stevens St.
Omaha, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mark this event on your calendar! BookFest Omaha will host a variety of local authors and craft vendors. This is the perfect festival to complete your holiday shopping, with truly special products created by local writers and crafters: affordable gifts that can be personalized for your loved one. - December 17, 2025
Book Launch: Carole Levin "The Reign and Life of Queen Elizabeth I: Politics, Culture, and Society"
Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Join us as we celebrate the release of Carole Levin’s latest book The Reign and Life of Queen Elizabeth I: Politics, Culture, and Society! "A result of Levin’s nonpareil archival research and decades of her seminal scholarship on Queen Elizabeth I, this book situates meticulously researched facts about Elizabeth’s queenship within broader political, religious, social, and cultural issues, developments, and events. The Reign and Life of Queen Elizabeth I is both an encyclopedia and textbook, and it will serve as an invaluable asset for teachers, students, and scholars alike. This book is a treasury of new information that clarifies and illuminates the historical record and brings Elizabeth’s world to life like never before.” –Anna Riehl Bertolet, Auburn University, USA.
January
- January 6, 2025
Gene Fendt Poetry Reading & Discussion
Zoom, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Gene Fendt’s poetry wrestles with the physical world while reaching for the divine. Join us for an evening of reading and conversation with a poet whose work celebrates heritage, questions mortality, and seeks grace in the everyday. - January 9, 2025
Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Greg Kosmicki
St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
Lincoln, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Guests may study, write, read, relax, sit, talk, and generally socialize with friends over coffee, tea, and other beverages from opening at 5:30 pm until 6:00 pm when Greg Kosmicki will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will will follow until closing. - January 15, 2025
Vocal Fry
UNO's Criss Library, 6401 S University Dr Rd N.
Omaha, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Prepare to be moved, inspired, and electrified at the only spoken word event in Nebraska dedicated solely to the art of expression. This isn’t just another open mic night—it’s a celebration of storytelling and raw emotion, where voices from all walks of life take center stage. Hosted in the intimate and immersive setting where every performance feels personal. Whether you're a longtime lover of spoken word or a curious newcomer, this event guarantees an unforgettable night of connection and creativity. Featuring Sam Nichols and Allen Stevenson as MCs. - January 31, 2025
Excavating the Self: Poetics and Memory with Tatiana Johnson-Boria
Zoom, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Unearth the stories that live beneath the surface. In this generative workshop, writers will explore memory, emotion, and truth through guided exercises that help transform buried experiences into powerful new poems.
Ongoing
Lincoln
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Lincoln City Library Book 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. -
Romancing the Tome: A Romance Reader Book Club
This is an in-person book club for readers of romance. Join for book of the month discussions, book swaps, bookish discussions, and book shopping trips. -
One Book One Lincoln
Various activities. Inviting Lincoln to read and discuss the same book. Become a fan on Facebook. -
Crescent Moon Writers' Night: Open Mic
Crescent Moon Coffee, The Apothecary, 140 N 8th St, Lincoln, NE, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Poetry & prose open mic - hosted by Jeff Martinson. Every Wednesday night, sign up begins at 6:30 pm. -
Pop in Storytime
Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St, Lincoln, NE
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. -
Lincoln Poetry Slam
Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, NE
A monthly open mic and poetry slam, held on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm. Begins with an open mic, and then the competitive individual slam! Sign up at the event. (If you plan to compete in the slam, bring three poems.)
Various
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Book Club for Adults
Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St, Grand Island, NE
Meets the 1st Monday of every month at 5:30 pm. Click here for the 2024 book selections. -
Bygone Book Club
Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W 2nd St, Grand Island, NE
Local historians lead book discussions at 11:00 am on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Click here to see the title selection. -
Toddler & Preschool Storytime
Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Avenue, Kearney, NE
Come enjoy stories geared for ages every Thursday. Readings for ages 0-2 starting at 9:30 am and readings for ages starting at 10:30 am. -
Open Book Club
Kearney Public Library, 2020 1st Ave, Kearney, NE
This library-sponsored group is open to everyone ages 18 or older. No registration is required and the group meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:30 pm. Contact the library for more information. -
Between the Lines Book Club
Saddlebrook Branch, 14851 Laurel Ave, Omaha, NE
Meets the 1st Friday of the month at 10:30 am. Registration is required. -
Omaha Public Library Book Clubs
Omaha Public Library hosts book clubs at most library locations. OPL book clubs typically meet monthly and are facilitated by OPL staff. -
Nebraska Writers Workshop
Ralston Baright Public Library, 5555 South 77th St, Ralston, NE
Every Wednesday. First & Third Wednesdays are in-person meetings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Second and Fourth Wednesdays are Zoom meetings starting at 7:00 pm.
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