Nebraska Center for the Book

April is here and literary events are in full bloom! If you’re looking for something to do in April, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• April 1, 2025 Visiting Author: Karen Russell in conversation with Judi M. Gaiashkibos “The Antidote”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
  Pulitzer prize finalist Karen Russsell will be presenting her new novel The Antidote, “a gripping dust bowl epic about five characters whose fates become entangled after a storm ravages their small Nebraskan town.”
• April 1, 2025 Steve Langan Poetry Reading & Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Modern-day parables that take stock of our society at the turn of the century. Steve Langan lived in Omaha for many years and now he lives in Maine. He graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where he received the James Michener Postgraduate Fellowship.
• April 2, 2025 Lunch at the Library with Tosca Lee
  Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S 14th St.
  Lincoln, 12:10 pm
  Tosca Lee will discuss her book The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific. This program is free, with coffee provided. People are encouraged to bring their own lunch if they’d like.
• April 2, 2025 UNO Writer’s Workshop 2025 Reading Series: Poet Susan Aizenberg
  University of Nebraska Omaha, UNO Art Gallery, 6505 University Dr S.
  Omaha, 7:30 pm
  Susan Aizenberg’s newest collection is A Walk with Frank O’Hara: Poems (University of New Mexico Press/Mary Burritt Christiansen Poetry Series 2024.) She’s also the author of two earlier full-length collections, Quiet City (BkMk 2015) and Muse (Crab Orchard 2002) and co-editor with Erin Belieu of The Extraordinary Tide: New Poetry by American Women (Columbia UP 2001). Aizenberg is professor emerita at Creighton University and now lives and writes in Iowa City, Iowa.
• April 3, 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.
• April 4, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Jamie Wendt
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  Jamie Wendt will read and discuss her poetry collection Laughing in Yiddish, which was a finalist for the 2022 Philip Levine Prize in Poetry. The poems span geography and time, from Wendt’s ancestral roots in Russia to her family’s more recent life in Chicago, passing through pogroms and flight to “poverty and perseverance.”
• April 5, 2025 From Rage to Page: The Role of Anger in Poetry of Witness
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  A workshop to channel your fury into powerful poetry! We will explore the evolution of poetry of witness and the response poem. Together, we’ll embrace righteous indignation and write against the forces of oppression. This is not fine—let’s whine, resist, and create! Led by Raena Shirali.
• April 5, 2025 Reading with Matt Mason
  Wymore Public Library, 116 W F St.
  Wymore, 1:00 pm
  Join former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason as he holds a reading at the Wymore Public Library.
• April 5, 2025 Giving Voice to Art: An Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop
  Zoom, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
  Join Chicago poet and teacher, Jamie Wendt, as she discusses her approach to writing ekphrastic poems, which are poems inspired by works of art. Participants will read and discuss some ekphrastic poems written by diverse poets and will note a range of possibilities as well as how writing ekphrastic poems is a creative way to be in conversation with visual artists. Participants will have an opportunity to generate their own drafts of ekphrastic poems inspired by photographs and paintings. Participants are encouraged to bring an old photograph of a family member or of an important historical place, or bring a link to a painting online from an art museum that relates to a topic of interest.
• April 5, 2025 Youth Poet Laureate Finals Ceremony
  Samuel Bak Museum, 2289 South 67th St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  The 2025/26 Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate will be announced at UNO’s Samuel Bak Museum! Five finalists will take the stage alongside outgoing Nebraska Youth Poet Laureate and Midwest Youth Poet Laureate runner-up, Miranda Davis. Doors open at 6:30pm. This event put on by the Nebraska Writers Collective.
• April 6, 2025 Salon Reading Series: “Wasabia”
  Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St.
  Lincoln, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is Wasabia by Wendy Herlich. Vivian, staring down the barrel of dementia, and Carla, desperate to shine as a young hospice volunteer, strike up an unlikely friendship, which is thrown into question when Vivian enlists Carla’s help in getting life-ending drugs from a hapless musician. The drugs themselves are characters in this dark comedy, which alternates between naturalism and the surreal as it explores one woman’s experience with medically assisted dying.
• April 7, 2025 UNO Writer’s Workshop 2025 Reading Series: Poet & Essayist Camille T. Dungy
  University of Nebraska Omaha, MBSC Nebraska Room, 6203 S University Dr Rd N.
  Omaha, 7:30 pm
  Camille T. Dungy is the author of Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden (Simon & Schuster: May 2023). She has also written Guidebook to Relative Strangers: Journeys into Race, Motherhood, and History, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, and four collections of poetry, including Trophic Cascade, winner of the Colorado Book Award. Dungy edited Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry. Dungy is the poetry editor for Orion magazine. Her work has appeared in Best American Poetry, 100 Best African American Poems, Best American Essays, The 1619 Project, All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis, and venues including The New Yorker, Poetry, Literary Hub, The Paris Review, and Poets.org.
• April 9, 2025 Salon Reading Series: “Wasabia”
  Eastmont Living Performing Arts Center, 6315 O St.
  Lincoln, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is Wasabia by Wendy Herlich. Vivian, staring down the barrel of dementia, and Carla, desperate to shine as a young hospice volunteer, strike up an unlikely friendship, which is thrown into question when Vivian enlists Carla’s help in getting life-ending drugs from a hapless musician. The drugs themselves are characters in this dark comedy, which alternates between naturalism and the surreal as it explores one woman’s experience with medically assisted dying.
• April 10, 2025 Writers’ Workshop with Matt Mason
  Kearney Public Library, Both Platte Rooms, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 12:00 pm
  Celebrate National Poetry Month with this writing workshop led by Nebraska State Poet Emeritus, Matt Mason. Matt will inspire you to experience, love, and write poetry. There is a $15 fee for this workshop with lunch being included.
• April 10, 2025 Poetry Reading with Matt Mason
  Kearney Public Library, Both Platte Rooms, 2020 1st Ave.
  Kearney, 7:00 – 8:00 pm
  Enjoy an evening of poetry with former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason. He will read favorites from his books and more!
• April 10, 2025 Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
  Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society. Nathan Lachner, MC.
• April 11, 2025 Poetry Readings at The Lion: a Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Twyla Hansen
  St Mark’s on the Campus, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 8:00 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 Twyla Hansen will feature. If time remains, Open Mic will follow until closing.
• April 13, 2025 Reading, Discussion, & Workshop with Matt Mason
  York University Prayer Chapel, 900 Mayhew Ave.
  York, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
  Join former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason as he holds a reading, discussion and workshop.
• April 15, 2025 All Writes Reserved Semi-Finals Bouts
  Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St.
  Omaha, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
  All Writes Reserved is an annual youth spoken word festival and competition featuring schools from all over Nebraska and the Great Plains. The top youth poets from this year’s festival are one step closer to the championship! Across two nights of electrifying performances, they’ll bring their best work to the stage, competing for a spot in the All Writes Reserved Finals—and the coveted Pop-Tarts. Be part of the audience that listens, cheers, and celebrates the power of youth voices.
• April 15, 2025 Poetry Showcase & Discussion
  Nebraska Prairie Museum, 2713 Burlington St.
  Holdrege, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  Former Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason gives a talk as part of the Iron Horse Poetry Showcase at the Nebraska Prairie Museum. Local poets Alizabeth McDermott, Andrea Skiles, and Madison Gerken will read and Matt Mason will discuss how poetry took a turn for the difficult about 110 years ago and how it’s coming back as a relevant and important form of storytelling and connection.
• April 16, 2025 Visiting Author: Ken Meter “Building Community Food Web”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
  Join as we welcome Ken Meter, one of the most experienced food system analysts in the U.S., as he signs and discusses his book! In Building Community Food Webs, Ken Meter shows how grassroots leaders across the U.S. are constructing civic networks to create healthier and more equitable food systems. Overturning extractive economic structures, these inspired food leaders are engaging low-income residents, farmers, and local organizations in their quest to build stronger communities.
• April 16, 2025 UNO Writer’s Workshop 2025 Reading Series: Screenwriter Christine Burright
  Benson Theater, 6054 Maple St.
  Omaha, 7:30 pm
  Christine Burright is a screenwriter currently based out of Omaha, Nebraska. Her television pilots and screenplays have been named finalists in NBC Writers on the Verge, Launch Pad Pilots, Atlanta Film Festival and the John Milius Screenwriting Award, and have competed in festivals from Los Angeles to Berlin. Her first produced feature screenplay The Headliner premiered 2024 and will be available on streaming in 2025. Christine directs and produces short films and is the half of animation and production studio, Crispy Pickle Films. She holds a BFA and MFA in Creative Writing from UNO.
• April 17, 2025 Visiting Author: Deborah Jackson Taffa “Whiskey Tender: A Memoir”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
  Join as we welcome Deborah Jackson Taffa, author of the widely praised and anticipated memoir Whiskey Tender. This work has been regarded as an Oprah Daily “Best New Book”, a New York Times “New Book to Read, a Parade “Best New Work By Indigenous Writers”, and an NPR “Book We Love”!
• April 17, 2025 All Writes Reserved Semi-Finals Bouts
  Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St.
  Omaha, 5:30 pm & 7:30 pm
  All Writes Reserved is an annual youth spoken word festival and competition featuring schools from all over Nebraska and the Great Plains. The top youth poets from this year’s festival are one step closer to the championship! Across two nights of electrifying performances, they’ll bring their best work to the stage, competing for a spot in the All Writes Reserved Finals—and the coveted Pop-Tarts. Be part of the audience that listens, cheers, and celebrates the power of youth voices.
• April 17, 2025 Vocal Fry
  Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 7:00 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. Nathan Lachner and State Poet Jewel Rodgers, MCs.
• April 24, 2025 Tosca Lee at Falls City Library
  Falls City Library and Art Center, 1400 Stone St.
  Falls City, 6:00 pm
  Join Tosca Lee in Falls City at the library, where she will be discussing the writing, research, and impact of The Long March Home – 2025’s One Book One Nebraska!
• April 27, 2025 Cathedral Parish Center Poetry Event
  St. Cecilia’s Parrish Center, Corner of 39th and Burt St.
  Omaha, 6:00 pm
  Open mic, live music, refreshments. Any theme, celebrate national Poetry month with your own original work or poetry by a favorite author. Listeners welcome.
• April 29, 2025 All Writes Reserved Finals
  Holland Center, 1200 Douglas St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  All Writes Reserved is an annual youth spoken word festival and competition featuring schools from all over Nebraska and the Great Plains. After weeks of powerful performances, it all comes down to this. Join us for Finals! The top youth poets of the season will step onto the stage, delivering their most compelling, fearless, and unforgettable performances—all for the title of All Writes Reserved Champion and the coveted Pop-Tarts. Come witness the power of youth voices and be part of an audience that celebrates, listens, and lifts them up.
• April 30, 2025 ‘Prairie Home Companion’ Guest Jim Daniels to Read at Northeast
  NECC Campus, Union 73 Coffee Shop, 801 E Benjamin Ave.
  Norfolk, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
  The author of more than 30 collections of poetry will be reading and discussing his writing during the next Visiting Writers Series event of the spring semester at Northeast Community College. Along with his poetry collections, Daniels has written seven collections of fiction and has four produced screenplays. His collection of essays, An Ignorance of Trees, is forthcoming from Cornerstone Press in 2025.

Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!

*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.

Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.

Heading into March with a spring in your step? If you’re looking for something to do in March, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• March 2, 2025 Salon Reading Series: “Acanthus”
  Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St.
  Lincoln, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is Acanthus by Justin W. Morille, directed by Brenna Thompson. In 1887 Texas, widowed rancher Temperance storms into Morgan’s saloon seeking revenge on local head groom Holt for killing her beloved rooster, Acanthus. As tensions rise, a diverse cast of characters including enigmatic musician Kit, secretive schoolteacher Sarah, and hapless stagecoach driver Edgar get caught in the explosive turmoil, leading to unforeseen chaos.
• March 3, 2025 Creating Characters and Crafting Dialogue
  Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N Cotner Blvd.
  Lincoln, 6:30 pm
  Every memorable story starts with unforgettable characters and dialogue that feels real. In this seminar, we’ll dive into the art of creating compelling, multi-dimensional characters who leap off the page. Discover techniques to develop rich backstories, motivations, and unique voices that resonate with audiences and readers. Instructor Jordan Morille is an award-winning playwright, novelist, and professor. Limit 12 participants.
• March 4, 2025 Elizabeth Clark Wessel Poetry Reading & Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Wessel unspools layers of mythology—of places, people, historical and ahistorical time—and finds their entanglements with everyday life, revealing marvelous influences encoded in the ordinary.
• March 5, 2025 Salon Reading Series: “Acanthus”
  Eastmont Living Performing Arts Center, 6315 O St.
  Lincoln, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is Acanthus by Justin W. Morille, directed by Brenna Thompson. In 1887 Texas, widowed rancher Temperance storms into Morgan’s saloon seeking revenge on local head groom Holt for killing her beloved rooster, Acanthus. As tensions rise, a diverse cast of characters including enigmatic musician Kit, secretive schoolteacher Sarah, and hapless stagecoach driver Edgar get caught in the explosive turmoil, leading to unforeseen chaos.
• March 6, 2025 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
  Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
  Papillion, 6:30 pm
  The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event.
• March 7, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Cassie Premo Steele
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  Set against the backdrop of a post-pandemic and climate-collapsed world, Beaver Girl follows the journey of Livia, a 19-year-old confronting the aftermath of environmental upheaval. Cassie Premo Steele skillfully intertwines elements of a morality tale, shedding light on humanity’s role in climate disaster. Beaver Girl transcends traditional genres, offering a narrative that explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
• March 7, 2025 First Friday Art Walk with Jude Martindale
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
  Join us for Downtown Lincoln’s First Friday Art Walk, featuring artist Jude Martindale! Jude grew up in rural Nebraska and currently lives and paints in Lincoln. The recent book “Flying Free” (2020) showcases some of her widely acclaimed crane art. Her artistic journey has been reported in Nebraska Life magazine and other media.
• March 8, 2025 Poetry Meets Memoir with Anastacia Renee
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  Discover the art of blending poetry and memoir in this genre-bending workshop. Explore collective and personal stories, memories, and folklore as we weave together the Haibun and Nines forms, transforming fragmented memories into powerful first drafts. Led by Anastacia Renee.
• March 8, 2025 Writing Your Queer Nature: A Generative Writing Workshop
  Zoom, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  Have you ever wondered about the connections between diversity in our ecosystems and the queer diversity of our identities? Are you looking to connect your emotional well-being and your commitment to environmentalism with your writing path? Join us for a generative writing workshop and discussion with a queer ecofeminist writer and the author of 18 books, Cassie Premo Steele. The workshop will address the relationships between environmental diversity and the healing power of embracing our queer identities within different aspects of ourselves and our communities. Participants need not identify as queer to attend, as everyone will be welcomed. Together, we will practice different genres of writing from journaling to poetry to fiction, and participants will have the opportunity to generate new writing or work on existing projects in a safe and supportive way.
• March 11, 2025 Visiting Author: Stacey Waite “A Real Man Would Have a Gun: Poems”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
  Join us as author Stacey Waite presents her new work of poetry A Real Man Would Have a Gun, which interrogates gender, sexuality, and parenthood. From a genderqueer perspective, the poems set their unflinching gaze on the habits and impacts of masculinity.
• March 13, 2025 Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
  Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
• March 14, 2025 Poetry Readings at The Lion: Poetry Feature and Open Mic with Lucy Adkins
  St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Campus, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
  Lucy Adkins is an award winning poet and co-author of two books of encouragement and inspiration for writers. These include Writing in Community, which won an “IPPY” in the Independent Publishers Book Awards, and The Fire Inside. Her poetry has been published in numerous journals and anthologies and has received nominations for Pushcart prizes. Her latest collections, Two-Toned Dress and A Crazy Little Thing were named winners of Nebraska Book Awards for Poetry in 2021 and 2023. In addition, Two-Toned Dress was the winner of a Blue Light Press Poetry prize. For many years she has been a writing workshop leader and was named winner of a Lincoln Nebraska Mayor’s Award for Artistic Excellence in Literature.
• March 26, 2025 UNO Writer’s Workshop 2025 Reading Series: Poet Steve Langan
  University of Nebraska Omaha, MBSC Ballroom, 6203 S University Dr Rd N.
  Omaha, 7:30 pm
  Steve Langan graduated from UNO and the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop and returned to UNO years later to teach and help lead UNO Medical Humanities. His books are Freezing, Notes on Exile & Other Poems, Meet Me at the Happy Bar, What It Looks Like, How It Flies, and Bedtime Stories (Littoral Books, 2024). Langan’s poems are in a variety of journals, including Columbia, Cutbank, Diagram, DoubleTake, Fence, MAKE, Meridian, Octopus, Pool, Shade, Slope, Verse, and Witness. He lives in Maine.

Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!

*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.

Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.

Love and literature is in the air! If you’re looking for something to do in February, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• February 1, 2025 Visiting Writers Series: Writing Workshop with Huascar Medina
  University of Nebraska-Kearney, Thomas Hall Atrium, 2404 11th Ave.
  Kearney, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
  Kansas Poet Laureate Emeritus Huascar Medina leads this free, all-ages writing workshop. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, all are welcome (Recommended for ages 16+). Space is limited to 30 participants, register to secure your spot.
• February 1, 2025 Author Robert A Rieck Jr. at Barnes & Noble
  Barnes & Noble, 2910 Pine Lake Rd.
  Lincoln, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
  Come meet and support local author Robert A Rieck Jr as he reveals to the world his autobiography SPOKEN: A Memoir Sprinkled with a Little Quadriplegia (paperback, hardback and ebook)! The book signing/meet & greet will have individual vegan snacks courtesy of Natural Grocers. , all of what would be the author’s profits from book sales goes directly to the nonprofit “Twenty-One January: A Farm Rescued” animal sanctuary.
• February 2, 2025 Salon Reading Series: “The Body”
  Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St.
  Lincoln, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is The Body by Steve Moulds. Part domestic drama, part surreal thriller, The Body lives in that space between reality and dreams, where the things that haunt us most come from within.
• February 4, 2025 Lisa Fay Coutley Poetry Reading & Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Host explores parasitic relationships — between men and women, sons and mothers, and humans and the earth — and considers their consequences. How much control do we have over our lives? To what extent are we being controlled?
• February 4-8, 2025 Kearney Area Storytelling Festival: Winter Tales
  Kearney
  Come see the Kearney Area Storytelling Festival, where you’re invited to come hear professional storytellers—along with area tellers—present the art of storytelling in many area venues. Featured speakers will be Don White and Geraldine Buckley. See the full event schedule with times and locations here.
• February 5, 2025 Salon Reading Series: “The Body”
  Eastmont Living Performing Arts Center, 6315 O St.
  Lincoln, 6:30 - 9:00 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is The Body by Steve Moulds. Part domestic drama, part surreal thriller, The Body lives in that space between reality and dreams, where the things that haunt us most come from within.
• February 6, 2025 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
  Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
  Papillion, 6:30 pm
  The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event.
• February 7, 2025 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with Susan Aizenberg
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  Susan Aizenberg is the author of three full-length poetry collections: A Walk with Frank O’Hara: Poems, Quiet City, and Muse. Her awards include a Crab Orchard Poetry Series Award, the VCU Levis Reading Prize, a Distinguished Artist Fellowship and two Individual Artist Fellowships from the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Book Award in Poetry, and the Mari Sandoz Award from the Nebraska Library Association.
• February 13, 2025 Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
  Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
• February 13, 2025 On Writing Presents: Kim Louise
  Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St.
  Omaha, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
  Every second Tuesday of the month, join us in the lobby, alongside our partner The Book Nook, and participate in an engaging live reading with a local or nationally recognized writer, playwright, or poet. Peruse the curated offerings from the Book Nook, have a drink, and stay for the Q and A. This month join us in conversation with local playwright and author, Kim Louise! A native Omahan, Kim has penned over eleven novels and five novellas, writing for Kensington Press (BET Books), Genesis Press, and Harlequin Enterprises and earned a spot on Amazon’s bestseller’s list for mass market fiction. Her poetry has been published by the Cathartic Literary Journal and Third World Press.
• February 14, 2025 Poetry Readings at The Lion: Poetry Feature and Open Mic with John Philip Johnson
  St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Campus, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
  Poet John Philip Johnson studied at University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was the first editor of the UNL undergraduate literary magazine, The Laurus. His poems have appeared in many journals and magazines. He lives in Nebraska, and has work in or forthcoming from Southern Poetry Review, Image, Rattle, Strange Horizons, Pedestal, Rust & Moth, Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine, the newspaper column, “American Life in Poetry,” and many other places. He has two comic books of graphic poetry, Stairs Appear in a Hole Outside of Town and The Book of Fly, the latter which won an Elgin Award.
• February 15, 2025 VeRBal GuMBo presents “Just Getting Our Desserts!”
  North Omaha Music Academy (KVNO), 2510 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 8:00 - 11:30 pm
  Join us as we celebrate, Foxy Troxy and WithloveFelicia’s, John Heatson Cultural Stewadship Award from the Omaha Arts and Entertainment Awards through a night of spoken word poetry, music, and good vibes! Get ready to indulge in some sweet treats for your ears as local poets share their stories and talents on stage. Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, this event is sure to satisfy your cravings for creativity. For ages 21+.
• February 20, 2025 Vocal Fry
  Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 6:00 pm
  Vocal Fry is normally on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner, MCs. Special Feature: Allen Stevenson. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society.
• February 22, 2025 Hybridity: Poems that Cross the Line with MK Chavez
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  By engaging with the fluid and transformative nature of hybrid forms, we’ll delve into how our identities can be authentically reflected in our writing. Participants will create works that capture the richness of their experiences, exploring themes of identity, place, and the self in all its dimensons. Led by MK Chavez.
• February 22, 2025 Visiting Authors: Poetry Reading with Carolina Hotchandani and Maria Zoccola
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
  Join us as we welcome poets Carolina Hotchandani and Maria Zoccola! Carolina will be pulling from her award-winning anthology of poetry from the last few years, and Maria will be reading from her debut poetry collection Helen of Troy, 1993: Poems.

Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!

*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.

Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.

Is your New Year’s resolution to experience more literary events? If you’re looking for something to do in January, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• January 2, 2025 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
  Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
  Papillion, 6:30 pm
  The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event.
• January 6, 2025 Carolina Hotchandani Poetry Reading & Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Hotchandani’s poems interrogate what it means to be full or empty (of words, of the past, of another human being). She examines shifts in identity due to Partition, immigration, illness, and birth.
• January 9, 2025 Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
  Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
• January 10, 2025 Poetry at the Lion: Matt Mason
  St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church, 1309 R St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 7:45 pm
  Each month, a featured poet will read from their works and shape the evening’s experience. Poetry lovers can stop on their way to eat out or bring a brown bag meal and stay for the whole evening. Light refreshments will be provided. The featured poet for January is Matt Mason. As of 2025, he stepped away from being Nebraska State Poet Laureate for five years. Mason has written about fatherhood, relationships, religion and the Bible, and themes of Midwest and Great Plains life.
• January 14, 2025 Ready, Set, Go: The Art of Better Writing with Brenda Jackson
  Zoom, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
  This 90-minute interactive workshop, facilitated by the renowned New York Times and USA Today Award winning romance author Brenda Jackson, is designed to help aspiring writers tap into their creativity and begin crafting their own love stories. Whether you’re interested in writing fiction or non-fiction, this workshop will guide you through the process of turning your ideas into compelling narratives.
• January 16, 2025 Vocal Fry
  Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 6:00 pm
  Vocal Fry is normally on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner, MCs. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society.
• January 25, 2025 The Poem’s Interior Landscape
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  Discover how the landscapes you’ve lived in shape your thoughts and creativity. In this workshop, we’ll explore the connection between the physical world and your inner life, and learn to transform your experiences into poetry. Let your surroundings inspire your words! Led by Jessica Poli.

Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!

*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.

Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.

Make sure to check out these literary events as we enter the holiday season! If you’re looking for something to do in December, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• December 1, 2024 Salon Reading Series: “Midwinter”
  Turbine Flats Resonator Gallery, 2124 Y St.
  Lincoln, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is “Midwinter” by Matt Smart, directed by Bob Hall – An ice-cold riff on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by a former Antarctic janitor.
• December 3, 2024 Julie S. Paschold Poetry Reading and Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Julie’s inaugural poetry book is a collection of eco-poetry with deep roots in Nebraska soil. She’s an award-winning poet who’s ready to share her journey to success with you.
• December 4, 2024 Salon Reading Series: “Midwinter”
  Eastmont Living Performing Arts Center, 6315 O St.
  Lincoln, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
  Each Salon Reading Series event features a reading of a play followed by a moderated discussion of the play’s themes and how these themes apply to the community. The theme for 2024-25 is “Hold On.” This theme will explore concepts of holding on and letting go. This month is “Midwinter” by Matt Smart, directed by Bob Hall – An ice-cold riff on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream by a former Antarctic janitor.
• December 5, 2024 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
  Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
  Papillion, 6:30 pm
  The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event.
• December 7, 2024 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Lincoln Workshops
  Pius X High School Conference Room, 6000 A St. (West Entrance 11)
  Lincoln, 9:00 – 11:00 am
  A workshop designed to help veterans and active duty military personnel express their thoughts and feelings in words. Participants need only be interested in writing in any form – they do not need to have any previous writing experience to benefit from the workshops. Facilitated by professional writing instructors, the workshops consist of six to eight biweekly sessions focused on developing strategies and skills. Facilitated by Tom Seib.
• December 7, 2024 24th Annual Teen Poetry Bash
  Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St.
  Omaha, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
  Omaha Public Library presents the 24th Annual Teen Poetry Bash! This is a free event for teens in grades 8-12, though all are welcome to come cheer them on. Contestants must prepare two original poems to perform as slam poetry or read aloud. Registration is required.
• December 12, 2024 Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
  Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
• December 14, 2024 Mapping Our Poems
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  In this generative writing class, we will begin with a word or phrase, line or lines from another book of poetry. After mapping out ideas, feelings, rhythms, syntaxes and words we associate with the line or lines we have brought in, we will start work on our own poems. Led by Julia Guez.
• December 14, 2024 Visiting Author: “Inside Nebraska Courthouses” by Dean Settle
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S 13th St.
  Lincoln, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
  Local art collector, historian, and former gallery owner, Dean Settle, discusses his new book! “Inside Nebraska Courthouses” explores the cultural and architectural legacy of Nebraska’s 93 courthouses. This book is more than just a history — it’s a celebration of Nebraska’s cultural and architectural legacy. Through short narratives, photographs, and illustrations specific to the state’s 93 counties, it offers a unique window into the landmarks that define the state.
• December 14, 2024 Speed Writing & Reading Holiday Party
  Zoom, 10:00 am – 12:00 (Noon) pm
  Let’s kick off the Holiday Season with some fast-paced writing and short but powerful reading sessions! This year we’re kicking it up a notch by expanding the genres of both readings and workshops to include performance poetry and romance writing, as well as fiction, memoir, and poetry! Our readers and workshop leaders this year include well-known poets and prose writers, including Jewel Rogers, Riley Westerholt, Terese Svoboda, Steve Edwards, Bianca Swift, Sonya Huber, Cassie Premo Steele, Esman Rodas, and Brittany Brauer.
• December 19, 2024 Vocal Fry
  Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 6:00 pm
  Vocal Fry is normally on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner, MCs. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society.

Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!

*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee.

Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.

Turn over a new leaf and check out some new literary events! If you’re looking for something to do in November, here are some upcoming literary events* that may pique your interest!

• November 1, 2024 First Friday Book Talk & Reading with William Trowbridge
  Zoom, 12:00 pm
  William Trowbridge holds a B.A. in Philosophy and an M.A. in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a PH.D. in English from Vanderbilt University. He served as Poet Laureate of the State of Missouri from 2012-2016. He is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Northwest Missouri State University, where he was an editor of The Laurel Review/GreenTower Press from 1986 to 2004. Now living in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, he teaches in the University of Nebraska Omaha MFA in Writing Program.
• November 1, 2024 Book Launch Event with Katie Anania – “Print/Draw: An Experiment on Paper”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
  Join us to celebrate the release of Out of Paper: Drawing, Environment, and the Body in 1960s America, as art historian Katie Anania and artist Sophie Isaak present a durational performance that combines drawing, printmaking, and ecological thinking. Visitors are welcome to participate!
• November 2, 2024 Glorious Dailiness with Erica Reid
  Zoom, 10:00 – 11:30 am
  As poet Mary Ruefle says, “I did not always know authors were ordinary people living ordinary lives.” What do we lose when we fail to celebrate — or worse, ignore! — the wondrous details of ordinary life? This generative workshop makes space for that celebration through conversation, example poems, and dedicated writing time with prompts to help capture the details of our own glorious dailiness.
• November 3, 2024 Meet the (Flatwater Free) Press with Matthew Hansen
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
  Matthew Hansen, editor of the Flatwater Free Press will talk journalism, hear story ideas, and also to hand out an actual physical newspaper, their annual FFP Commemorative Edition. Matthew has selected a couple of his favorite Nebraska books, by FFP correspondents and FFP-connected authors like Carson Vaughan, Joe Starita, Ted Genoways, and more. 10% of the proceeds go to Flatwater Free Press!
• November 5, 2024 Kassandra Montag Poetry Reading and Discussion
  Zoom, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  Kassandra’s poetry is equal parts meditation, lamentation, and celebration with an unflinching look at how, for many women, our deepest desires are almost always at odds with the lives we’ve chosen or been given.
• November 7, 2024 Verse & Vibes Open Mic Night
  Indigo Cottage Crafts, 2063 Creekside Dr.
  Papillion, 6:30 pm
  The first Thursday of every month we open the mic at an artsy space full of good vibes, and not just because of the coffee and liquor bar! Event is open to poets, authors, writers, musicians, anyone who has talent to share. Free event.
• November 9 & 16, 2024 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Omaha Workshops
  Nebraska Wildlife Rehab’s Baldwin Conference Room, 9777 M St.
  Omaha, 10:00 am – 12:00 Noon
  A workshop designed to help veterans and active duty military personnel express their thoughts and feelings in words. Participants need only be interested in writing in any form – they do not need to have any previous writing experience to benefit from the workshops. Facilitated by professional writing instructors, the workshops consist of six to eight biweekly sessions focused on developing strategies and skills. Facilitated by Jen Stastny and Cindy Cronn.
• November 9 & 16, 2024 Nebraska Warrior Writers – Lincoln Workshops
  Pius X High School Conference Room, 6000 A St. (West Entrance 11)
  Lincoln, 9:00 – 11:00 am
  A workshop designed to help veterans and active duty military personnel express their thoughts and feelings in words. Participants need only be interested in writing in any form – they do not need to have any previous writing experience to benefit from the workshops. Facilitated by professional writing instructors, the workshops consist of six to eight biweekly sessions focused on developing strategies and skills. Facilitated by Tom Seib.
• November 9, 2024 Visiting Contributors – Patricia Miller, Michael M. Bartels, and James J. Reisdorff – “Train Photos from Nebraska: The Vernacular Rail Images of Fred Ritter Jr.”
  Francie & Finch Bookshop, 130 S. 13th St.
  Lincoln, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
  Join us as we welcome contributors, Patricia Miller, Michael Bartels, and James Reisdorff, of the book Train Photos from Nebraska! Fred Ritter Jr. was a Swiss immigrant farmer living near Tilden, Neb., in the early 20th century, who was also a railroad enthusiast who took snapshot-quality images of trains. The story tells of time and place as interpreted by Fred Ritter, Jr. through photography. It also tells of Fred’s love for both trains and family, and how the two intertwined.
• November 10, 2024 Annual Harvest of Words Poetry Open Mic
  St. Cecilia’s Parish Center, 39th and Burt St.
  Omaha, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
  Open mic poetry event with refreshments! Our year end event, bring a poem by your favorite author or your own original poems.
• November 10, 2024 25th Annual Laureate’s Feast Gala
  Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St.
  Omaha, 5:30 – 8:30 pm
  Join us for the 25th Annual Laureate’s Feast Gala, the John G. Neihardt Foundation’s only fundraiser of the year, honoring Walt and Linda Duda as Word Senders! Spend the evening dining on a mouth-watering meal prepared by Native American Chef Anthony Warrior, drinking a selection of fine wines, bidding on enviable auction items, and enjoying a short program emceed by Mike Kelly (author and retired Omaha World Herald columnist). Best of all, you’ll be supporting the work of the Neihardt Foundation! Please purchase tickets by October 31, 2024.
• November 12, 2024 On Writing Presents: Charlene Donaghy
  Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St.
  Omaha, 6:00 pm
  Every second Tuesday of the month, join us in the BT lobby for an intimate conversation and reading with local authors of all disciplines from poetry to plays and more. This month we welcome playwright Charlene Donaghy for a special reading of her newest work. Charlene writes stories which transport her audiences and readers into the magic embraces… and beyond.
• November 13, 2024 UNO Writer’s Workshop with Michael Hofarce
  Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Michael Hofacre is a film editor living in Los Angeles. He has been part of the editing team on over 50 film, television, and documentary projects, working alongside directors such as Danny DeVito, Jodie Foster, Milos Forman, Michael Mann, Tran Anh Hung, Judd Apatow and Adam McKay. Independent films include The Performance, Winter in the Blood, Frankie Go Boom, and Shelter. Documentaries include Oceania, Soros, Political Animals, and Walking Man. He also directs theatre for the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival and his writing has been rejected by The Paris Review, The New Yorker, and Cahiers du Cinema. He studied theatre at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
• November 14, 2024 Resonance Beat Poetry Jam
  Razor Wire Productions Art Gallery & Tattoo, 1808 Vinton St.
  Omaha, 7:00 pm
  Wanna try your hand at pairing your writing with music? Or maybe you’ve just never had the sublime experience of hearing the fusion? Either way, we would like to invite you! Named The Resonance for the beautiful ways these artforms play off one another. Sponsored by the Nebraska Poetry Society.
• November 20, 2024 Vocal Fry
  Shirley Tyree Theater, 2401 N 24th St.
  Omaha, 6:00 pm
  Vocal Fry is normally on the 3rd Thursday of every month, we had to move the date for November. Jewel Rodgers and Nathan Lachner, MCs with special feature: Johnny KnoGood. Vocal Fry is presented in collaboration with The Nebraska Poetry Society.
• November 21, 2024 Slam Made Simple: A Practical Approach to Competitive Poetry
  Larksong Writers Place, 1600 N. Cotner Blvd.
  Lincoln, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
  This workshop aims to provide insight into slam poetry. From the page to the stage, this includes writing, performance, and strategies for competitive success at a poetry slam. This workshop offers a comprehensive overview to all levels of poets. From inexperienced performers to the seasoned slammers, we will provide key takeaways for spoken word performance that can be utilized beyond this workshop. Instructed by Esman Rodas Calderon, a slam poet based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Check out the NCB Calendar to stay up to date on upcoming literary events happening near you!

*The time, date, and location of these events are subject to change.
Some of this month’s events, workshops, or conferences may require registration or charge a fee. Feel free to contact us if you have an event that you would like to be featured.