Tag Archives: One Book One Nebraska

Shortlist for 2027 One Book One Nebraska Announced

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Bailee Juroshek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2026

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tessa Timperley
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Shortlist for 2027 One Book One Nebraska Announced

What book will all Nebraskans be encouraged to read in 2027? We will all find out on November 14th at the Nebraska Celebration of Books (N.COB) literary festival. A Nebraska family saga, a cross‑country odyssey, a deeply researched historical narrative— all stories with ties to Nebraska — are the finalists for the 2027 One Book One Nebraska statewide reading program. The finalists are:

  • The Plain Sense of Things by Pamela Carter Joern, University of Nebraska Press, 2008.
  • The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, Viking, 2021.
  • Journey to Freedom: Uncovering the Grayson Sisters’ Escape from Nebraska Territory by Gail Shaffer Blankenau, University of Nebraska Press, 2024.

The One Book One Nebraska reading program is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and the Nebraska Library Commission. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss the same book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. A Nebraska Center for the Book committee selected the three finalists from a list of nineteen titles nominated by Nebraskans. In the coming weeks, Nebraska Center for the Book board members will vote on the 2027 selection.

Nebraskans are invited to take part in the Nebraska Celebration of Books (N.COB) Literary Festival where the choice for the 2027 One Book One Nebraska will be announced. Held on Saturday, November 14th, from 10:00am-5:30pm, on the second floor of the UNL City Campus Union and Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, this event aims to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors. The festival will honor the 2026 One Book One Nebraska with an author talk by Karen Russell, in addition it will feature 2026 Nebraska Book Award winning authors, book vendors, and presentation of the Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Awards. Visit https://bookfestival.nebraska.gov/ for more information about the N.COB festival programming and authors.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.  

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Karen Russell Named Featured Author for the 2026 Nebraska Celebration of Books

Posted on August 25, 2026 by Bailee Juroshek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 25, 2026

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tessa Timperley
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Karen Russell Named Featured Author for the 2026 Nebraska Celebration of Books

The Nebraska Center for the Book is proud to announce Karen Russell as the featured author for the 2026 Nebraska Celebration of Books literary festival. Russell, an acclaimed novelist, short story writer, and recipient of major national literary honors, will headline the annual statewide event held November 14, 2026, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s City Campus Union and Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center.

As the festival’s featured author, Russell will deliver the One Book One Nebraska Author Talk during the afternoon program, including a discussion of The Antidote: A Novel, her research travels across Nebraska, and the role of memory, resilience, and community in her work. Russell will be joined by guest speaker Judi gaiashkibos, Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. Russell will also participate in the Authors Reception directly after her talk, where she will be available for book signings.

About Karen Russell

Russell is the author of six books, including The Antidote, Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove. Her work has earned a MacArthur Fellowship, Guggenheim Fellowship, Pulitzer Prize finalist recognition, and multiple national awards. The Antidote is a National Book Award finalist, and has received the National Book Critics’ Circle Award, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Russell is a Professor of English and Creative Writing at Stanford University.

About the Nebraska Celebration of Books

The Nebraska Celebration of Books (NCOB) is a free, public literary festival honoring Nebraska authors, readers, and the statewide literary community. The event features author panels, book award presentations, vendor markets, and programming for both authors and readers.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit the NCOB website at bookfestival.nebraska.gov

The event will feature 2026 Book Awards winners, author panels and signings, book vendors, publishers, and presentation of the Nebraska Book Awards, Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Award, and 2027 One Book One Nebraska announcement.

The Nebraska Celebration of Books (NCOB) sponsors include Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, University of Nebraska Press, Omaha Public Libraries, Lincoln City Libraries, Francie and Finch Bookshop, and Flatwater Free Press. Humanities Nebraska provides support for One Book One Nebraska program.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission.

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Nominate a Book for the 2027 One Book One Nebraska

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bailee Juroshek

The Nebraska Center for the Book invites recommendations for One Book One Nebraska book selection. Nominations are accepted year round, but the annual deadline is May 31. Nominations received after the deadline will be considered in the following year.

The Center for the Book will consider books written by a Nebraska author (living or dead/with current or former residence in the state,) or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. Books should have a broad appeal to readers across Nebraska and lend well to group book discussion. Books may be fiction, non-fiction, biography, memoir, or poetry. They must be in print and readily available. The Center for the Book strongly suggests that anyone who nominates a text should have read it.

Submit your nomination for the 2027 One Book One Nebraska at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/obon-nomination.asp.

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2026 One Book One Nebraska Bookmarks Available!

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Bailee Juroshek

Looking for more ways to engage readers with #OneBookOneNebraska? We now have bookmarks for 2026’s selection, “The Antidote: A Novel” by Karen Russell.

Contact us at CenterForBook@nlc.state.ne.us if you’re interested in receiving some bookmarks for your library!

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The Antidote: A Novel Proclaimed the 2026 One Book One Nebraska

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Bailee Juroshek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 13, 2026

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bailee Juroshek
402-471-4002
800-307-2665

The Antidote: A Novel Proclaimed the 2026 One Book One Nebraska

On Jan. 13, 2026 Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation honoring the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection The Antidote: A Novel (Knopf, 2025) by Karen Russell. Rebecca Faber, Nebraska Center for the Book (NCB) Board member spoke about the program and selection. The Antidote is a historical fiction novel set in the fictional Nebraska town of Uz during the trials of the dust bowl. Full of magical realism, Nebraska landmarks, and superb storytelling, The Antidote showcases the challenges of the time period while urging the reader to face the future. The full proclamation can be viewed on the One Book One Nebraska webpages at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Rebecca Faber from the Nebraska Center for the Book board spoke at the proclamation ceremony, saying:

“Ms Russell made several trips to Nebraska to do extensive research as she developed her novel. During these visits she gained historical, cultural, meteorological, and geological information about Nebraska during the 1930’s. She refers to her writing process as a “deeply collaborative experience” due to the cooperation she received from Nebraskans who provided her with essential information. The One Book One Nebraska program provides a great opportunity to promote reading, personal learning and reflection, and our connection with Nebraska writers, publishers, libraries, schools, and communities.”

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.

As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services-“bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

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The Antidote: A Novel Chosen as 2026 One Book One Nebraska

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Bailee Juroshek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 17, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tessa Timperley
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

The Antidote: A Novel Chosen as 2026 One Book One Nebraska

People across Nebraska are encouraged to read the work set in Nebraska—and then talk about it with their friends and neighbors. The Antidote: A Novel (Knopf, 2025) by Karen Russell is the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection.

The Antidote is a historical fiction novel during the dust bowl, set in a fictional town in rural Nebraska.

Karen Russell’s The Antidote is a haunting Dust Bowl epic that blends historical fiction with magical realism. Set in 1930s Nebraska, the novel follows Antonina Rossi—known as “the Antidote,” a prairie witch who stores memories—and the Oletsky family as they endure the devastation of Black Sunday’s dust storm and the catastrophic flooding of the Republican River. Through interwoven narratives, Russell explores themes of memory, resilience, and survival amid environmental collapse, crafting a lyrical meditation on how communities confront trauma and corruption while clinging to hope.

Karen Russell is the author of six books of fiction, including the New York Times bestsellers Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove. She is a MacArthur Fellow, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. She has received two National Magazine Awards for Fiction, the Shirley Jackson Award, the 2023 Bottari Lattes Grinzane Prize, and the 2024 Mary McCarthy Prize. The Antidote is a finalist for the National Book Award and a national bestseller. She serves on the board of Street Books, a mobile library for people living outdoors. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, she lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband, son, and daughter.

Libraries across Nebraska will join other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions, activities, and events that will encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities will be available after January 1, 2026 at http://onebook.nebraska.gov. Updates and activity listings will be posted on the One Book One Nebraska Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/onebookonenebraska.

2026 will mark the twenty-second year of the One Book One Nebraska reading program, sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. The Nebraska Center for the Book invites recommendations for One Book One Nebraska book selection year-round at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/obon-nomination.asp.

One Book One Nebraska is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and Nebraska Library Commission. The Nebraska Center for the Book brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at and supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.      

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2025 Celebration of Nebraska Books Literary Festival

Posted on October 27, 2025 by Tessa Timperley

Nebraskans should bookmark their calendars for the 2025 Nebraska Celebration of Books (N.COB) Literary Festival. Held on Saturday, November 15th, from 10:00am-5:30pm, this literary event will be on the second floor of the UNL City Campus Union and Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center in downtown Lincoln. The event aims to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors, the festival will honor the 2025 Nebraska Book Award authors, and will feature the State Poet Jewel Rodgers and past State Poet Matt Mason, 2025 One Book One Nebraska author Tosca Lee, writing workshops, book vendors, publishers, independent authors, presentation of the Nebraska Center for the Book’s Nebraska Book Awards, Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Award, and announcement of the 2026 One Book One Nebraska selection.

Winners of the 2025 Nebraska Book Awards will be honored at the celebration which will include author roundtables, book signings, and a reception, with the awards ceremony directly after at 4:30. The ceremony will feature short acceptance speeches and readings by the winning authors and illustrators. Book award categories include fiction, nonfiction, children/young adult, poetry, and cover/design/illustration, all winning books have a Nebraska connection and were published in 2024. The ceremony will also feature the presentation of the Mildred Bennett and Jane Geske Awards. For more information about the festival and to stay up to date on the featured authors and speakers visit bookfestival.nebraska.gov

The festival will have a kickoff event Friday evening at White Elm Brewing, 720 Van Dorn Street in Lincoln. This event begins at 5:30 and will feature literary trivia, drinks, and good conversations.

The Nebraska Celebration of Books (NCOB) sponsors include Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln City Libraries, Omaha Public Library, Francie and Finch Bookshop, Flatwater Free Press, and Great Plains Audiobooks. Humanities Nebraska provides support for One Book One Nebraska program.

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Shortlist for 2026 One Book One Nebraska Announced

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Bailee Juroshek

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 17, 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Tessa Timperley
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Shortlist for 2026 One Book One Nebraska Announced

What book will all Nebraskans be encouraged to read in 2026? We will all find out on November 15th at the Nebraska Celebration of Books (N.COB) literary festival. A mesmerizing dust bowl epic filled with magical realism, a photographic journey across Nebraska, a beautifully written novel about second chances — all stories with ties to Nebraska—are the finalists for the 2026 One Book One Nebraska statewide reading program. The finalists are:

  • The Antidote: A Novel by Karen Russell, Knopf, 2025.
  • Nebraska: Under a Big Red Sky by Joel Sartore, Bison Books, 2006.
  • Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf, Knopf, 2016.

The One Book One Nebraska reading program is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and the Nebraska Library Commission. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss the same book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. A Nebraska Center for the Book committee selected the three finalists from a list of nineteen titles nominated by Nebraskans. In the coming weeks, Nebraska Center for the Book board members will vote on the 2026 selection.

Nebraskans are invited to take part in the Nebraska Celebration of Books (N.COB) Literary Festival where the choice for the 2026 One Book One Nebraska will be announced. Held on Saturday, November 15th, from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, on the second floor of the UNL City Campus Union and Jackie Gaughan Multicultural Center, this event aims to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors. The festival will honor the 2025 One Book One Nebraska with an author talk by Tosca Lee, in addition it will feature 2025 Nebraska Book Award winning authors, Nebraska State Poets Jewel Rodgers and Matt Mason, a writing workshop hosted by Larksong Writers Place, book vendors, and presentation of the Mildred Bennett Award and Jane Geske Awards. Visit https://bookfestival.nebraska.gov/ for more information about the N.COB festival programming and authors.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the national Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Nebraska Library Commission.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.  

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One Book One Nebraska Book Club Kits Available

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Bailee Juroshek

Is your book club looking for a new read? One Book One Nebraska has you covered with 21 different Nebraska related books to cover! We have 30+ copies of each One Book One Nebraska title for your reading group to borrow in the Nebraska Library Commission Book Club Kit collection. You can learn more about each year’s selection on the One Book One Nebraska NCB page.

Book Club Kits Rules for Use

  1. These kits can be checked out by the librarians of Nebraska libraries and media centers.
  2. Circulation times are flexible and will be based upon availability. There is no standard check-out time for book club kits.
  3. Please search the collection to select items you wish to borrow and use the REQUEST THIS KIT icon to borrow items.
  4. Contact the Information Desk at the Library Commission if you have any questions: by phone: 800/307-2665, or by email: Information Services Team
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2025 One Book One Nebraska Bookmarks Now Available!

Posted on April 24, 2025 by Bailee Juroshek

Looking for more ways to engage readers with #OneBookOneNebraska? We now have bookmarks for 2025’s selection, “The Long March Home: A World War II Novel of the Pacific” by Marcus Brotherton and Tosca Lee.

Contact us at CenterForBook@nlc.state.ne.us if you’re interested in receiving some bookmarks for your library!

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