2020 Reading Challenge: Read the 2020 Omaha Reads Book

In 2020, OPL invites patrons to take part in the reading challenge! For each challenge, OPL offers suggestions for titles to read or listen to. As you’re working through the challenge, feel free to tag @omahalibrary on Twitter, opens a new window, Instagram, opens a new window or Facebook, opens a new window to let us know which read you picked up this month!

If there was one book that all of Omaha should read, what would it be? Every year Omaha Public Library asks the community that very question. Omaha Reads takes place every fall and encourages the community to join together in reading one book as a way to promote literacy and create community conversation. The title is selected through a public vote and promoted through book talks and related events.

Watch the library website and your local branch in February and March for the chance to nominate and vote on the 2020 title. The winning title will be publicly announced in August and related events will take place in September and October. You are encouraged to pick up the book and join your fellow community members in participating in Omaha Reads. 

If you’re looking to expand on this challenge you might pick up one of the past Omaha Reads selections. In 2019, the community selected, “This Blessed Earth, opens a new window” by Ted Genoways, which explores the history and current state of family farming through the lens of one Nebraska farm.

In 2018, the community selected “The Hate U Give, opens a new window” by Angie Thomas, which tells the story of Starr Carter, a high school student who moves between two worlds, her predominantly black neighborhood and her private, mostly white suburban high school. When Starr is the only witness to the police shooting of her childhood best friend her world is turned upside down. “The Hate U Give” catapulted author Angie Thomas to the top of the young adult bestseller lists and was adapted into a film in 2018. 

Previous selections have included “Eleanor & Park, opens a new window” by Omaha native Rainbow Rowell, “In Cold Blood, opens a new window” by Truman Capote, and “The Age of Innocence, opens a new window” by Edith Wharton. See the full list of past Omaha Reads titles on this list, opens a new window.

And be sure to check back in later in 2020 to vote on and then read the 2020 Omaha Reads selection.

Starting April 1, 2020, once you complete the 2020 Reading Challenge, enter your reading log online or turn in your completed tracking sheet at your nearest OPL branch and pick up your button prize for completion. All submissions will be entered into a drawing for some fun literary-themed merchandise! All completed tracking sheets or online challenge form entries must be received by December 31, 2020, to be entered into the prize drawing.