This column, featuring information about upcoming author events and writing workshops at Omaha Public Library (OPL), appeared in the August 30, 2026, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE).
OPL will host four authors at a couple of branch locations for free public events this fall. Author events offer the community a chance to transform reading into a shared experience and allow readers to explore books in new ways.
Each year, the library asks patrons to vote on a book for the Omaha Reads initiative. The program celebrates literature by bringing the community together to read and explore common themes. This year’s selection is "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt, who will visit Omaha for two events. The novel follows Tova, who works the night shift at an aquarium and befriends a curmudgeon Pacific octopus named Marcellus.
Van Pelt’s first appearance is Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Tenaska Center for Performing Arts. The event is hosted by the Omaha Public Library Foundation; tickets are available at omahalibraryfoundation.org. The following day, Van Pelt will be at Central Library for a free conversation and Q&A session.
On Sept. 23, Omaha native Kurt Andersen will discuss his fifth novel, "The Breakup," with Jeff Koterba, former editorial cartoonist for the Omaha World-Herald. Andersen is a bestselling author, journalist, screenwriter and playwright. In "The Breakup," a marriage falls apart as a near-future U.S. redraws its borders. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.
In October, author Mona Awad will visit Central Library as part of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Fall Writer’s Workshop Reading Series. Awad is the New York Times bestselling author of "Rouge," "All’s Well," "Bunny" and "13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl." Her latest novel, "We Love You, Bunny," was an instant New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Giller Prize. The Wednesday, Oct. 28, event includes a reading, Q&A session and book signing.
The series concludes in November with Joseph Starita discussing his book, "I Am a Man: Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice" at two OPL events. In 1877, Chief Standing Bear’s Ponca tribe was forcibly removed from its Nebraska homeland and marched to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. "I Am a Man" chronicles Standing Bear's 600-mile walk to return his son's body to their traditional burial ground.
In addition to celebrating established authors, the library supports local creation with interactive workshops across its branches. The Benson Branch hosts a monthly Writing Club on the third Thursday, offering an unprompted space where participants can write and optionally share their work. Young writers can attend "Writers Workshop for Kids: Tails of Adventure" on Sept. 12 at the Benson Branch, or "Writers Workshop for Kids: Food Writing" on Nov. 5 at the A.V. Sorensen Branch. Adult and family storytellers can also participate in "Writers Workshop: Memoirs and Our Family History" on Nov. 16 at the Saddlebrook Branch.
Whether attending a reading, participating in a Q&A or picking up a signed copy, these free events offer local book lovers an unprecedented chance to connect directly with nationally acclaimed storytellers. By bringing celebrated authors and community members into the same room, OPL continues to foster a culture of shared learning and connection. For full event schedules and venue details, visit omahalibrary.org.
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