Library unveils Midwest Lit Fest

This column, featuring some of OPL staff's favorite coming-of-age graphic novels appeared in the September 13, 2026, edition of the Omaha World-Herald. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).

Omaha Public Library (OPL) is launching the first annual Midwest Lit Fest this October! Designed for young readers in grades K-8, the new festival aims to inspire children to see themselves as creators capable of writing or illustrating their own books.

Nancy Novotny, OPL’s Program Manager, says, "We love connecting kids with books that they are excited about. We also think it's important for kids to meet authors and illustrators who represent the community we serve." 

The festival brings a celebrated lineup of award-winning authors and illustrators to Omaha to help accomplish that goal, including Newbery Medalist Jerry Craft, Caldecott Medalist Vashti Harrison, Pura Belpré winners Raúl The Third and Claribel Ortega, and Mirrors and Windows Fellow Keenan Jones, alongside accomplished local creators Chloe Burgett and Danielle Herzog (whose work you might recognize from “A Place for Scamper”) and Kashelle Gourley and Skylar Hogan.

As part of the festival's community outreach, participating creators will give talks at several elementary schools and community organizations — including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls Inc., and the Girl Scouts DreamLab —  in addition to the free, public programming offered at several OPL branches.

Jones kicks off the festival at Central Library at 10 a.m. Oct. 2 with his book “Saturday Morning at the ‘Shop.” The story follows a young boy who learns what a vital role a neighborhood barbershop can play in community and culture. 

Later that day, Ortega will discuss “Witchlings,” and her graphic novel “Frizzy.” “Witchlings” was an instant New York Times Bestseller, a USA Today Bestseller and a No. 1 Indie Bestseller. She’ll also discuss her journey to becoming a writer.

At 6 p.m. on Oct. 2, all of the authors will be at Central Library for a meet-and-greet where guests can get their books signed and snap a photo with the authors. Additionally, The Bookworm will be present to sell books by participating authors.

The following day, the festival gears up to full speed with even more author and artist events at different OPL branches. In addition to hearing from these accomplished writers and illustrators about their own journeys, attendees can join drawing workshops hosted by Harrison or Raúl The Third. OPL and its partners are bringing professional storytellers face-to-face with local readers to inspire Omaha's next generation of writers and artists. 

The Midwest Lit Fest is supported by the Midwest Literacy Collective, Omaha Public Library Foundation and the Parker Family Foundation. More information, full schedules and author biographies are available online at omahalibrary.org/midwest-lit-fest.