OWH Column: Library selects Remarkably Bright Creatures for Omaha Reads 2026

This column, featuring some of OPL staff's favorite books to inspire travel appeared in the June 21, 2026, edition of the Omaha World-Herald. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).

Every year, Omaha Public Library (OPL) invites the community to vote on a single book for our citywide reading initiative, Omaha Reads. Designed to spark meaningful conversation, foster empathy, and deepen connections across our neighborhoods, this program brings us all together around the power of a shared story.

For 2026, the community has chosen the debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt.

After her husband passes away, Tova Sullivan takes a night shift cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Keeping busy is how she copes, and how she has survived ever since her 18-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished over 30 years ago. But Tova’s world changes when she forms an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a remarkably clever Giant Pacific Octopus. Content in his captivity but keenly observant of the humans around him, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. Now, he must find a way to communicate the truth to her before time runs out.

There are so many ways to dive into this year's selection:

• Read or Listen: Borrow a physical copy, download the eBook, or queue up the audiobook through OPL today. Spanish copies are also available!
• Join a Discussion: Many of OPL’s book clubs will be hosting lively discussions, and they are always welcoming new faces!
• Mark Your Calendar: Stay tuned for a full lineup of Omaha Reads-themed programming and special events coming this fall.
• Watch the Adaptation: Looking for a movie night? You can also stream the film adaptation on Netflix!

Fundamentally, Omaha Reads is an open invitation for our community to connect. Whether you're diving in at a library meetup, chatting about the chapters over coffee at home, or quietly reflecting on the book's themes, you are shaping a citywide narrative.

For the latest updates and a full list of related events, visit omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads.