Connect News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL
2021 Omaha Reads Each year, Omaha Public Library (OPL) encourages the community to vote for and read one book as a way to promote literacy and inspire discussion among Omaha and Douglas County residents. The selection is celebrated with book talks and other related programming. Join us in reading this year’s Omaha Reads selection, “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism,” by authors Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar. “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey” is a New York Times bestseller that tackles modern-day racism with a balance of levity and gravity. The authors are sisters and both originally from Omaha. Ruffin now lives in New York and works as the host of The Amber Ruffin Show. Lamar still lives
Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar Virtual Author Visit The authors will participate in a moderated discussion about their book, followed by an audience Q&A session. Thurs | Sept 2 | 6 pm
Amber Ruffin
in Nebraska, and shares stories from racist donut shops to strangers putting their whole hand in her hair, and from being mistaken for a prostitute to being mistaken for Harriet Tubman. These absurd anecdotes illustrate everyday experiences of racism with humor and heart. “Knowing that many of the stories shared in this book happened in our community is eye-opening,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “This book provides a unique opportunity to explore and discuss challenging topics through a local perspective.” Get involved with Omaha Reads by checking out the book, participating in a virtual
Virtual Book Discussions An OPL staff member will moderate a discussion around this year’s Omaha Reads selection. Wed | Sept 8 | Noon Thurs | Sept 23 | 6 pm
Volume 28 • Issue 3 • Fall 2021
Lacey Lamar
program, and discussing the book with friends, family and neighbors. All programs are free to attend. Registration is required at omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads. For more information about the authors, visit grandcentralpublishing.com.
Closing Reflection Online
Community Connector Jade Rogers and OPL Adult Services Manager Amy Mather will reflect on a moderated book discussion, with a focus on the importance of storytelling and how books connect us to each other. Thurs | Sept 30 | 6 pm
Banned Books Week September 26 – October 2
The top 10 most-challenged books of 2020
Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community—librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers and readers of all types—in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those that may be considered unorthodox or unpopular. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. There are many ways to get involved in Banned Books Week. Visit ala.org/bbooks for ideas about how to exercise your freedom to read!