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Omaha Reads
This year the nation recognizes the centennial of the First World War. The sacrifices of men and women on the home front, as well as the violence and hatred that swept across America during World War I (WWI) are addressed in Omaha Public Library’s 2014 Omaha Reads selection, The Meaning of Names (2014) by Karen Gettert Shoemaker. Each year, Omaha Public Library (OPL) encourages the community to join together in reading one book as part of the Omaha Reads campaign. Omaha Reads promotes literacy and provides the City with a common theme to discuss. One book is selected through a public vote and celebrated through book talks, an author visit, and related programs. The Meaning of Names follows the fictional story of Gerda Vogel and her family in 1918. Even the quiet calm of Nebraska farm country cannot shelter the American family of German descent from prejudice, violence, and a plague unlike the world has ever seen. Shoemaker is a writer, teacher and business owner living in Lincoln, Neb. Her work has appeared in the London Independent, Prairie Schooner, and more. She is currently a mentor with the University of Nebraska—Lincoln’s Master of Fine Arts in Writing program. Learn more about the author at karenshoemaker.com.
Author Visit Wed | Sept 3 | 6:30-8 pm German-American Society | 3717 S. 120th St. | South Hall The author will discuss her book, with copies available for purchase and signing to follow a Q&A session. This free event is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Funding from the Omaha Public Library Foundation and Friends of OPL helped make this program possible.
Aug 18-Sept 30 | Millard Branch OPL received WWI posters from the Government Printing Office as a member of the Federal Depository Library Program. The posters were issued by the government to bolster support for the war by encouraging American citizens to plant victory gardens,
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Friends of OPL OPL Foundation
Omaha Reads events:
The Meaning of Names by Karen Gettert Shoemaker
WWI Posters Exhibit
Volume 21 • Issue 3 • Fall 2014
economize resources and support U.S. service members fighting overseas. The posters can be viewed during regular library hours.
Finding Your Germanic Ancestral Village Sun | Sept 14 | 2 pm Main Library Whether your Germanic ancestors were recent immigrants, or came to the colonies, learn about various sources and techniques to help discover your ancestral village of origin. Registration required
Nebraska’s GermanAmericans during World War I Mon | Sept 29 | 6:30 pm Abrahams Branch Dr. Charles Johanningsmeier will discuss the dramatic experiences of GermanAmericans in Nebraska during WWI. Dr. Johanningsmeier is Professor and Jefferis Chair of English at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Book discussions Tues | Sept 16 | 6:30 pm Millard Branch Wed | Sept 24 | 6 pm Swanson Branch Registration required