Philosophy
The festival is held to celebrate Nebraska’s literary heritage and contemporary authors and to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. By gathering together contemporary writing talent of our state and surrounding areas, the festival provides an opportunity for participants to cultivate an understanding of our history, culture and community.
History
The 2024 Nebraska Book Festival marked the 28th annual book festival dating back to 1991. Historically, the Nebraska Book Festival has offered high-quality speakers, presenters, moderators, and workshop facilitators.
The Nebraska Book Festival (formerly the Nebraska Literature Festival 1991-2001) has been co-sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Humanities Nebraska (formerly Nebraska Humanities Council) since its inception in 1991. The Nebraska Library Commission and many other organizations and individuals have contributed to the festivals over the years.
The change of name from Nebraska Literature Festival to Nebraska Book Festival broadens the scope of the event to include contemporary Nebraska writers and books, as well as the great classic writers of Nebraska’s literary heritage. The festival is dedicated to Nebraska writers and Nebraska books. It celebrates the reading and writing life of the Great Plains.
Festivals
Click on a year for event details, photos, festival programs, and more.
- 2023 June 10, Lincoln Foundation Garden & LCL Bennett Martin Branch, Lincoln
- 2022 No festival held in this year
- 2021 No festival held in this year
- 2020 No festival held in this year
- 2019 September 7, UNL City Campus Union, Lincoln
- 2018 August 25, UNL City Campus Union, Lincoln
- 2017 July 15, Union Plaza, Lincoln
- 2016 No festival held in this year
- 2015 April 25, UNO Community Engagement Center, Omaha
- 2014 April 25-26, UNO Thompson Alumni Center, Omaha
- 2013 April 5-6, UNO Thompson Alumni Center, Omaha
- 2012 March 31, Downtown Lincoln
- 2011 May 21, Downtown Lincoln
- 2010 No festival held in this year
- 2009 November 14, Downtown Lincoln
- 2008 October 17-18, Downtown Lincoln
- 2007 October 26-28, Downtown Lincoln
- 2006 October 6-7, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln
- 2005 October 7-8, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln
- 2004 September 17-18, University of Nebraska at Kearney
- 2003 October 24-25, Creighton University, Omaha
- 2002 September 13-14, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Grand Island
- 2001 September 21-22, Peru State College, Peru
- 2000 September 15-17, Beatrice & Lincoln
- 1999 September 17-18, Chadron State College, Chadron
- 1998 September 17-19, Wayne State College, Wayne
- 1997 No festival was held in this year
- 1996 September 20-21, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- 1995 September 22-23, University of Nebraska at Kearney
- 1994 September 22-24, University of Nebraska at Omaha
- 1993 September 17-18, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- 1992 September 25-26, University of Nebraska at Kearney
- 1991 September 28, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Host Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
