Omaha Reads: Between the Lines with Shelby Van Pelt

Presented by the Heider Family Foundation

Omaha Reads: Between the Lines is Thursday, September 10th, at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, 1115 Dodge Street.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 Omaha Reads selection is Shelby Van Pelt's bestselling novel, "Remarkably Bright Creatures." This heartwarming and unique story is the perfect companion for our city-wide community read.

Omaha Reads is a yearly event that celebrates the power of literature by bringing the community together to read and explore the themes of one book. The book is selected through a public vote and promoted through book talks, author visits, and related programs. 

VIP tickets ($175 per person) on September 10th include a private reception prior to the program featuring Shelby Van Pelt, reserved seating, and a dessert reception

INDIVIDUAL tickets ($75 per person) on September 10th include the program, general seating, and a dessert reception.

We are pleased to host Shelby for two important appearances:

Thursday, September 10th

at the Tenaska Center for Performing Arts ticketed event, purchase below

5:30pm

Doors Open and VIP Reception

7pm

Welcome remarks, Barbara Bock-Mavis Award Presentation, Author Presentation

8pm-9pm

Dessert Reception and Book Signing

Friday, September 11th

at Central Library free public event

The event features a moderated discussion with Shelby about her best seller, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” as well as the adaptation to screen available on Netflix.

The evening also features the presentation of the 2026 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes longtime service to the library. Previous honorees include Barbara Bock-Mavis (2017), Jim Kineen (2018), Eileen Wirth (2019), Freddie Gray (2020), Dick Kelley (2021), Carol Wang (2022), Dan Kinsella (2023), Merrilee Mosier Miller (2024), and Terri Diesing (2025).

For questions, please contact the Omaha Public Library Foundation: info@omahalibraryfoundation.org or (402) 444-4589.

Sponsorship opportunities help advance OPL’s mission

Thank you for supporting Omaha Public Library and the Omaha Public Library Foundation! All sponsors receive: recognition on event materials, recognition during the event, recognition on event website, recognition in event communications, and recognition in Omaha Reads programming, where applicable.

$1,500, Community Sponsor

Benefits

• 2 VIP Tickets

• Sponsor recognition

Highlighted Impact: supports programming at neighborhood library branches

$5,000, Collection Sponsor

Benefits

• 4 VIP Tickets

• Sponsor recognition

Highlighted Impact: Helps expand access to books through Omaha Public Library's collection, allowing more readers to discover and share great stories.  Will support adding approximately 130 circulating physical books.

$10,000, Signature Sponsor

Benefits

• 8 VIP Tickets

• Premier sponsor recognition

Highlighted Impact: Makes new bestsellers like “Remarkably Bright Creatures” accessible in multiple formats—including print, eBook, and downloadable audiobook—allowing hundreds of Omaha readers to experience this year's selection. Total collection investment: approximately $8,300

Estimated investment in a major title:

• 88 hardcover copies

• 35 eBook licenses

• 50 audiobook licenses

$25,000, Community Conversation Sponsor

Benefits

• 20 VIP Tickets

• Premier sponsor recognition

Highlighted Impact: Every great community begins with a conversation.

This sponsorship gives Omaha Public Library the flexibility to explore bold new ideas—from unexpected partnerships and neighborhood gatherings to pilot programs that respond to community interests and emerging opportunities. Rather than funding a single activity, this investment helps ensure OPL continues to evolve alongside the community it serves.

Purchase Tickets or Donate