Rainbow Rowell’s 2013 novel Eleanor and Park is this year’s Omaha Reads selection.
The goal of Omaha Reads is to start a community-wide conversation around a book and its themes. The public chooses the book that’ll be read during September.
Omaha Public Library marketing manager Emily Getschmann says they like to feature local or regional authors whenever possible.
"We have had Omaha Reads authors from Nebraska in the past, last year we had Karen Shoemaker, who is the author of The Meaning of Names, and she is out of Lincoln. So as much as possible we try to get local authors, because it’s wonderful to have them present and get them to talk about their books with our audience."
Rowell will speak September 8 at the W. Dale Clark Library about Eleanor and Park. There are also events surrounding themes in the book, including bullying. The anti-bullying group RESPECT will present a play on September 24th about bullying based on sexuality and sexual orientation.
More information on Omaha Reads is available at www.omahalibrary.org.