Connect News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL
Volume 27 • Issue 4 • Winter 2020-2021
Reading Challenge
Omaha Public Library (OPL) invites readers to venture outside of their reading comfort zone by participating in its annual Reading Challenge. The Reading Challenge presents 12 themes to tackle—one per month, or at whatever pace you’d like, throughout the year. Patrons are encouraged to read one book that fits each theme. Each month, OPL will publish a blog post and a list of reading suggestions for that month's challenge at omahalibrary.org. Beginning January 2021, participants may visit their local branch to pick up a Reading Challenge notebook (while supplies last), which details the challenge and provides a place to track their reading progress. Suggested titles are geared toward adults, though readers of all ages can participate. Ask a librarian or request a Custom Reading List at omahalibrary.org to get recommendations for younger readers. Beginning in April, participants may submit entries online or using a paper form for a chance to win literary-themed prizes. Everyone who submits an entry will also receive a pin for completing. Participants are encouraged to share what they’re reading by tagging @omahalibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Entries for the 2020 reading challenge will be accepted through December 31, 2020. Learn more at omahalibrary.org/ reading-challenge.
2021 Reading Challenge Themes □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Read a book with illustrations Read a book mentioned on The Book Drop podcast Read a book set in Nebraska Read a book of poetry or a novel in verse Read a book from OPL's 2020 Top Shelf Read a book about refugees or the immigrant experience Read a book about animals Read a book by or about a person you'd like to meet Read a book that has been banned or frequently challenged Read a book told from multiple points of view Read a book by a Native, First Nations or Indigenous author Read a book that won an award
Recommended Reads The Opium Prince by Jasmine Aimaq This groundbreaking literary thriller reveals the invisible lines between criminal enterprises and political regimes—and one man’s search for meaning at the heart of a violent revolution. Olive, Mabel & Me: Life and Adventures with Two Very Good Dogs by Andrew Cotter When the pandemic lockdown started and sporting events were cancelled worldwide, Scottish sports broadcaster Andrew Cotter began commentary on his dogs that went viral. Now, these very good dogs are getting the attention they deserve. The Removed by Brandon Hobson Steeped in Cherokee myths and history, this is a novel about a fractured family reckoning with the tragic death of their son long ago.
Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding by Daniel Lieberman Get inspired to start or keep up an exercise regimen. Learn the science behind exercise as humans have developed and lives have changed. Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age by Annalee Newitz Çatalhöyük, Pompeii, Angkor and Cahokia… Why were these cities abandoned? Newitz explores the history and culture of these cities, as well as the people whose stories are often overlooked: the workers. Request your own Custom Reading List at omahalibrary.org by selecting Find Your Next Read under the Services tab.