One Book One Nebraska 2011

After receiving nominations from across the state, the Nebraska Center for the Book board has announced the 2011 One Book, One Nebraska selection: “Local Wonders: Seasons in the Bohemian Alps” by Nebraska author Ted Kooser.


Although Kooser is one of America’s most distinguished poets, this is not a poetry book at all, but a kind of intimate travel guide to the place he calls home in the rolling hills of southeastern Nebraska, an area known as the Bohemian Alps. Kooser uses exquisite detail and humor in “Local Wonders” as he shares abiding wisdom in the concise Bohemian proverbs that are woven into his essays. Nothing is too big or too small for his attention. Like his poetry, Kooser’s prose brings to life the details of a rural American landscape.

Reading great literature encourages us to think about ourselves, our environment and our relationships. Talking about great literature with friends and family can add richness and depth to the reading experience. Each year, Nebraska communities come together through literature in community-wide reading programs to explore a classic work by one of Nebraska’s best-loved authors. The Oakland Public Library currently has a copy of “Local Wonders” and will assist patrons, book clubs and organizations requesting additional copies to participate in One Book One Nebraska.

One Book One Nebraska 2011 sponsors include the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Humanities Council, Nebraska Library Association, Nebraska Library Commission, and the University of Nebraska Press.

Ringing in 2011

     Another year has come and gone. I hope you are able to count more blessings in your life than anything else. My wish for 2011 is that it is a year of sharing. Sharing of our time, our gifts, our knowledge, our skills, our kindness…I could go on but I hope you understand and keep adding to the list yourselves as you share it with others.

     During times of financial strain, the one thing that rewards both the giver and the receiver is the sharing of human kindness in any form. The library is always here as a gift to the community. Our resources and services are here to benefit you.

     We hope that you continue to enjoy what your library can offer you and that you consider “paying it forward”. Would you consider being a reader during storytime? Do you have a craft for small children that you would volunteer to lead? Do you have a skill that you can teach or share with others? (Here you may surprise yourself by how simple the answer ‘yes’ really is.) Please give this some thought and contact the library soon.

We wish you all a safe and blessed New Year!!

Join us at the library!! Program Wednesday October 20th,

End of Season Horticulture Wrap-Up!

 Join UNL Extension Educator, John Wilson,

in the Oakland Public Library

Wednesday, October 20th from 7-8 pm.

We will be discussing care of your lawn, garden, perennials, shrubs and trees in preparation for winter. Join us!!

New Art Display by OC 3rd Grade Class "A Basket of Apples"

Nothing says Fall more than a basket of apples.  On display now in the library are Angie Meyer's 3rd grade students' creations!

New Art Display in the Library!





Oakland-Craig's new art teacher, Mrs. Angie Meyer, will begin bringing new art work created by students at O-C this year!! The displays can be seen on both of the library's large corkboards. This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to view an ever-changing display of our students' creativity!  This week's feature is "sunflowers" by the 6th grade class.  Stop in soon to admire   their efforts!



Forts of Nebraska Presentation

       Jeff Barnes of Omaha will be our speaker for "The Forts of Nebraska" presentation Tuesday, August 17 at 7 pm in the library.  The event is sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council.
       "Nebraska forts were among the first and last on the Great Plains, built to promote trade, to protect travelers and settlers, to fight the Indian tribes and then to keep the peace.  Join author Jeff Barnes for 200 years of Nebraska military history!
       His book, " Forts of the Northern Plains" will be available for sale and signing after the presentation.

In the Good Ol' Summertime

Summer is here and the library shelves are filled with new summer reads. Everything from light summer fare such as : The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale, As Husbands Go by Susan Isaacs, Aunt Dimity Down Under by Nancy Atherton, Blonde Bombshell by Tom Holt and The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand, Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert, Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner, Fortunate Harbor by Emilie Richards, The Island by Elin Hilderbrand, A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and The Penny Pinchers Club by Sarah Strohmeyer.




To books that will keep you reading long after the lightning bugs are out : Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran, Damaged by Alex Kava, The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke, A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff, Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen, The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman, In the Name of Honor by R. N. Patterson, Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner, Lowcountry Summer by D. B. Frank, Mr. Peanut by Adam Ross, Mrs Somebody Somebody by Tracy Winn, The Nobodies Album by Carolyn Parkhurst, Private by James Patterson, The Search by Nora Roberts, My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliviera and Stork Raving Mad by Donna Andrews.



We also have something new for the young adult readers : Erak’s Ransom and The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan, The Zombie Chasers by John Klopfer, Theodore Boone: Kid Detective by John Grisham, After All, You’re Callie Boone by Winnie Mack, A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper, The Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd, and Chasing Orion by Kathryn Lasky.



Don’t forget to have your camera handy during all these fun-in-the-sun summer days!! Your photos can preserve your summer vacation memories for generations to come! For our faithful scrapbookers, and those who dream of finding the time to scrapbook…you are never to young to begin! Given in memory of Connie Rennerfeldt Holbrook by Russell and Karen Grass : Scrapbooking Just for You!: How to Make Fun, Personal, Save-Them-Forever Keepsakes by Candace Ransom.



However you are spending your summer days and evenings, remember that your library always has something to add to the enjoyment!