Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors

As long ago as 1949, the Reference Department at the Bennett Martin Public Library recognized the importance of gathering information about Nebraska authors. Over the years, what was once a single shelf of books has now grown into a room-sized collection, known as the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors.

Our mission is to preserve and promote works by and about Nebraska authors, past and present. The collection strives to gather in one location a representative sample of written works by all Nebraska authors. Today, the Heritage Room contains more than books alone. One can also find archives of unpublished correspondence and manuscripts by and about Nebraska authors, and information files that trace author careers in clippings from newspapers, magazines, and literary journals. The Heritage Room preserves photographs, audio and video cassettes, compact discs, original artwork by authors and their illustrators, and other memorabilia that document the lives and work of Nebraska authors.

Nebraska possesses a literary tradition of striking quality. The fiction of Willa Cather and the histories of Mari Sandoz are recognized as among the most knowledgeable and detailed explorations of the settlement of the last American frontier. Native Americans have found Nebraska poet John Neihardt’s record of his encounter with Black Elk crucial in preserving their own spiritual traditions and history. Nebraska has produced some of the English language’s most widely published and influential nature writers. Nebraska poets and mystery writers, social critics and romance novelists, historians and journalists have achieved regional, national and international recognition.

Though writing is a solitary pursuit, few writers have learned their craft or found their calling without the encouragement and constructive criticism of teachers and peers. Nebraska’s literary community has been lively and ambitious ever since the first days of European settlement. The state sustains a surprising number of active literary organizations, formal and informal writer’s groups, and local and regional publications.

With the support of the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association, the Heritage Room seeks to document and promote the work of today’s Nebraska authors. Our efforts include:

John H. Ames Reading Series — This series showcases Nebraska authors reading their own works. Videos of these readings are available to view on YouTube both from the Ames Reading Series page on the Library’s website and from NebraskaAuthors.org.

The Heritage Room Vertical Files — The Heritage Room maintains over 600 information files on Nebraska authors and related subjects which are updated regularly. These files are a window on the careers, connections, publications, and public and peer reception of Nebraska’s writers.

The Heritage Room staff works to promote Nebraska’s literary tradition through a number of outreach efforts:

Heritage Room Tours/Talks — Many civic groups and school classes come to the Heritage Room for guided tours. Staff are also available to provide programs.

Writers Write Workshops — In this popular program for 8th graders, students spend a morning writing and reading their work under the direction and encouragement of several local authors. This program is sponsored by the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association.

The Nebraska Literary Heritage Association — The NLHA supports the Heritage Room through the Heritage Room Endowment Fund and volunteer projects. It is only through NLHA’s efforts that we can work toward preserving and promoting Nebraska’s literary tradition. For more information about NLHA’s activities or to become a member, please call 402-441-0164.

This 14 minute video from 1997 provides a tour of the Heritage Room collection and describes the role of the Nebraska Literary Heritage Association in celebrating, preserving and promoting the work of Nebraska authors. Viewers will appreciate the richness of Nebraska’s Literary culture through the voices of our celebrated writers.

Nebraska Authors — NebraskaAuthors.org is a collaborative project of the UNL Center for Digital Research in the Humanities and the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors. The website includes information on more than 4,000 Nebraska Writers, past and present. Authors who have published original work and have significant ties to Nebraska are encouraged help preserve Nebraska’s Literary History by contributing at nebraskaauthors.org/contribute

The Heritage Room is located on the third floor of Bennett Martin Public Library in Lincoln, Nebraska. The books do not circulate and special care and preservation measures help ensure their longevity. The Heritage Room collection is a multifaceted reflection of the history and literary culture of the state. We have more than pioneer stories. There are books on every topic, including philosophy, poetry, nature, psychology, politics, and pop culture. Our shelves contain many entertaining and thought provoking books for children by Nebraska authors. Our fiction collection includes romance, fantasy, contemporary, western, and mystery novels to suit every taste. Heritage Room staff will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have about Nebraska authors.