April 21-22, 2027, in Seward, Nebraska and surrounding communities!
OUR MISSION
Inspiring a lifelong love of reading & writing by connecting children with authors and illustrators, and fostering creativity and literacy in our community.
We are so proud to present
The Great Plains Literacy Festival.
The town of Seward, Nebraska, is known in the Midwest for many reasons—as a host for literacy events and experiences, frequent stops for author book tours, home of Read Aloud Nebraska, and many other notable experiences. It’s no wonder teachers and librarians nationwide call Seward the “Literacy Capital of the Midwest”!
Seward not only embraces this spirit of literacy; it shares the experiences with as many individuals as possible within the region.
We are excited to announce The Great Plains Literacy Festival. This two-day experience will once again provide rich opportunities for readers of all ages to interact with some of the most prominent authors and illustrators in the field today. After a stellar first two festivals, the third GPLF will take place April 21 and 22, 2027.
What To Expect
Within the span of these two days, five authors/illustrators will travel to Nebraska, where they will visit schools in Seward and in surrounding towns and communities. GPLF 2027 will feature five incredible authors and illustrators: Joe Cepeda, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Victoria Kann, Alan Katz, and Lauren Tarshis.
They will visit many area schools and interact with and engage young readers. They will sign books, draw, read aloud, and provide a launch pad of creativity for those who are able to experience their visits. The authors and illustrators will speak to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, encouraging them to read, write, and follow their dreams.
Why is the Great Plains Literacy Festival important for students?
Evidence from the past suggests events like GPLF are vital in the formation and development of passionate readers and writers. As such, these experiences will help young readers and writers flourish as independent, critical, and creative individuals as they grow and develop from children to young adults.
However, most students don’t have the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators and foster these experiences. That’s where GPLF comes in—funding author/illustrator visits schools might not otherwise have access to, all completely free for participating schools. It’s thanks to generous donors that, in 2026, more than four thousand Nebraska children were able to meet and learn from five world-renown authors and illustrators.
In addition to fostering love of reading and writing, the GPLF experience culminates in a community event in downtown Seward, Nebraska. At the conclusion of the festival, which children, families, and community members can meet and greet the authors and engage in creative and collaborative activities which inspire them to create and read into the summer and beyond and get to know their neighbors and community members.
Testimonials
“Both authors who visited SES were motivating to staff and students sharing their experiences and growth as authors and illustrators.”
- Jessica Dominy, Principal, Seward Elementary“We appreciate the high-quality authors who were able to come to Seward. It is an amazing opportunity not only for our students, but for our community to be able to host and showcase Seward!”
Dr. Josh Fields, SPS Superintendent“We are so lucky to have this opportunity for our students to meet authors and illustrators who make an impact on their lives.”
Stacy Herrold, Second grade teacher