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.
In an effort to ensure Seward remains a literacy leader of the Midwest and United States, a group of volunteers have come together to create a new experience: The Great Plains Literacy Festival. We hope this two-day experience will 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 inaugural festival, the second 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 Seward, where they will visit schools in Seward and in area towns and communities. We are thrilled to announce the 2027 Great Plains Literacy Festival will be held on April 21 & 22, 2027. GPLF will feature five incredible authors and illustrators: Joe Cepeda, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Victoria Kann, Alan Katz, and Lauren Tarshis.
MEET OUR FEATURED AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS
2026 GPLF Authors & Illustrators
Victoria Kann
Alan Katz
Margaret Peterson Haddix
Deborah Hopkinson
Lauren Tarshis
Support our growth
GPLF IN THE NEWS
GPLF IN THE NEWS
Talk Seward County Podcast
Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership interviewed founding committee members Jennifer Flemings and Julie Owens about the inaugural Great Plains Literacy Festival. The festival was held in April and was a great success. Jennifer and Julie give us some of the highlights of first annual from the author and illustrators to the events.
Seward Independent Newspaper
The April 30, 2025, Seward Independent shared a front-page article featuring the Great Plains Literacy Festival.
2025 Event Schedule
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Wednesday, April 23
Area school visits to:
York Elementary
Crete Intermediate
Dorchester Public Schools
Centennial Public Schools
Lincoln Lutheran Schools
Waverly Middle School
Malcolm Public Schools
Eagle Elementary (Waverly) -
Thursday, April 24
Authors will visit Seward Elementary and Seward Middle Schools. Students from Seward Elementary, Seward Middle, and St. John Lutheran School are excited to attend!
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Community Event
From 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, 4/24, come celebrate GPLF with a fun, whole-family scavenger hunt through Downtown Seward. Get stamps at Bottle Rocket + What’s The Scoop; Seward Memorial Library, and Chapters Books and Gifts!
Contact Us
Great Plains Literacy Festival
616 Bradford St.
Seward, NE 68434
greatplainsliteracyfestival@gmail.com