Ponca, NE – Nebraska author, Karen Goettert Shoemaker, has had a busy speaking schedule this summer but she is making time to come to Ponca on Saturday, August 20, 6:00 pm, at Ponca State Park for a reading and signing of her most recent novel, which is this year’s One Book One Nebraska selection.

The event will begin with a free meal provided by members of Friends of the Library, followed by Dr. Shoemaker’s reading from her newest novel, “The Meaning of Names.”  Books will be available for purchase and signing.  The event is open to the public.

According to Heather Craig-Oldsen, president of Friends of the Library, “The Meaning of Names is a deeply engaging story set in Nebraska during World War I.  Readers will learn about prejudice against the German immigrants who settled in communities like Ponca, as well as the impact of the influenza pandemic of 1918 that killed millions. Through these tribulations the power of faith, family and love prevail. It’s a great story.”

The presentation is made possible by Humanities Nebraska (HN), the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Ponca State Park and Friends of the Ponca Carnegie Library as part of the HN Speakers Bureau.

The Meaning of Names” is one of approximately 300 programs offered through the Humanities Nebraska Speakers Bureau.  The more than 165 available speakers include acclaimed scholars, writers, musicians, storytellers and folklorists on topics ranging from pioneer heritage to ethics and law to international and multicultural issues, making it the largest humanities speakers bureau in the nation. Information about speakers and procedures is available at www.humanitiesnebraska.org.

Copies of the book are available for loan at the Ponca Carnegie library and for sale at Ponca State Park.