WordStock; Courtesy of Linked2Literacy
Jo Sheets of Linked2Literacy said the organization is asking residents to gather new or gently used books that may be sitting on nightstands or crowding bookshelves and take them to one of the group’s collection sites around the city. Monetary donations are also accepted online to help cover festival costs.
“What you can do to help is to gather up all those gently used books,” Sheets said. “We also take new book donations as well, and drop them off at one of our convenient collection sites.”
The organization is accepting fiction, nonfiction, novels and other genres for readers of all ages. Sheets said books should be in good condition and not so dated that they would have limited appeal. Donations can serve children and families as well as teachers stocking classroom libraries, grandparents reading with children and adults looking for their next book.
Organizers are expanding WORDSTOCK after more than 1,600 people attended last year. Sheets said the Auld Pavilion will hold the main book selection, while the festival will extend through the nearby green space to the bandshell. The reading corner is moving to the bandshell stage, where more seating will be available for children and families. Linked2Literacy expects more than 2,000 people this year.
The festival will include food trucks serving items from morning coffee and scones through lunch, along with kid-friendly choices and frozen treats. Family activities will include carnival games, a tie-dye T-shirt station and a photo booth.
Celebrity readers and children’s authors are also scheduled to appear at the bandshell. Sheets said the lineup is expected to include Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John Skretta, Miss Lincoln Hannah Johnson and Husker athletes. Three children’s book authors are expected to read from their work and have books available at the event.
Sheets said WORDSTOCK is intended to bring the community together around reading, not simply distribute books.
“Even if you’re someone without children, feel free to come and just enjoy the gathering of community around something that so many people love, and that’s just the power of books,” she said.
Linked2Literacy is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire generations by providing inclusive books and literacy education through community-based programs. The organization says book ownership can help children build a path toward future success.
A list of book collection sites available through August 18, 2026, and information about monetary donations are available at linked2literacy.org.