Below are the upcoming calendar events. To see previous events you can see the Events Calendar Archives page. If interested in volunteering for any event, see volunteer form at www.acbnebraska.org/support-us or www.acbnebraska.org/volunteer.
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Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00 a.m.
Join the ACBN Quarterly Book Club!
The American Council of the Blind of Nebraska (ACBN), Radio Talking Book Service (RTBS), and the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) invite you to join us for our next Book Club discussion!
Date and Time
Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00 a.m.
How to Participate
Join us by Zoom or telephone.
Telephone Call-In: 351-888-7627
Zoom is the primary platform for the discussion. To help protect the integrity of the book club, the Zoom link will not be posted on social media. It will be shared directly with participants who request it.
To receive the Zoom link or ask questions, contact:
• Email: info@acbnebraska.org
• Phone: 402-679-8448
This Quarter’s Selection
Little Underworld by Chris Harding Thornton
Set in Omaha during the depths of the Great Depression, Little Underworld follows former police officer and private investigator Jim Beely after he kills the man who assaulted his young daughter. When a notoriously corrupt detective offers to dispose of the body in exchange for Jim’s help undermining a ruthless political candidate, Jim is drawn into a dangerous web of crime, corruption, and shifting loyalties. As murders multiply and conspiracies deepen, Jim struggles to determine whom he can trust while confronting the moral compromises that surround him. Thornton blends historical fact with noir fiction to paint a vivid portrait of 1930s Omaha, where politics, organized crime, and law enforcement are deeply intertwined. Ultimately, the novel explores justice, redemption, and the blurry line between doing what is right and simply surviving. (Book description courtesy of Macmillan Publishers.)
About the Book Club
We’re excited to read our second book together! This quarterly book club features books about Nebraska and the Great Plains, as well as works by Nebraska authors. Join us for engaging conversations, new perspectives, and a shared appreciation of our region’s rich literary heritage.
How to Read or Listen
To prepare for the discussion, listen to Little Underworld on RTBS beginning Tuesday, September 8 -17 during Bookshelf, airing at 1:00 p.m. with a replay at 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Borrowers of the Nebraska Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) can also download the book through BARD or request it on cartridge.
Everyone Is Welcome!
While many participants are blind or visually impaired, the book club is open to everyone. Sighted family members, friends, and anyone who enjoys reading are encouraged to attend. We look forward to bringing people together through the joy of reading, thoughtful discussion, and a shared appreciation for Nebraska’s literary heritage.
Questions or need the Zoom link?
Email info@acbnebraska.org or call 402-679-8448.
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June 4, 2026 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
American Council of the Blind of Nebraska At-Large meeting (In-Person & Zoom)
Madsen’s Bowling & Billiards 4700 Dudley St Lincoln, NE
We invite all members and interested individuals to join our upcoming in person At-Large Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 4th, from 6. — 6:45 pm, before the karaoke fundraiser at 7 PM . Dinner is on your own before the at-large meeting. The meeting will be held at Madsen’s Bowling & Billiards 4700 Dudley St Lincoln, NE.
The agenda will cover:
• Discussing goals of our members
• Hearing from speakers who will provide information on Bus Across Nebraska going to Ski for Light
This is a great opportunity to shape the future direction of our chapter and connect with fellow members.
If you have a bus across Nebraska shirt please wear it.
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June 6, 2026 10:00-11:00 AM
Join Our Book Club Discussion!
Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 10:00–11:00 AM
We are excited to launch our first Book Club discussion! This new quarterly book club will focus on books about Nebraska and the Great Plains region, as well as works by Nebraska authors.
For our inaugural discussion, we will read and discuss The Bones of Paradise by Jonis Agee.
Set on the Nebraska frontier in the years following the Civil War, The Bones of Paradise is a sweeping historical novel that explores justice, survival, and the lasting effects of violence. Through richly developed characters and vivid landscapes, the story examines the complex relationships between settlers, Native Americans, and those seeking redemption in a changing West.
How to Participate
Participants may join by Zoom or telephone.
📞 Call-In Number: 351-888-7627
Zoom is the primary platform for the discussion. To protect the integrity of the book club, the Zoom link will not be posted on social media and will be shared directly with participants who call 402-679-8448.
Before the Discussion
Please be prepared to briefly introduce yourself and share:
- Your favorite character
- A scene that stayed with you
- One word that describes the novel
Discussion Questions
- How did the Nebraska frontier setting influence your emotional response to the story?
- What moments in the novel best illustrate the tension between justice and revenge?
- Which themes from the novel feel most relevant to modern society?
- What questions or unresolved issues were you still thinking about after finishing the book?
- Several characters experience exclusion or marginalization. In what ways do these experiences resemble modern barriers faced by blind or visually impaired individuals?
- Misunderstanding and prejudice appear throughout the story. How do assumptions about characters in the novel compare to stereotypes people may hold about blindness or disability?
While many participants are likely to be blind or visually impaired, we warmly welcome all readers and perspectives. Sighted family members, friends, and anyone who enjoys reading are encouraged to join us. Our goal is to bring people together through the joy of reading, thoughtful conversation, and a shared appreciation for Nebraska’s literary heritage.
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Following the At-Large event
DATE Thursday June 4, 2026
TIME 7:00 PM
LOCATION Madsen’s Bowling & Billiards; 4700 Dudley St; Lincoln, NE
Karaoke night fundraiser benefiting BUS ACROSS NEBRASKA
All proceeds provide bus transportation for blind, low-vision, and disabled skiers heading to Black Hills Regional Ski for Light.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Karaoke singing competition
Full bar, food, and raffle
Free admission. QUESTIONS Text (971) 333-2308
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Thursday, June 11, 2026 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Omaha Council of the Blind Chapter Picnic
First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass Street (Door #6); Omaha, NE
Chapter providing pulled pork. Members bringing potluck items. Guests invited to share in fellowship. Community members who have interest in our mission are welcome to bring a hearty appetite and share your ideas with us.
Please RSVP to 402-679-8448 so we can supply plenty for everyone.
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Thursday, July 9, 2026 Omaha Council of the Blind Meeting cancelled for summer break
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Monday, July 13, 2026, 7:30 -9:00 pm (Virtual)
Monthly Board Meeting of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska
Open to all interested people.
Reach out to 402-679-8448 or info@acbnebraska.org for the Zoom link.
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Monday, August 10, 2026, 7:30 -9:00 pm (Virtual)
Monthly Board Meeting of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska
Open to all interested people.
Reach out to 402-679-8448 or info@acbnebraska.org for the Zoom link.
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Thursday, August 13, 2026 Omaha Council of the Blind Chapter Meeting cancelled for summer break
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Thursday, September 10, 2026 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Omaha Council of the Blind Chapter Meeting
In-person or virtually
First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass Street (Door #6); Omaha, NE
Members and guests catch up on local news; listen to guest speakers; and enjoy fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere.
Topics: We will make plans for the December Christmas party.
For the Zoom link, call 402-679-8448 or email info@acbnebraska.org
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Monday, September 14, 2026 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm via Zoom
Monthly Board Meeting of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska Open to all interested individuals
For more information or to ask for a Zoom link, email Jim@ACBNebraska.org
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Thursday, October 8, 2026 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Omaha Council of the Blind Chapter Meeting In-person or virtually
First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass Street (Door #6); Omaha, NE
Members and guests catch up on local news.
Make plans for holiday activities.
Call 402-679-8448 or email info@acbnebraska.org for the Zoom link.
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Monday, October 12, 2026 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Monthly Board Meeting of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska
Open to all interested people.
Call 402-679-8448 or email info@acbnebraska.org for the Zoom link.
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Monday, November 9, 2026 7:30 -9:00 pm (Virtual)
Monthly Board Meeting of the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska
Open to all interested people.
Reach out to 402-679-8448 or info@acbnebraska.org for the Zoom link.
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Thursday, November 12, 2026 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Omaha Council of the Blind Chapter Meeting In-person or virtually
First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass Street (Door #6); Omaha, NE
Members and guests catch up on local news.
Finalize plans for holiday activities.
Call 402-679-8448 or email info@acbnebraska.org for the Zoom link.
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