The Alliance Public Library will be hosting book discussions related to the Chautauqua theme of “Free Land” with its focus on the settling of the Great Plains. The Brown Bag Program has book talks about the books that Chautauqua will be presenting on March 12 and March 13, they talked about “O, Pioneers!” by Willa Cather. They are also having a book talk about “Old Jules” by Mari Sandoz on April 16 and April 17, “From Slavery to Affluence; Memoirs of Robert Anderson, Ex-slave” by Robert Anderson on April 30 and May 1, “I am a Man; Cheir Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice” by Joe Starita on May 14 and May 15, and lastly “By the Shores of Sliver Lake” by Laura Ingalls Wilder on May 28 and May 29.

The Nebraska Chautauqua recreates the tent programs that traveled to Nebraska communities in the late 19^th and 20^th century. It was named after the Chautauqua Lake, where it was first was held. Chautauqua assemblies expanded and spread throughout rural America until the mid- 1920s. A Chautauqua assembly brought entertainment to the community with speakers, teachers, and musicians. On June 9-13,2015 at the Alliance’s Central park Chautauqua will be coming to Alliance.