The House on Mango Project
"Read, Connect, Celebrate: The House on Mango Project" is a community-centered initiative inspired by The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. Designed to celebrate the diversity of Lincoln, NE—particularly the experiences of New Americans—the project weaves together literature, art, and dialogue. Linked2Literacy is partnering with The Lied Center for Performing Arts, Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln City Libraries, and local cultural organizations. Activities will feature book giveaways, staged readings, community discussions, an author event, and creative art and writing opportunities, all rooted in themes from the book.
Kick-Off Event
September 12th, 2025
5:30-7:30 pm
Lied Center Commons
North 12th & Q Street
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Linked2Literacy presents a citywide celebration inspired by The House on Mango Street. Join us Sept. 12 for live performances, cultural food trucks, and community resources, with more events continuing through June 2026. Come celebrate books, art, and connection across Lincoln!​
RSVP on Facebook HERE
Staged Reading
November 8th 2025
2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Johnny Carson Theater
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​Experience a staged reading of The House on Mango Street, based on the novel by celebrated writer Sandra Cisneros and adapted for the stage by Amy Ludwig! This touching and humorous story of a young girl growing up in one of Chicago’s culturally diverse neighborhoods is a classic coming-of-age story about those defining experiences that shape our beliefs and help us discover who we are.
Pay what you can event. Get tickets HERE.
Writing Workshop: Finding Your Voice on Mango Street
Sunday, January 18th
1:00-3:00 PM
Bennett Martin Library
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Everyone has a story to tell! Join us for a relaxed, hands-on writing workshop inspired by The House on Mango Street. Local poet, Karla Hernandez Torrijos, will guide us in exploring themes of home, identity, and belonging as we write short, creative pieces from our own lives. No writing experience needed—just come ready to share, listen, and be inspired!
Community Converstations
February and April 2026
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A chance to come together, share stories, and reflect on themes from The House on Mango Street. Join us at libraries and cultural centers across Lincoln for book discussions, creative writing, and art that lift up diverse voices and celebrate what belonging means in our community.
Book Mark Contest
February - April 2026
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This is a community art and literacy contest for all ages to design bookmarks that answer the question "What does being American mean to you?" The winning creations will be printed and shared in libraries, schools, and community spaces to inspire reading and connection for America's 250th birthday celebration.
Go Big READ & Reflect
Thursday, February 26th 2026
Time TBD
Sheldon Museum of Art
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The exhibition Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity will play a big role during Nebraska Athletics and Linked2Literacy's Go Big READ week as we connect a chapter of The House on Mango street to each gallery for an evening of family friendly immersive cultural experiences.
Writing Workshops
Spring 2026​
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You'll have chances to reflect on chapters of the book with inspiring community members who will help bring your own story to the page!
Author Visit
April 9th, 2026
Time TBD
Lincoln High School
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Don’t miss your chance to hear Sandra Cisneros, author of The House on Mango Street! She’ll dive into identity, culture, and storytelling — and answer your questions in a special audience Q&A.
First Friday
May 1st, 2026
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​Join us for First Friday in May to witness art inspired by the House on Mango Street. Artistic reflections of conversations had throughout this project will be on display.
Books don't just tell stories - they awaken the stories within us.
From now through June 2026, we invite you to read The House on Mango Street and use this form (QR code) to share your reflections. Your responses will help deepen our understanding of one another and highlight the beauty of our diverse community.
You may submit reflections for as many chapters as you like and/or your thoughts on the book as a whole.
Collected responses — along with insights from in-person discussions — will be woven together and creatively displayed next spring at our final event!
Community Partners
Lied Center for Performing Arts
Sheldon Museum of Art
Lincoln City Libraries
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Local Bookstores
Local Community Cultural Centers
Lincoln Arts Council
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This project was supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.