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.
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Bling Your Book!
Sunday, January 4th
1:00-3:00 PM
White Elm Brewery
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Join us for an afternoon of creativity, community, and craft beer!
We’ll provide a book and all the “bling” you need to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind book cover inspired by The House on Mango Street. Whether you're a crafter, a reader, or just looking for a good time with good people, this event is for you!
Your $10 ticket includes:
• A book to decorate and take home
• All creative materials
• A complimentary beer
• Full access to a fun, bookish craft session
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Reserve your spot by scanning the QR code on the flyer or through the ticket link. We can’t wait to craft and celebrate with you!
Artist Call (submissions are closed)
Exhibition Dates: April–June 2026
The Foundry Community
211 N 14th ​
Linked2Literacy invites artists of all backgrounds to join Read, Connect, Celebrate: The House on Mango Project, a city-wide art show inspired by ideas of home, identity, and community. Artists of any style or medium are welcome. First-time artists, young artists, and artists with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Submit work thoughtfully for family centered audience.
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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!
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Register HERE for this free event.
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?"
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That might sound like a big or confusing question — but you can think about it in a simple way:
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What do you love about your everyday life?
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What makes you happy where you live?
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What do you enjoy doing with your family or friends?
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What struggles do you possibly face and have to overcome?​
There’s no right or wrong answer. Your bookmark can include drawings, words, colors — anything that shows what you think and feel.
Your ideas matter. Your story matters. And we can’t wait to see what you create!
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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.
Learn more about how to enter the contest HERE
House on Mango OPEN HOUSE
Friday February 27th ​
4:30-7pm
Course Restaurant (SCC)
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Food. Art. Word! is a flavorful, community-centered evening celebrating The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros through food, art, and storytelling. Hosted at Course, Southeast Community College’s renowned teaching restaurant, the event features Mexican-inspired tapas prepared by SCC culinary students, interactive art activities, and short readings by SCC writing students sharing their own stories of place, memory, and identity. Part of Read, Connect, Celebrate: The House on Mango Street Project, this gathering honors Lincoln’s diverse voices—especially New American experiences—by bringing literature to life through the same flavor, flair, and reflection found on Mango Street. Tickets are $30 and support Linked2Literacy, the Lincoln Arts Council, and Southeast Community College.
Grab your ticket HERE.
Reading Through Art
Thursday, February 26th 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Sheldon Museum of Art ​
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The exhibition Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity will play a central 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 immersive, family-friendly cultural experiences.
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Join us at the Sheldon Museum of Art for a fun, interactive family night that brings together The House on Mango Project and Go Big READ Week through art, reading, and storytelling. Families will explore identity together through guided gallery conversations, hands-on art activities, community stories, and cozy reading spaces designed for all ages.
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Free event. Register HERE
Writing Workshops
Sunday, March 22nd
1:00-3:00 PM
Loren C Eiseley Branch 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. Renee Meyer, 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!
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Stay tuned for the registration link.
Author Visit
April 9th, 2026
6:30 PM
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.
This is free and open to the public. Please mark "going" and register.
First Friday
May 1st, 2026
The Foundry Community
211 N 14th St
4:30-7:30 PM
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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.
Mark "going" HERE
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.