In January 2025, the Wilson Public Library in Cozad, NE, launches their eleventh One Book One Cozad program with the selection of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.
While most of us think that we know the beloved story written by L. Frank Baum, what many of us truly remember is the story told through the iconic movie starring Judy Garland. In fact, by the time the book entered the public domain in 1956, it was often reprinted as simply The Wizard of Oz.
Baum created the world of Oz that is shared over an original series of fourteen books, the last published a year after Baum’s death. Many authors have created additional titles from Baum’s main characters and even alternate versions of Oz such as the young adult book series Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. The story has been further altered for film and musicals such as The Wiz and Wicked, the latter based upon a series of books by Gregory Maguire. There is even a recent historical fiction novel titled Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts, which tells the story behind the creation of the book.
Now considered a children’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz version illustrated by W.W. Denslow and published by Hill in 1900, celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025. And while the Nebraska connection to the story is brief, it is significant, making it a great choice to read by yourself or as a family.
Scheduled discussions and events will be held throughout 2025 in a variety of formats for all interested persons beginning in February. A special set of books will be set aside near the library’s circulation desk for those wishing to check out the book. Additionally, our website has information regarding events on a special tab, which you can find at www.wilsonpubliclibrary.org. Wilson Public Library encourages all local book clubs to thoughtfully consider adding The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum to their selection lists for 2025.
The notion of a one book/one city (state, county, church, etc.) started with an idea by Seattle librarian Nancy Pearl. First initiated in 1998 by the Washington Center for the Book, the Library of Congress reports that such programs are abundant around the world. In fact, in 2025, One Book, One Nebraska will celebrate its twenty-first year of a statewide program. Wilson Public Library agrees with the Nebraska Center for the Book’s philosophy that “reading great literature provokes us to think about ourselves, our environment and our relationships,” and that “talking about great literature with friends, families and neighbors often adds richness and depth to the experience of reading.”