OPL Connect Newsletter Volume 30 • Issue 1 • Spring 2023

Connect

 Seed Library

Celebrating 10 Years

In 2023, Omaha Public Library (OPL) celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Common Soil Seed Library. It started small, with a single up-cycled card catalog at Benson Branch serving the entire library system. Since then, it has found roots with physical seed libraries at each OPL branch. OPL checked out over 47,000 seed packets last year, making 2022 the biggest year yet in Common Soil Seed Library history! Visit any branch library to browse the seed collection, or place holds from the comfort of your own home and have them sent to any branch for pick up. Visit omahalibrary.org to view available varieties of flower, fruit, herb and produce seeds. Patrons may also suggest that OPL purchase any seed varieties that aren’t stocked.

Cardholders may check out up to 15 seed packets each month. Germination information and planting instructions are available for each seed

Seed Circulation*

type. Gardeners are advised to read the growing instructions carefully, as some plants need to be started earlier in the year to reach their full capacity by growing season.

recommended reads

The Complete Book of Ground Covers by Gary Lewis Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon

OPL’s Urban Gardening Librarian Jacob Lee says that gardening has been one of the most rewarding hobbies in his life. “There are so many lessons that cultivating a garden from beginning to end can teach us: The cycle of the seasons and how plants adapt, the importance of fertile soil, and how much our efforts support other things in our environment.” If you have questions regarding how you can start your own garden this growing season, contact Lee at jlee@omahalibrary.org or search the library catalog for resources on starting the best garden for you. Visit omahalibrary.org/seed-library for more information.

Since its beginning in 2013, seed circulation has increased by more than 2,500% *Numbers represented are based on statistics collected during each respective year and may not be a true reflection of total numbers of seeds that were checked out by OPL patrons.

The Urban Garden: 101 Ways to Grow Food and Beauty in the City by Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight

Companion Planting for Beginners by Brian Lowell

How to Garden When You Rent by Matthew Pottage

Director’s Note

Each spring, I tend to reflect on growth in its many manifestations.

Typically, during this time of year, I am determined to start planning my garden using the incredible resources available at OPL – everything from books and classes to the wide variety of seeds to check out from the Common Soil Seed Library. OPL’s seed library continues to gain popularity – and for good reason. Your library card allows you to check out up to 15 packets of seeds per month, and they don’t need to be returned!

This year, I am also looking forward to the growth of the library system with the opening of the Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street. Much of the spring will be dedicated to completing construction on the historic building and preparing the branch to welcome downtown library patrons. Our top priority is to ensure that the space will yield a wonderful experience for all of our visitors, and we will announce a grand opening date as soon as possible. Stay tuned to OPL’s social media channels for the most current information.

Finally, we are in process of planning next steps for OPL’s facilities. We are working this spring to determine how OPL’s existing and future locations can best serve our communities. Library Facilities Planning invites Omaha and Douglas County residents to share feedback about what your neighborhood library can do for you and your community. More information about opportunities to engage is available at OPLsurvey.org. Whatever kind of growth you’d like to see this spring, OPL has something for you. Visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org to learn more about how your library can help you!

2022: Year-in-Review

Each year, OPL provides an annual summary of significant library statistics and other notable information.

• OPL celebrated 150 years of service to Omaha and Douglas County in 2022. Established in 1872, the first Omaha Public Library was recognized as the Omaha Library Association and was located on the second floor of the Simpson Carriage Factory at 14th & Dodge streets. Since that time, the OPL system has seen many milestones. A video celebrating the history of OPL and its impact on the communities it serves will be available in 2023.

• OPL’s strategic plan to help guide services and programs in the next three to five years was presented to OPL’s board of trustees for approval during their March 2022 meeting. After discussion, the plan was approved, and returned to library staff to develop a timeline and plan for implementation. The plan is available to view at omahalibrary.org.

• The annual Summer Reading Program saw 14,996 people participate and more than 50 percent completed their goals.

• W. Dale Clark Main Library had its last day of service to the community on August 28, 2022. The following day, Interim Branch opened at 1410 Howard Street to ensure that downtown library patrons would have continuous library service during the time between the closure of Main Library and the opening of the Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street in spring 2023.

Useage Statistics

Items Borrowed | 3,881,921

Library Visits | 1,004,215

Website Visits | 1,450,140

Desktop Computer Sessions | 166,822

Digital Downloads | 881,210 (books, audiobooks & videos)

Current Library Cardholders | 273,570

Service Statistics

14,996

12,307

64,906

kids, teens & adults registered for the Summer Reading Program people attended a meeting in a library meeting room individuals attended a library program

Top Circulating Titles

Adult fiction: The Maid by Nita Prose

Adult nonfiction: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette

Adult eBook: The Last Thing He Told Me by

DVD: Dune

Youth/Teen: The Summer I Turned Pretty by

Children’s: The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo

Winter Recap

OPL Teen Poetry Bash

The 22nd annual Teen Poetry Bash took place on December 10, 2022, at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Students in grades 8-12 were invited to prepare two original poems to read aloud or perform as slam poetry. All Writes Reserved coaches from the Nebraska Writers Collective served as judges and emcees for the event. Top scoring participants were awarded with cash prizes.

• 1st Place: Annabelle Carney

• 2nd Place: Anna Conway

Jane Austen Tea

• 3rd Place: Knyomi Turley

• Audience Favorite: Anna Conway

New Spring Titles

Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection between March 1 - May 31, 2023.

Flux by Jinwoo Chong

Intersecting stories take the reader through surprising twists in a tale of grief and Asian American identity in the United States.

Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina

In celebration of what would be iconic author Jane Austen’s 247th birthday, 66 people gathered at Metropolitan Community College’s Institute for Culinary Arts on December 10, 2022, to enjoy tea from The Tea Smith, light sandwiches and finger foods, and a presentation by Dr. Jenny Rebecca Rytting, “Overlooked Foils in Austen’s Fiction.” This program was presented in partnership with the Nebraska Chapter of the Jane Austen Society and the Friends of Omaha Public Library.

OPL Welcomes New Member to Board of Trustees

Albert Varas joined OPL’s board of trustees in September 2022. Varas is the chief executive officer for Latino Center of the Midlands. Varas replaced Kristin Williams on the board and his term runs through June 30, 2023.

Other board members include Mike Kennedy (president), Keegan Korf (vice president), Jen Rae Wang (secretary/treasurer), John Barrett, Cameron Gales, Rochelle Mullen, and Bryan Wilson. There is currently one vacancy on the board.

Trustees are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve a threeyear term. In accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, OPL board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. at different library locations. Schedules, agendas and minutes from these meetings can be found at omahalibrary.org/ board-of-trustees.

Facilities Update

Library Facilities Plan

OPL, the Omaha Public Library Foundation, the City of Omaha, Do Space, Heritage Omaha, and the Omaha community are working together to develop a community-driven 2023 Library Facilities Plan. Join the conversation by participating in this effort and spreading the word to friends and neighbors. You can help determine a vision for your neighborhood library, your community, and Omaha’s future. Take the survey: Your voice matters! Complete a survey online or at your local branch by May 1 to share your vision for your library’s future.

Attend a community event: Family-friendly events featuring fun engagement activities will take place throughout the community this spring.

Women are disappearing from a reservation and a young girl tries to decipher what kind of horrors could be responsible.

A Guide to Midwestern Conversation

This book takes a humorous look at the quirks of Midwestern speech. The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor

The celebrated author of “Filthy Animals” introduces a gripping story about a group of friends and lovers in a creative space, sharing their lives and art.

Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents—and What They Mean for America’s Future by Jean M. Twenge, PhD

Are you trying to bridge the generation gap? Twenge continues an exploration and explanation of American generations. Find more new and on order titles at omahalibrary.org.

Downtown Branch

Construction on Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street continues this spring, with anticipated completion in May. Downtown residents and visitors will be invited to find their place in the newly renovated historic building. Enjoy books, meeting rooms, quiet study spaces, a children’s area with a story house, teen space, and more. Follow OPL on social media or visit omahalibrary.org to be among the first to know about the grand opening date. Updates on major facilities projects, relevant documents, and related news can be found at omahalibrary.org/facilities-projects

Learn more at OPLsurvey.org. ¿Habla español? Visit OPLEncuesta.org.

KidSpot

Rainbow Fish Visits Storytime

Enjoy stories & activities with this children’s book character.

Fri | Mar 10 | 10:30 am | Elkhorn

Sun | Mar 12 | 2 pm | Abrahams

Tues | Mar 14 | 10:30 am | Saddlebrook

Wed | Mar 15 | 10:30 am | Millard

Thurs | Mar 16 | 10:30 am | Willa Cather

Fri | Mar 17 | 10:30 am | South Omaha

Día de los Niños | April 17-26

Celebrate the diversity of our community during the annual Children’s Book Day (Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros). Children receive a free book to keep while supplies last!

Día Celebration

Mon | Apr 17 | 1-2:30 pm | Washington ®

Sat | Apr 22 | 2-4 pm | South Omaha

Music & Movement

Tues | Apr 18 | 10:30 am | Elkhorn

Thurs | Apr 20 | 10:30 am | Millard

Fri | Apr 21 | 10:30 am | Willa Cather

Sat | Apr 22 | 10:30 am | Benson

Guest Storytellers

Wed | Apr 19 | 10:30 am | Abrahams

Sat | Apr 22 | 10 am-Noon | Swanson

Wed | Apr 26 | 10:30 am | Abrahams

Storytime

Thurs | Apr 20 | 10:30 am | Florence

® Registration required

New Spring Titles for Youth

The World and Everything in It by Kevin Henkes

This picture book is for curious readers longing to know more about all the things in the world.

Little Kids First Big Book of Sports

This National Geographic book is geared toward 4-8 year olds and covers the wide world of sports in a fun and educational way.

Hoops by Matt Tavares

This debut graphic novel inspired by a true story features a girls’ basketball team striving for gender equality at their high school.

NESciFest

The annual Nebraska Science Festival will take place across the entire state April 1-30. The mission of the festival is to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for all ages. Visit omahalibrary.org for OPL programs, and nescifest.com for festival information.

April 28-May 1

The City Nature Challenge motivates people around the world to find and document wildlife in their cities. OPL will recognize this annual campaign with a series of storytimes.

Read books about nature, sing songs and learn how to identify plants and animals found in the wild. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime. See a complete schedule of events at omahalibrary.org

Science Saturday Storytime

Saturdays in April | 10 am | Sorensen

Storytime

Thurs | Apr 27 | 9:30 am | Millard

Thurs | Apr 27 | 10:30 am | Florence & Willa Cather

Sat | Apr 29 | 10:30 am | Benson, Saddlebrook & Swanson

Weird But True Know-It-All: The Middle Ages

The latest in the “Weird But True” series features facts about castles, weapons, warriors and legends of the Middle Ages from around the globe.

Stateless by Elizabeth Wein

From the author of “Code Name Verity” comes this historical fiction mystery about a young female pilot who witnesses sabotage in a race meant to promote peace in 1930s Europe.

To request your own customized book list or book bundle, visit omahalibrary.org and select Find Your Next Read under the Services tab.

Grab and Go Bags

Busy parents and caretakers don’t always have time to browse the shelves to choose books for their babies and toddlers. That’s why OPL youth services staff curated Grab and Go bags—containing three highquality books—for patrons to grab, check out, and go. Simply place the whole bag on the self-check machine to check out all three books at once!

Lavender bags (for babies) contain three board books, and blue bags (for preschool-age children) contain three picture books. Look for the blue Grab and Go carts the next time you visit your local branch! Bags containing books in Spanish are available at select locations.

LearningExpress Library

Find resources for elementary, middle, and high school students from LearningExpress Library. Prepare for important tests, get extra help for assignments, boost skills in core subjects, and more. Visit omahalibrary.org and select LearningExpress Library from All Online Resources in the Resource Center.

Volunteer Spotlight

Born and raised in Omaha, attending youth programming at OPL is not unusual for 11-year-old Isaac Davidson, but becoming a volunteer and Teen Advisory Board (TAB) member has been an exciting behind-the-scenes adventure.

Davidson started volunteering in 2022 during the OPL Summer Reading Program. His school librarian jokingly suggested that he start shelving books because of the amount of time he spent in his school’s collection. This sparked Davidson’s interest in learning more about library systems and venturing past the checkout desk at OPL.

Davidson applied to volunteer at Millard Branch and is currently a member of the OPL and Millard Branch TAB groups. He also volunteered to be the costume character, Curious George, at the 2022 Storybook Land program.

“Isaac is a great volunteer that you can count on to do whatever you need. Whether it’s help setting up a room for a program, shelving books, or wearing a costume for storytime, I know I can count on Isaac to be there,” said Kris Cram, youth services specialist at Millard Branch.

During his time as a volunteer, Davidson has brainstormed ideas to make the teen space more accessible and fun. He has also made props for youth programs, such as the teen escape rooms. These projects offer a glimpse into his busy schedule. Involved in everything from debate, yearbook and violin at the Omaha Area Youth Orchestras, to tennis lessons, Davidson is always on the lookout for his next adventure. “Volunteering at OPL helps you get teamwork skills and time-management skills, like planning when and where you can volunteer. It’s really fun and the staff are an amazing team to work with,” said Davidson.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer to apply.

Partner Spotlight: Collective for Youth

Where can you find a gardening group, soccer match and book club all in the same space on a school day? At a Collective for Youth After-School Program!

This year, OPL celebrates 13 years as a Collective for Youth after-school program provider. As a partner, OPL responds to the needs of students and program sites, and explores how literacy support after school can be educational and fun. Collective for Youth programs share a mission to provide safe, enriching experiences to children in an after-school setting. “Each site is unique in terms of the programming it offers on a daily basis but still has an overall framework providing students with a hot meal, homework help, enrichment opportunities and caring adults,” said Nicole Everingham, development director at Collective for Youth.

OPL’s After-School Program Coordinator Farhana Husain believes this framework is essential to the relationshipbuilding that supports this successful partnership. “Being able to connect with the students in a way that is unique from any other adult relationship in their lives is so special. We strive to provide them with a safe space where they can truly be themselves while engaging in the activities we have prepared for them.”

Collective for Youth after-school program partners have the ability to structure their own curriculum and workflow. OPL’s offers a traditional book club with a twist. “All books students receive in the after school program are theirs to keep,” said Maggie Petersen, OPL’s outreach and partnerships manager. “It’s one way we can support students in building their own home libraries and hopefully taking what they talk about in our club back home to their friends and families.”

Students meet weekly to discuss assigned titles and relate them to their own lives. After discussion, students may participate in an activity that enhances that week’s reading and fosters a sense of curiosity.

Collective for Youth’s mission is to advocate for and facilitate resources for the after-school community. Positive partnerships with OPL and over 40 other participating organizations program are key to its success.

“Partnerships are cemented when organizations take mutual interest in each other,” said Everingham. “Partners are open minded, able to pivot, reimagine, and determine measures of success at any point in time—instead of walking away.”

Patron Spotlight

When Justin Sampson lost his job in fall 2022, he began contemplating a career change and visited a local job center to explore potential career paths. One opportunity in particular piqued his interest: drone pilot. He dug in to learn more about the emerging field–which, he discovered, could be utilized in everything from package delivery to survey work to real estate.

Sampson scraped together the money to attend a day-long drone introduction class, and learned of another course that would prepare students to become FAA-certified drone pilots. It cost several hundred dollars though, and Sampson was already on a tight budget. He wondered if he could study for the certification test on his own…with help from OPL.

Enter Colby Jenkins, senior clerk at Benson Branch. The two had developed a rapport during Sampson’s frequent visits to his neighborhood branch and together, they began brainstorming.

Jenkins located an official drone pilot study guide at a community college in Kentucky which Sampson could borrow via OPL’s Interlibrary Loan service.

Sampson spent an estimated 20-40 hours preparing for the test–often simultaneously watching videos on LinkedIn Learning (available through

Friends Annual Meeting Recap

OPL’s online Resource Center) while poring over the study guide, which was filled with technical language and complicated aeronautical charts.

“When I first went through it, I was completely dumbfounded,” said Sampson. “I had to really study and learn.” Slowly, he gained confidence and understanding, and found himself enjoying the process. “It was nice to be challenged again, mentally,” he said. “I came out of it feeling very refreshed.”

In November, Sampson took the 80-question test, and passed with flying colors! He also landed a bartending job, which helped him save to purchase a drone.

Now, Sampson is picking up small drone jobs while continuing to use LinkedIn Learning videos to improve his piloting and photography skills. He hopes to eventually transition this into full-time work, and credits the library with helping him launch his new career.

“It’s been beyond valuable. I literally wouldn’t have been able to have taken that class and pay my rent at the same time,” said Sampson. “The library gave me the power to educate myself and move myself forward...It’s been hugely beneficial in my life.”

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Myers

Sarah Myers joined the OPL team in 2018 as a parttime library aide at W. Dale Clark Main Library. She worked there until March 2020, at which time she was promoted to a clerk position at W. Clarke Swanson Branch. Shortly thereafter, the COVID pandemic forced libraries to close and furlough part-time employees. Myers was undeterred by this setback, and returned to OPL as a clerk at Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch in May 2021. She worked there until she received another promotion in January 2022 to a specialist position at A.V. Sorensen Branch.

In her short time with OPL, Myers has already experienced a lot of growth in her library career, which suits her well, as she sees herself staying on at OPL for the long haul.

“When I first started working for a public library in college, I realized that this was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” said Myers.

The Friends of Omaha Public Library (FOPL) held their annual meeting on January 14, 2023, in person for the first time since 2020 at Millard Branch. Board President Margaret Pope reported over $80,000 in book sale profits. Online book sales yielded more than $30,000. Over 6,500 volunteer hours were served in 2022.

The Special Friends Award was presented to two volunteers who went above and beyond expectations in their service to the organization. Marion Andersen was recognized for her work in the book sale rooms, specifically the “Tiger” room where she has been known to organize and bring order to messy situations. Polly Goecke has volunteered in several roles since joining the Friends in the early 2000s, including work at the book sales and as a board member.

Outgoing board members Mary Gallagher Jansen, MD; Polly Goecke; and Mary Ann Sturek were recognized for their service, and new board members Larry Friend and Kim Lesinski were welcomed. Author Lydia Kang was the guest speaker.

Learn more about the Friends at friendsomahalibrary.org.

Though Myers spent time as a young adult working in the school library where her mother taught, she never really considered libraries as a career. After exploring a variety of jobs, she realized that she wanted to pursue working in an area where she could offer a service to the community and give back.

She enjoys connecting with the community through collections and displays, and being part of a positive force in the neighborhood that people can trust. Myers describes everyday on the job as an exercise in creative problem solving and trying to figure out the “magic click” of a solution that helps people with what they need. “I like people. I like books. I really love my job. That’s me in a nutshell,” Myers said. Myers has goals of becoming a librarian in the future, but wants to savor each step along the way toward that goal.

“Sarah is genuinely excited to learn everything she can about all areas of librarianship, and constantly impresses me with the thoughtfulness, creativity and organization she brings to her work,” said Millard Branch Manager Autumn Hill. “I know our library users are in great hands when Sarah is helping them.”

Foundation Update

Transition proved to be the unmistakable theme for OPL and the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) in 2022.

W. Dale Clark Main Library closed its doors in August, with an Interim Branch now serving patrons near 14th and Howard streets. Construction at the new Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street continues. Local history and genealogy materials moved to 84th and Frederick streets. Add to this, plans for a new central library at 72nd and Dodge streets. At the OPLF, we have been active and engaged with these changes each step of the way. Also worth noting… OPLF hosted a recordsetting annual fundraiser in September with “Just Mercy” author Bryan Stevenson, raising nearly $90,000 for OPL.

The private dollars raised each year are only possible through the support of donors

Financial Gifts

Received Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2022

$235,000+

Ruth Sage Estate

$50,000+

Holland Foundation

The Sherwood Foundation

$30,000+

Richard Brooke Foundation

Hawks Foundation

Lozier Foundation

William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation

$20,000+

Claire M. Hubbard Foundation

Susan Sibbernsen

Weitz Family Foundation

$15,000+

Amy L. Scott Family Foundation

$10,000+

Lee Bachand

Collective for Youth

Cox

Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation

Michael & Susan Lebens

Dan & Tina Lonergan

Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation

Paul & Annette Smith

Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation

Webster Family Foundation

Roger & Kate Weitz

$5,000+

Bonnie & John Austin

Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder

Foundation

Bluestem Prairie Foundation

Ann C. Burdette Irrevocable Trust

Deloitte & Touche LLP

HDR, Inc.

Heider Family Foundation

Jack & Stephanie Koraleski

Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable

Foundation

Mutual of Omaha

Lewis & Winifred Pinch

Silvia Roffman

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

Elizabeth Summers

Tenaska, Inc.

Eileen M. Wirth

large and small in our community. We are continually inspired by the commitment to OPL and the OPLF – and excited for what’s to come for our library system.

Each year, OPLF staff and OPL program managers meet to discuss the library’s most pressing needs for the next funding year. Without private support through OPLF, many annual library programs would either cease to exist, or operate with severely limited scope: the Summer Reading Program; literacy programs for children, teens, and adults; community services and outreach events; and enhancements to technology and collections. Plus, OPLF raises funds for special projects as needed.

As OPLF nears its 40th year raising private dollars for OPL, the work continues. Our fundraising focus for 2023 includes:

Chris Menefee

Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners

Rochelle Mullen

Murray & Sharee Newman

Phyllis & Bob Newman

OPPD

Anonymous

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture,

P.C.

Baer Foundation

Berry Law Firm

Barbara Bock-Mavis

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather

John & Terri Diesing

Joseph Drugmand

Peggy & John Heck

Heritage Omaha

Harold & Clara Hoover

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Jim & Karen Linder

Tulani Grudy Meadows & Othello

Meadows

Meza Gardens & Design

Sarah Newman

Omaha Steaks

West O Fitness

Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt

$1,000+

Anonymous (2)

Mary Joy Anderson

Atredis Partners

Bay Family Foundation

Bridges Trust

Stephen & Anne Bruckner

Katie Bruno

Leilani & Ron Coe

Community Services Fund of Nebraska

Friedland Family Foundation

Carol Gendler

Great Plains Communications

GreenSlate Development

Theresa Jehlik

Richard Kelley

Milton & Marsha

Jeff Kosse

Kleinberg

Dave & Vicki Krecek

Gary & Lucie Long

Marty Magee

Margaret Sullivan Studio

Marilyn Marsh

Carrie & Ed May

Mark & Dianne McMillan

John & Kathleen Ransom

Red & Jann Thomas

Justine Petsch Walker

Sarah Watson

Phil & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous (3)

Doug & Cathy Aden

Alleghany Corporation

George & Kathleen Bigelow

Richard & Carol Britten

Bobbie Carlson

Sandor & Rhonda Chomos

Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor

Nancy Darst

Carol Ebdon

Rebecca Evans

Mary Ann & Daren Folchert

Jo Giles

Mike & Wanda Gottschalk

Lynn & Cindy Gray

Anna Gregerson

William & Ann Hall

Deryl & Ramona Hamann

Traci Hancock

Dr. Gina Hawley

Howard & Gloria Kaslow

Marc & Joan Kraft

John & Merrilee Miller

Nancy Ovenden

Susan Petersen

Ann Rinne

Greg & Sue Rusie

Rotary-Suburban

Julie Schroeder

Emily & Joshua States

Susan Vosburg

Carol Wang & Jim Phillips

$250+

Anonymous

Amy Armbruster

Lynn & Thomas Ashby

Marcia Bechtel

Hal & Mary Daub

Tony & Claudia Deeb

Roy & Gloria Dinsdale

• Youth literacy programs and services (children and teens)

• Adult literacy programs and services

• 2023 Summer Reading Program

• Baby Reads

• Community services and outreach

• Collections (eBooks and eAudiobooks)

• And much more!

To learn more about the OPLF or how you can contribute, visit omahalibraryfoundation.org, send an email to foundation@omahalibrary.org, or call 402-444-4589.

Max & Elizabeth Engel

Elizabeth Figueroa

Thomas & Nancy Gallagher

Richard & Melanie Gerbeling

Kathy Gross

Lori Hedstrom

Noreen Johnson

Emily Kemp

Kiewit

Joseph & Molly Lang

Tom Liefer

Laura Marlane & Paul Richards

Ann & Gordon Moshman

Amanda Neal

Nebraska Writers Collective

Diana Nevins

Nithya Paul

Pauline Quinn

Joseph & Mary Scholl

Laura Schumacher

Shirley Siebler

Deborah Smith-Howell

Susan Stalnaker

Pete & Mary Lou Stehr

Sue Stroesser

Vance Taylor

Tom Trenolone

Jon Tritsch

Bill & Joan Truhlsen

Union Pacific Giveplus Program

David Watts

Ashley & Brad Wedeking

Honorariums & Memorials Received

Oct 1 — Dec 31, 2022

In Honor of Wayne Ablott

Terry & Marilynn Theis

In Memory of Wally Berry

Karen Berry

In Memory of Al Cooper

Layna Bentley

Mark Bentley

Lyle Christensen

Coder Appraisal Services

Nancy Harms & Gerhart Wehrbein

Nicole Kelly & Jonathan Kelly

Jacqueline & Kenneth Kluck

Linda Miller

Nancy Ovenden

Nick & Klare Pappas

In Memory of Al Cooper (continued)

Lynn & Byron Perron

Rebecca Samuelson Dietle & John

Stephen Dietle

In Memory of Virginia Frank

Harl & Kay Dalstrom

In Memory of Barbara Frohman

Silvia Roffman

In Memory of Mary Kate Garst

Dianne Desjardins

In Memory of Benjamin Goodrich

Michael & Janet Brannen

James & Nancy Coffey

Denis & Rosella Cuka

Mary Gurney

Richard & Mary Treinen

In Memory of Mary Catherine Harberg

Mark & Marjorie Harberg

In Honor of the Renee & Richard

MacArthur Family

Carol Szalewski

In Memory of Crystal Matz

Charles & Sherry Forrest

In Memory of Ted Newman

Sarah Newman

In Honor of Laura Pavalis

Anna Gregerson

In Memory of Beverly & Roger

Picken

Glenda Pierce

In Honor of Henry Precht

Karen Al-Hindi

In Honor of Nancy Rips

Alleghany Corporation

In Honor of Nancy Rogene

Robinson

Phillip Robinson

In Memory of Marion & Harold Slosburg

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

In Honor of Wendy Townley

Megan Moslander

In Honor of Amy Turbes

Konni Cawiezell

In Honor of Nancy Webster

Holly Dunning

LOCATIONS

A.V. SORENSEN BRANCH 4808 Cass St . | 402 .444 5274

BENSON BRANCH

6015 Binney St | 402 444 4846

BESS JOHNSON ELKHORN BRANCH 2100 Reading Plz | 402 289 4367

CHARLES B. WASHINGTON BRANCH

2868 Ames Ave . | 402 .444 4849

FLORENCE BRANCH

2920 Bondesson St . | 402 .444 .5299

DOWNTOWN BRANCH*

1401 Jones St . | 402 444 .4828

GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY ROOM

3020 S 84th St | 402 444 4800

INTERIM BRANCH*

1410 Howard St | 402 444 4828

MILLARD BRANCH

13214 Westwood Ln | 402 444 4848

MILTON R. ABRAHAMS BRANCH

5111 N . 90th St . | 402 .444 .6284

SADDLEBROOK BRANCH

14850 Laurel Ave . | 402 .444 5780

SOUTH OMAHA LIBRARY

2808 Q St | 402 444 4850

W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH 9101 W Dodge Rd | 402 444 4852

WILLA CATHER BRANCH

1905 S 44th St | 402 444 4851

*Downtown Branch is expected to open in 2023, at which time Interim Branch will close. 24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 or omahalibrary.org

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March 13-April 1 omahalibrary.org

Saturday, May 6

Stop by any OPL location to pick up a free comic book, while supplies last!

National Library Week 2023 | April 23-29

OPL invites all community members to find their place at the library by exploring their passions and discovering new interests through free technology, programs and services. The theme for National Library Week 2023 is “There’s More to the Story,” illustrating the fact that in addition to the books in library collections, available in a variety of formats, libraries offer so much more.

OPL lends things like passes to cultural venues, seed packets, and more. Library programming brings communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, classes, and lectures. Library infrastructure advances communities, providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for businesses, job seekers, and entrepreneurs.

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries of all types across the country each April.