2012 ANNUAL REPORT
OFF THE SHELF
MISSION Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our community by connecting people with ideas, information and innovative services.
VISION Omaha is a vital and vibrant city, with OPL as an essential catalyst, collaborator and connector.
CORE VALUES • Service excellence • Integrity • Innovation • Community engagement • Equal and inclusive access • Staff talent
MESSAGE FROM THE
BOARDS Libraries strengthen our communities Many of us have an idea of the exciting things that happen in our libraries every day. We borrow books to learn something new. We download digital magazines and eBooks to keep us entertained. We take our kids to storytimes, and keep them reading during the annual Summer Reading Program. We participate in year-round lectures and author discussions. These wonders unfold in our communities through a strong library system of neighborhood branches located throughout Omaha. The services and programs only begin to scratch the surface of the impact OPL has on the city and county. Unemployed citizens improve job skills and find work with the help of OPL staff and resources. Pre-K children are introduced to the excitement of language and books, ensuring that they enter kindergarten ready to learn. Small business owners use market segmentation research and online business tools to build a competitive edge and help them get their businesses off the ground. Students improve school performance using homework help services, including free tutors and school curriculum support. New immigrants and refugees learn about government and city services, and find help seeking citizenship in OPL’s programs and workshops. The work of your library strengthens the community, making Omaha and Douglas County a great place in which to live and work. Like all great cities, your library system is a community effort. Taxpayer support provides a strong base, and generous private gifts and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations help it to grow. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your support. Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees Omaha Public Library Foundation Friends of Omaha Public Library
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MILTON R. ABRAHAMS
GRAND REOPENING After undergoing its first renovation since Abrahams Branch was originally built in 1988, OPL welcomed the public to celebrate the highly anticipated grand reopening at a ribboncutting ceremony and reception in January 2012. “Abrahams Branch is one of the busiest libraries in the community,” said Executive Director Gary Wasdin. “We are pleased to share new features that make this location easier to use for all of our patrons.”
Highlights of the renovation include a centralized service desk, a computer lab, two group study rooms, a teen room, an expanded children’s section, new carpet and furniture, acoustical ceilings to reduce noise, comfortable seating with access to outlets, laptop tables, and energy efficient lighting.
“This renovation will ensure that Abrahams Branch continues to meet its community’s needs well into the future.” Executive Director Gary Wasdin
ADULT
PROGRAMMING
Many adults have memories of the library from their youth. Whether visiting their local branch for Summer Reading Program or walking to the Bookmobile, the library was a part of their lives. Somewhere along the line, that involvement has changed for some people. The school library may have been an easier alternative, or perhaps he or she established a habit of buying books rather than borrowing. Whatever the reason, OPL has made eorts to bring adults back to the library by reminding them of the resources available for all ages. OPL oered a variety of programs and events for adults in 2012. Among the most popular adult programs were book clubs, craft groups, computer classes, genealogy workshops, speed dating, game nights, citizenship and language classes, financial literacy workshops, and even a wine and cheese event. As a result, adult participation in library programs and events grew almost 25% over 2011.
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INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
JOB SEARCH
“I had motivation and drive but no movement. I had dreams but they weren’t going into action.” Kevin Sorick
Kevin Sorick, 48, found himself unemployed and homeless after a turn of unexpected events.
The task became daunting. He navigated through websites and forms, all requiring different information.
He lost his job as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) when he took time off to care for his ailing mother. He eventually moved out of his apartment and into the Stephen Center, a homeless shelter near South Omaha Library. Sorick planned to stay temporarily as he searched for a new job, but for the first two months he was there, he found himself in a funk and barely left. It was also during this time that he was diagnosed with depression.
“It would take me half a day to put out two applications,” he said. Sorick knew there had to be a better way. “I need help,” he told a library staff member.
Sorick saw other residents visiting South Omaha Library to use the computers and realized that was something he could do, too. He began searching for jobs.
“The staff here taught me so many things,” he said. Six months later, a CNA position opened and Sorick was chosen for the job. He credits the skills he learned from library staff as a big part of his accomplishment. “I wouldn’t be employed right now if it weren’t for the library.”
930 TEENS, PARENTS & SUPPORTERS ATTENDED
The free event was open to all teens interested in finding part-time and summer employment.
20 EMPLOYERS
Participating teens had the opportunity to speak with employers or attend workshops on interviewing, resumes and other tips for success.
7th annual Teen Job Fair Held at the Mutual of Omaha Dome
8 SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Sponsored by Mutual of Omaha and the Peter Kiewit Foundation
Omaha Public Schools, Bellevue Public Schools, Boys Town, Catholic Schools of Omaha, Millard Public Schools, Elkhorn Public Schools, PapillionLa Vista School District, Westside Community Schools, various private and home schools, and local colleges and universities were represented.
“I just want to be independent; I don’t want to have to rely on everybody.” Kelan Jones 7
SUMMER READING
PROGRAM More than 24,000 people— the greatest number in the history of Summer Reading Program (SRP)—logged nearly 299,000 books during summer 2012. By reading, listening to and downloading stories and information, they kept their skills sharp, escaped to other times and places, and found out more about the world around them.
SRP 2012 kicked off with special events at all 12 locations and the first st ever SRP kickoff party for adults at Omaha Children’s Museum. useum. Throughout the summer, mmer, attendees from moree than 55 ZIP codes had the opportunity pportunity to attend almost 700 0 programs. They created ated memories and shared ed their stories, pictures, s, ideas and talents with th their community.
HEALTH & WELLNESS SS
PROGRAMMING People think of the library as a place to enrich their minds, but what about their bodies? OPL has introduced fitness classes for people of all ages, interests and experience levels throughout the city. From tai chi to Zumba, and yoga to meditation, OPL is helping to move Omaha and Douglas County residents on a path toward a more active lifestyle!
“If the program was not offered free at the library, I would
The free classes offer an alternative to the gym and are convenient for regular library users.
not be taking yoga.”
Kathy Campagna takes the yoga class at Millard Branch. “I like taking yoga at the library because I can combine my weekly library visit with a healthy habit of stretching, exercise, relaxation and fun with friendly people,” said Campagna.
Kathy Campagna
The class instructor, Radha Golla, wanted to share the benefits of practicing yoga with others. “Teaching yoga at the library has opened up new things in my life. Every person brings their own perspective to yoga practice, which has enriched my teaching methodology,” she said. “It helps in the overall well-being of the community.”
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Sue Helming & Shon Hopwood
DCYC Library
UNEXPECTED
Making
CONNECTIONS
connections is part
When paths crossed between OPL and Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) representatives, they discovered an opportunity to assist youth by providing resources to help them open their minds, or possibly escape their current realities, even if just through the pages of a book. OPL began working with DCYC Read Right facilitator and librarian Sue Helming to coordinate activities, including a donation of several books to the DCYC library. Kids received a book to keep when they wrote book reports or accomplished other academic goals. “These are not just books; they provide the opportunity to succeed in life when there is no hope,” said Roger Rowe, lead teacher at DCYC. Helming also worked with OPL’s book club coordinator to check out book club kits that come with multiple copies of a book, as well as discussion questions. OPL arranged for Law Man author Shon Hopwood to speak to incarcerated youth at DCYC. Hopwood is a Nebraska native who served 10 years in a maximum security prison for committing five bank robberies. During his time in prison, he educated himself on the ways of the law and advanced a case to the Supreme Court. His message resonated with the youth and others who couldn’t help but notice him flinch each time the prison gates at DCYC locked behind him.
of OPL’s mission, and sometimes they happen in unexpected ways. “I thought it was neat the interaction the kids had with Shon. They knew he was real and not just trying to push stuff on them,” said Helming. These small steps are just the beginning toward more opportunities to collaborate. Together, OPL and DCYC plan to arrange more author visits, book talks and connections with other community partners.
Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) is a secure juvenile detention facility for youth charged with a law violation.
PRIME TIME Family Reading Time® is a nationwide program aimed at strengthening literacy by reinforcing the role of the family, and encouraging parents and children to read together. Sponsored by Humanities Nebraska, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, State of Nebraska, Carol Gendler, Nebraska Library Commission and Omaha Public Library.
NATIVE AMERICAN
FAMILY READING TIME A pilot PRIME TIME Family Reading Time® program geared toward Native American families was launched at Willa Cather Branch in fall 2012. During each session, families ate dinner and socialized, discussed books and listened to stories read aloud by Native Americans Valery Killscrow Copeland and Cassie Rhoads Carroll. At the end of the six-week program, each family received a book to keep. “Family literacy is very important to me. The program promotes reading as a whole,” noted Copeland, an actor and writer who is an Indian Education Advocate for Lincoln Public
Schools. “From an educational point of view, Native Americans have the lowest graduation rate, and the highest dropout rate in Nebraska, so programs like this are really beneficial.” Carroll was happy that Native Americans in the community are served through the program. “We have approximately 130 federally recognized tribes in the Omaha area. It’s something that’s been badly needed—a literacy program here. We have such a long history of oral storytelling,” she continued. “Each week an elder or someone who can tell a story from their culture visits.”
The tradition of storytelling is an important part of Native American culture.
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CELEBRATING
140 YEARS
Janie York
Established in 1872, Omaha Public Library celebrated its 140th anniversary in 2012. Activities and events took place at each of the 12 branch locations, culminating with a final exhibit in the Michael Phipps Gallery at W. Dale Clark Main Library. The Library worked with fabric artist and quilter Janie York to create a quilt that provides a visual piece of history to signify the
longevity and community involvement of Omaha Public Library. The quilt reflects not only the history of OPL, but the feelings and values of each individual library branch. A free-standing history exhibit showcased the Library’s 140 years, as well as historic photos of Omaha. The earliest Omaha record of a lending library is 1856, just two years after the incorporation of the city.
AUTHOR VISITS
Library patron Robert Ericson & C.J. Box
Chris Raschka
Francesca Segal
Authors representing various writing styles and genres made appearances at OPL in 2012. These events presented extraordinary opportunities for all ages to meet a favorite author, ask questions, and have their books personally signed. OPL was proud to host the following authors.
Jeff Koterba at OPL’s Author Fair
OPL held an author fair in February 2012, providing the opportunity to network, meet local authors, buy books and hear from a panel of publishers and literary experts. More than 20 authors participated and 115 people attended.
Jeff Barnes
Kim Justus
Leo Adam Biga
Jeff Kurrus
Brian Bogdanoff
Chloe Neill
C.J. Box
Hannock Piven
Andrea Cremer
Chris Raschka
Robin Leemann Donovan
Sherri Duskey Rinker
Jennie Fields
Francesca Segal
Ken Flint
Joseph G. Smith II
Season R. Hanner
Joe Starita
Shon Hopwood
Richard B. Ulmer Jr.
Lisa Harrison Jackson
Catherynne M. Valente
Kathy Sattem Rygg
Joy Johnson 13
EBOOKS
TRENDING The Pew Internet and American Life Project is one of seven projects that make up the Pew Research Center (PRC). PRC is a nonpartisan nonprofit “fact tank” that provides information on issues and trends that shape America and the world. In December 2012, it released research to support the rise of eBook reading vs. print book reading. Some highlights: 75% of the population ages 16 and over are book readers in any format. Americans ages 16 and over who read eBooks jumped from 16% to 23% The number of Americans who read printed books fell from 72% to 67% People owning an eBook reader or tablet grew from 18% to 33% Those people most likely to read eBooks are those with college or graduate degrees, households earning more than $75,000, and those between the ages of 30-49. (Note that this is likely due to these individuals owning a device.)
In Omaha, it’s no different. The demand for eBooks continues to grow, and readership of print books is declining slightly. OPL strives to meet the demands of the trend. eBooks may be borrowed and read on many devices including the Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, iPad, computer, etc. Nearly 74,000 eBooks were downloaded from OPL’s website in 2012, an increase of 175% over 2011. 14,000 eBooks are available at omahalibrary.org. OPL offers current bestsellers and Disney eBooks for kids. On Christmas Day 2012, 366 eBooks were downloaded from OPL’s website. Branches offer classes on how to use an eReader. OPL loaned about 3 million print titles in 2012, a nearly 3% decline from 2011. Approximately 1 million physical items are available in OPL’s collection.
24,088
STATS &
FINANCIALS
kids, teens & adults read during the Summer Reading Program
161,365
individuals attended a computer class, storytime, or other fun & educational program
Items borrowed | 3,038,460 Library visits | 2,344,425
53,527
Website visits | 1,504,120 Current library members | 299,314 Computer sessions | 834,811
adults attended a community, civic or business meeting in one of our meeting rooms
Digital downloads | 97,464
Revenue City of Omaha (General Fund & Keno) $10,664,133 3 Douglas County supplement $1,300,000 0 Fines and fees collected $564,925 5 Omaha Public Library Foundation $375,000 0 $259,809 9 Grants and other income Friends of Omaha Public Library $112,000 $87,395 State of Nebraska Total revenue $13,363,262
Expenditures Personnel Books and materials Facilities maintenance and security Technology Other operating expenses Outreach and programming Summer Reading Program Total expenditures
$9,101,975 5 $1,818,661 1 $1,169,007 7 $499,879 9 $404,233 3 $114,489 $65,000 $13,173,244
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2012 Board Carol Ebdon, PhD President
Stephen Bruckner Vice President
James Kineen Treasurer
Beth Whited Secretary
Nancy Wolf Advisor
Bob Berger Kathleen Dodge Dan Kinsella Kimberly Lubeck Michael McLarney Rochelle Mullen Bo Ochsner Tyler Owen
Foundation Sta Jacob Houser Development Director
Katie Kiper Finance Director
The mission of the Omaha Public Library Foundation is to raise funds and advocate for Omaha Public Library.
Revenues $800,385
Expenditures Direct library contributions Library program, materials and support Administration and oďŹƒce expenses Development
Some of the programs supported Baby Reads Technology Books and materials Charles B. Washington Branch summer lock-ins Summer Reading Program Designated branch support After-school programs Teen literacy programs
$331,580 $32,018 $66,626 $99,099 $529,323
2012 Board Joe Goecke President
Vanessa Timberlake President Elect
Jacki Owens-Johnson Secretary
Karen Hosier Treasurer
Dave Schaal
Friends of Omaha Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to raising money for the library, providing volunteers, and promoting the library to the greater community. Volunteer members raise funds with book sales at W. Clarke Swanson Branch on the first Saturday of each month and every Thursday. They also raise funds through Internet book sales, memberships, and donations to benefit the Library, its patrons and the larger Omaha community. In 2012, the Friends provided OPL with more than $112,000. These funds help support important Library programming such as author events, the Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest and Omaha Reads. Learn more about becoming a Friend at friendsomahalibrary.org.
Advisor/Immediate Past President
Kay Bashus Polly Goecke Judy Harrington Jean Hartwell Cathy Hohman Janet Luedtke Florence Nelson Becky Pasco Susan Prazan Jeanne Spence Angie Wells Tim White Evelyn Whitehill Darlene Whitney Elaine Willits John Zipay
Friends book sale at the Summer Arts Festival
FINANCIAL GIFTS Thank you to all of our Omaha Public Library Foundation donors! $50,000 & above Anonymous Richard D. Holland The Sherwood Foundation
Conservator $5,000+ Bluestem Prairie Foundation N.P. & Kathleen Dodge Paul & Oscar Giger Foundation Mary A. Holland Humanities Nebraska Runza Restaurants Todd & Betiana Simon
Sustainer $1,000+ Anonymous (2) America First Foundation Cindy & Mogens Bay Benson Plant Rescue Barbara J. Bock-Mavis John K. & Lynne D. Boyer Family Foundation First National Bank of Omaha Friedland Family Foundation Dawn & James Hammel Helen & Richard Kelley Kari & Dan Kinsella Stephanie & Jack Koraleski Susan & Michael Lebens Kim & Larry Lubeck Rochelle & Jim Mullen National Everything Wholesale Offutt Officers’ Spouses’ Club Prof. Winifred & Dr. Lewis Pinch Sandy Price Rotary International District 5650 Mrs. Ruth & Dr. John Sage Security National Bank Teddi Slattery Annette & Paul Smith Mrs. Margaret & Dr. Vale Sorensen Stephen Swartz Gary Wasdin Julie & Mark Wilson Nancy & Philip Wolf
Advocate $2,000+ Stephen & Anne Bruckner Carol Ebdon Joan Gibson & Don Wurster Murray & Sharee Newman The Owen Foundation (Tyler Owen) William R. Patrick Foundation RBC Wealth Management Target Stores Union Pacific GivePlus Beth & Kelvin Whited
Page Turner $500+ BNSF Foundation Rhonda & Sandor Chomos Ellie & Henry Clure Mrs. Cora & Dr. Maurice Conner Lisa & Stewart Dale Nancy Darst Dr. Ann Edmunds Ruth & Joe Erman Wanda & Mike Gottschalk Peg & John Heck Catharine & Neil Holstein Leona & Bill Kernen
$25,000 & above Lozier Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Mammel Family Foundation Slosburg Family Charitable Trust $15,000 & above Deryl F. & Ramona Hamann Dorothy Peters Director Level $10,000+ ConAgra Foods McGowan Family Foundation Amy L. Scott Family Foundation Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation Ann & Ken Stinson Weitz Family Foundation
Marsha & Milton Kleinberg Vicki & David Krecek Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Deborah & Michael McLarney Maggie & Mike McMeekin Dana & Michael Meyer Mid-Month Book Club Bobbie & James Montequin George Morrissey Phyllis & Bob Newman Ann Rinne Rotary of Omaha North Club Rotary of Omaha Suburban Club Barb & Ron Schaefer Molly & Tobin Schropp Gloria Sorensen Christine Swerczek Mark Terhune Gayla Thal Jann & L.B. “Red” Thomas Collector $250+ Anonymous (4) Elizabeth Becker Carol & Richard Britten Teri & Mark D’Agostino Mary & Hal Daub Marcia & Michael Davies Eclectic Book Club First Data Colleen & Jim Fogarty Dr. Amy Haddad & Steve Martin Sarah Haddad Jean & John Hartwell Mary Helms Dr. Kristen & Gary Hoffman Clara & Harold Hoover Jacob Houser Geraldine & Jack King Stuart Lurie Jean & Roland Mariucci Sigrid & Mike Moylan Prairie Ventures Kathleen & John Ransom Rotary of Omaha Northwest Club Carol & Rick Russell
Memorial & honorarium donors recognized in OPL’s quarterly newsletter throughout the year.
Amy & Michael Ryan Saddlebrook Elementary School PTA Shirley Siebler Drs. Marilyn & Mike Sitorius Leslie & Bryan Slone Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Susan Stalnaker Sarah Watson Reader $100+ Anonymous (4) Judith Albert American Association of University Women Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson Phyllis Anderson Wendy & Gary Anderson Kristina & Terence Atkins Kim & Jeffrey Bainbridge Emily & Joe Baker Diane & Donald Baum Cerian Bearl Lorretta Behr Michelle & Michael Berlin Karen Berry George Bigelow Lynn & Dave Blagg Dorothy & David Bowman Linda & Matt Brandl Marjorie Brennan Tina & Dale Broekemeier Loree & Cecil Bykerk Laura & Michael Campbell Bobbie Carlson Debra Carson & Mike Reilly Sydney Cate Elizabeth & Don Chase Susan & Robert Chenoweth Patricia Clow Janet & George Cockle Leilani Coe & Ron Reuter Community Health Charities of Nebraska Sergio Costa Marcy & Ira Cotton Janie & LeRoy Crosby Dundee Garden Club Dr. John Davis Gary DeLuna Linda Dennery
Dr. Cyrus Desouza Terri & John “Jack” Diesing Mary & Dr. Thomas Dobleman Joseph Drugmand Jody & Roger duRand Eclectic Book Club Rick Ellis Beverly Fellman Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh & Rick Stone Devin Fox Ruth Frank Cindy & Lynn Gray Virginia & Dr. Carl Gessert Joanne Gilmore Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Kristina Gotschall Nancy Grant Cheryl Griffin & Chuck Lenosky Kathy & Dr. Mike Gross Vic Gutman Janis & Dr. John Haggstrom Helen & Dr. Denham Harman Jacquelyn & Dr. Roger Harned Linda & Terry Haubold Flo Helmick Barbara & Dr. Paul Hodgson Marjorie & Dr. L. Thomas Hood Barbara & Norman How Stephen Hug Donna & Edwin Hull Mary Gallagher-Jansen & James Jansen Sandi Jenkins Marlene Jennum Patrik Johansson Joyce Jones Gloria & Howard Kaslow Mari Ann Keith Emily & Philip Kemp Helen Kenefick Geraldine King Cynthia & Richard Kiper
Maureen & Joshua Kitchen Sharon & C. David Kotok Jori & Joseph Kravitz Marie & Jack Kubat Janet & H. Frederick Kuehl David Lamoureux Charlotte Lobaugh Lucie & Gary Long Helen Long Patricia & Charles Lontor Sandra & A. George Lozier Martha Magee Sally & Dr. Edward Malashock Pat & Dr. James Manion Judy Maniscalco Margaret & William March Marilyn Marsh Gary Marshall Sandra Matthews David McBride Sally Mae McFarland Mary McHale Janet Meisinger Glenna & Dr. Paul Meissner Garnet & Jack Miller Patricia Mitchell Vicki Nanfito Trish Nipp & Edward Hotz Ilka Oberst OCI Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Omaha Matrons Women’s Club Peggy Payne Mary Peach Barbara & Robert Peters Andrea & Carl Peterson Charlotte & W. Charles Peterson Robert Peterson Glenda Pierce Dr. Oliver & Mrs. Karen Pollak Laura & William Powers Izen & Neal Ratzlaff Jennifer Rawley
Mary Lynn & Richard Reiser Gail & Curtis Reiter Iris & Martin Ricks Denise & Dominic Ring Nancy Rips Stephen Robinson Hope & William Ross Karen & Max Rudolph Patricia & Joseph Samson Cynthia Schmidt Sylvia Schreiner Meghan Sharer Margaret Shearer Carolyn & Dr. Richard Sieling Joan Silverstrand Suzanne Singer Marion & Harold Slosburg Joseph Sova Mary Lou & Peter Stehr Dr. Judith Stoewe Nina Strickler Debra & Steve Styers Elizabeth Summers Dr. Ann & Dr. Jon Taylor Mildred & Vance Taylor Dorothy & Austin Thompson Wallace Thoreson Carla & Bob Tillery Holly & Richard Tiwald Anne & Charles Trimble Katherine & Dr. Carl Troia Lillian Vaughn Patricia Vik George Wanek Kathleen & Brett Wawers Louise & Robert Way Mary Angela & Donald Wells Jane & David Werner Roxanne Williams Michael Wilson Brenda & Martin Wood Connie & Dr. H.R. Woodward Mary & Robert Wright
Your support makes a difference.
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Omaha Public Library is governed by a nine member Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve a three-year term. Monthly meetings are open to the public.
Board of Trustees
Administration Gary Wasdin, Executive Director Maggie Tarelli-Falcon, Assistant Director Mary Griffin, Senior Manager – Facilities Norma Pountney, Senior Manager – Branch Services Manya Shorr, Senior Manager – Branch Services Patrick Esser, Technology Manager Emily Getzschman, Marketing Manager Julie Humphrey, Youth Services Manager Theresa Jehlik, Strategy & Business Intelligence Manager Amy Mather, Adult Services & Programming Manager Linda Trout, Community Outreach Manager
Branch Managers Sarah Watson, W. Dale Clark Main Library Susan Thornton, Milton R. Abrahams Branch Rachel Steiner, Benson Branch Wendy Anderson, Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch Gloria Sorensen, Florence Branch Lois Imig, Millard Branch Lori Brezina, Saddlebrook Branch Lucy Lewis, A.V. Sorensen Branch Jennifer Jazynka, South Omaha Library Sarah English, W. Clarke Swanson Branch Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh, Charles B. Washington Branch Evonne Edgington, Willa Cather Branch
215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102
Arun K. Agarwal Terri L. Bull Stuart A. Chittenden Sergio A. Costa James D. Fogarty Freddie J. Gray Mary E. Helms Mary A. Holland Nancy Rips