OPL Connect Newsletter Volume 30 • Issue 3 • Fall 2023

Connect

Book Discussions • Sept 1– 28

Many OPL book clubs will be reading and discussing “Braiding Sweetgrass” during their regular monthly meetings. Visit omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads for a complete schedule of events.

2023 Omaha Reads

Each year, Omaha Public Library (OPL) encourages the community to vote for and read one book as a way to promote literacy and inspire discussion among Omaha and Douglas County residents. The selection is celebrated with book talks and other related programming. Join OPL in reading this year’s Omaha Reads selection, “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Braiding

Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants: A Panel Discussion

Sun | Sept 24 | 3 pm

UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center | 6001 Dodge St.

Join OPL and an interdisciplinary panel of professors who will share their personal take on the many themes in the book, including reciprocity, the sharing of gifts, and the link between scientific knowledge and indigenous ways of knowing.

Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist and as a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings ― asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass ― offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. She believes that only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.

“This year’s title asks readers to examine their relationship with the world surrounding them,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “We look forward to discussions and programs designed to help readers explore some of the prominent themes presented in this book.”

OPL added an additional component to this year’s campaign: incorporating original artwork by local visual artist Sarah Rowe. Rowe’s work opens cross-cultural dialogues by utilizing methods of painting, printmaking, textiles, performance, and Native American ceremony in unconventional ways. She projects her vision of contemporary Indigenous experience into the mix with an offbeat enchantment.

Get involved by checking out the book, participating in a program, and discussing the book with friends, family and neighbors. All programs are free to attend, but registration may be required. Learn more and sign up at omahalibrary.org/omaha-reads.

New Fall Titles For Youth

Say My Name by Joanna Ho

Ho’s lyrical picture book celebrates names by showing the importance of honoring and correctly pronouncing names from various cultures.

Oh, Olive! by Lian Cho

This picture book debut follows Olive Chen, daughter of famous artists, who is ready to make her own mark and may just change her parents’ views on art in the process.

How It Happened! Pizza: The Cool Stories and Facts Behind Every Slice by Paige Towler

This nonfiction children’s book is full of cultural, historical and scientific facts that any pizza lover will want to devour.

Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy by Faith Erin Hicks

Alix tries to control her anger by taking lessons from cool, calm Ezra in this young adult graphic novel romance by

the illustrator of Rainbow Rowell’s “Pumpkinheads.“

Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz

A 1920s-themed end of high school party goes awry for seven friends when one of them ends up dead in this young adult locked-room mystery.

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

Director’s Note

Fall will soon be here, bringing with it cool, crisp breezes, and evenings that draw in and make the world feel like a cozier place. What better time to curl up with something wonderful to read? (Although any time of year is a great time to read, in my opinion!) OPL is here for you and whatever you need to get the season off to a good start.

OPL has the tools and resources you need to make the back-to-school transition successful (no matter how much you miss summer) because your library card is your passport to learning! You’ll find live homework help with Tutor.com, and also be able to submit a paper for review, prepare for college placement exams, or even get help finding a job.

If college plans are in your future, LearningExpress offers online practice exams for the SAT, GRE, and the ACT. If you need help learning a language, or just brushing up your conversational skills, Mango Languages could be just the thing for you! It’s the highestrated language-learning app with over seventy languages to explore.

Now, getting back to those cozy evenings of reading…you can find your next favorite read using NoveList Plus. Browse book lists for all ages and interests, find read-alikes, or search for that book you remember everything about – except the title! If you’re looking for something a little more personalized, request a custom reading list from our staff! Select “Find Your Next Read” under the Services tab at omahalibrary.org, complete the short form, and someone will get back to you with a list of things you’re sure to enjoy. You’ll find all of these resources and more at omahalibrary.org, and all you need is your library card!

Summer Reading Program

Summer Reading Program (SRP) took place once again in 2023 across the Omaha metro, offering fun stories and fantastic programs throughout June and July! All ages were invited to participate by reading or listening to a book for 10 hours between June 1 and July 31. Kids and teens received two books just for signing up, and were eligible to register for drawings to receive additional rewards at OPL branch locations once they completed their reading goals.

OPL offered free, educational and entertaining programs at its branches, and presented numerous storytimes at locations “Out & About,” with opportunities to meet interesting animals, make creative crafts, solve escape room puzzles, join book clubs, and much more.

Overall, 18,941 people participated in SRP, meaning over 26,000 books were given away to the community. The Omaha Storm Chasers sponsored attendance for kids and teens who completed their goals during two baseball games in August and September. Thank you to SRP presenting sponsor, the Richard Brooke Foundation, and many other generous sponsors who help make the program possible.

OPL Welcomes New Members to Board of Trustees

Joseph Bradley and Mikki Frost joined OPL’s board of trustees to serve three-year terms which began on July 25. Bradley owns his own law practice, Bradley Law, PC, LLO, and specializes in criminal and juvenile law. Frost is a former City of Omaha human resources director. Outgoing members Mike Kennedy, attorney at Kennedy Law, and Albert Varas, CEO of the Latino Center of the Midlands, completed their terms.

Also new to the board is DeJuan Reddick, executive director at The Hope Center for Kids. Reddick took over Tulani Grundy Meadows’ term in March, and will serve until June 30, 2024.

During their June 21 meeting, the OPL board of trustees elected new officers whose one-year terms began July 1.

President: Rochelle Mullen, partner with Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather

Vice President: Jen Rae Wang, vice president of patient experience and brand management at City+Ventures

Secretary/Treasurer: DeJuan Reddick, executive director at The Hope Center for Kids

Additional OPL board members include:

John R. Barrett, vice president of government affairs at Great Plains Communications

Cameron Gales, social economic inclusion lead for Jacobs Engineering

Laura Marlane Executive Director

Keegan Korf, senior account executive at Emspace + Lovgren

Bryan Wilson, board member and co-founder of Midwest Technology Partners

OPL 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. In accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, OPL board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 pm at different library locations. Schedules, agendas and minutes from these meetings can be found at omahalibrary.org/board-of-trustees

A young patron checks out the book selection at the new Downtown Branch during its grand opening on May 21, 2023.

Joseph Bradley

Mikki Frost

DeJuan Reddick

A young patron enjoys his creation during Donut Wars at A.V. Sorensen Branch on July 8, 2023.

A mother and child participate in Family Zumba at Milton R. Abrahams Branch on July 10, 2023.

Library Facilities Plan

After a year of research, public input, and data analysis, a 20-year citywide facilities plan for Omaha Public Library (OPL) has been completed. The OPL board of trustees voted to accept and endorse the plan during their June 21 board meeting.

The community-based plan anticipates future opportunities and partnerships for neighborhood libraries and makes aspirational recommendations for each branch. It does not recommend closing libraries, and includes the already-planned new southwest branch location.

The future-focused recommendations are based on significant public input including nearly 5,000 responses to a community survey, small group discussions, library staff workshops, and input from hundreds of community leaders and partner organizations. Responses show that both traditional and innovative services are important, including books, technology, indoor and outdoor spaces, community gardens and kitchens, early childhood and family play areas, and other non-traditional amenities.

Plan development started in June 2022, after the OPL board of trustees approved a resolution creating an advisory committee to work with Margaret Sullivan Studio to develop the facilities plan and a staffing and cost analysis for future OPL operations including the new central library, expected to open in 2026 at 72nd and Dodge streets. Heritage Omaha, the nonprofit organization fundraising for the construction of the central library, also raised the funds for these planning efforts.

The central library, with its innovative automated storage and retrieval system and the planned system-wide integration of Do Space technology and programs, provides new opportunities for all OPL neighborhood library branches.

The facilities plan lists suggested high-impact renovations and expansions at each OPL branch – in a range of small, medium, and large investments – and focuses on promoting six areas identified through public input: literacy; digital inclusion; workforce and entrepreneurship; public safety and health; neighborhood development; and connections to community resources.

"This plan allows OPL to evolve over time with our communities, maximize resources, and continue to provide access to the books, services, programs, and spaces that Omaha and Douglas County residents deserve while moving forward with the integration of Do Space’s technology services. We are excited to bring this vision to life,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane.

The plan can be viewed in its entirety at omahalibrary.org/library-facilities-plan

Banned Books Week: October 1–7

Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those that may be considered unorthodox or unpopular. The featured books have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.

There are many ways to get involved. Visit ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/banned for ideas about how to exercise your freedom to read!

The Top 11 Most Challenged Books of 2022

New Fall Titles

These titles will be added to OPL’s collection between September 1–November 30, 2023.

The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

In Jim Crow Florida, Robert Stephens Jr. is sent to a segregated reform school for defending his sister. He has a talent for seeing spirits, but in this horrible place, they show him the brutality of the fate of those who have disappeared from the school.

Nebraska Volleyball: The Origin Story by John

Mabry

This history celebrates 50 years of volleyball at the University of Nebraska, from its origins to championships.

Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America

by Harry N. MacLean

MacLean offers a new exploration of Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate’s crimes, arrest and trials.

Not Forever, But For Now

by Chuck Palahniuk

From the author of “Fight Club” comes a horror satire about a privileged and murderous family. Two brothers must face escaped convicts, their mother’s addictions, and the disappearance of their father while trying to maintain their family’s legacy, a murder dynasty.

A Grandmother Begins the Story

by Michelle Porter

This beautiful story depicting five generations of Métis women explores identity through self-discovery and history. A multidimensional account of mothers trying to do what is right by their daughters while acknowledging their own struggles and fears, this debut novel is a dazzling spring of profound characters.

Full-text versions of popular magazine articles, encyclopedia entries, and other resources available to browse by topic area or keyword search.

Interactive tutorials, practice tests, eBooks, flashcards and articles for academic skill-building, standardized test preparation, career development and more.

Prepares learners for realistic conversations and strengthens everyday communication skills in over 70 world languages, including English.

Sense Screening Storytimes

Join us for a special storytime followed by a free screening. Parental permission is required to participate in screening.

VISION for ages 6 months to 6 years

Tues | Sept 12 | 10:30 am | Benson Branch

Thurs | Sept 14 | 9:30 & 10:30 am | Millard Branch

Thurs | Sept 14 | 10:30 am | Florence Branch

Mon | Sept 18 | 10:30 am | Charles B. Washington Branch

Tues | Sept 19 | 10:30 am | Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch

Sat | Sept 23 | 10:30 am | W. Clarke Swanson Branch

Tues | Sept 26 | 10 am | A.V. Sorensen Branch

Fri | Oct 6 | 10:30 am | South Omaha Library

Hearing & Language for ages 1–7 years

Fri | Sept 29 | 10:30 am | Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch

Fri | Oct 6 | 9:30 am | Saddlebrook Branch

Fri | Oct 13 | 10:30 am | South Omaha Library

Sat | Oct 21 | 10:30 am | Benson Branch

Visit omahalibrary.org for complete details.

Heartland Youth Ballet Visits Storytime

Oct. 1–Nov. 11

See a complete schedule at omahalibrary.org

Access these and other free resources using your library card!

Visit the Resource Center at omahalibrary.org/resource-center.

Fiction and nonfiction reading recommendations matched to the K-8 readers’ interests and reading level.

A full-text database providing popular children’s magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedic entries and a vast image collection.

Animated talking picture books, videos, puzzles and games, and language learning for kids.

Free homework help from a live, online tutor 9 am –9 pm, plus thousands of worksheets, tutorials, study guides, practice tests, and more available 24/7.

Partnership Spotlight: Meet OPL’s New Mobile Library, “Poppy”

This summer, Omaha Public Library (OPL) welcomed a new way to serve the Omaha community–a mobile, pop-up library! The new mobile library, affectionately nicknamed “Poppy,” is OPL’s first vehiclebased mobile library in over 40 years. “OPL’s Bookmobile was discontinued in 1981 when the original intent of having a mobile library was considered accomplished,” said Maggie Petersen, outreach and partnerships manager for OPL. “At the time, most parts of Omaha had a physical branch serving their communities. Flash forward to today and Omaha has grown even further in almost every direction. There is a need again for the library to go out into parts of our city who need us.”

Acquiring a mobile library for OPL has been in the works for some time. After COVID-19 and supply chain issues caused a contract on an originally-purchased vehicle to be canceled, OPL was in the market for a replacement. Prices continued to rise and delivery dates were pushed out years. “Companies were quoting 18 months to two years at least from time of order to delivery,” says Petersen, “and we had already experienced firsthand that even a contract couldn’t stop supply chain issues from making that timeline even longer.” Then Petersen found a floor model being sold by Matthews Speciality Vehicles in Greensboro, North Carolina. The company was selling it at a discount and it had everything OPL was looking for in a pop-up library. Just as importantly,

it was completed and ready to use. “We worked with a local artist to create the beautiful wrap design that incorporates OPL’s signature colors as well as reflects the vibrant community of Omaha,” said Petersen. The design and wrap process took a few months and once completed, the vehicle was delivered to its new home at the Library Administrative Branch. While regular stops are still being established, the vehicle will play a big role in how OPL attends public events and interacts with attendees. “This past summer, Omaha’s residents showed record-breaking enthusiasm for community events like the Summer Arts Festival, World Refugee Day, Juneteenth Freedom Festival and other neighborhood celebrations and parades,” observed Elly Roberts, outreach librarian. “Our mobile library will make OPL’s presence at these events more eyecatching, engaging, and complementary to our in-branch services.” In addition to large-scale events, there are plans to take library services to groups serving refugee populations, residential facilities and more. Whether it’s a spot at one of Omaha’s favorite events or a quiet stop at a local neighborhood park, Poppy is ready for any adventure. “Poppy specifically is a pop-up library,” said Petersen. “Users do not have to navigate moving on and off a vehicle to enjoy the collection and resources, making it more accessible to many of our patrons.” The vehicle’s sides have sliding doors that roll up to reveal shelving housing the pop-up’s collection. In addition

to the materials collection, the vehicle has two display screens that can present information about upcoming events or resources. Poppy also comes equipped with Wi-Fi for public use and a built-in microphone and speaker system perfect for Out & About Storytimes and events. To top it all off (literally!), all electronic display components are powered by solar panels on the roof. This makes trips out into the community easier than ever, as the vehicle isn’t reliant on using a gas generator that many pop-up libraries need and that can create distracting noise.

Thanks to the hard work of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, OPL is delighted to bring this new service to Omaha. “Our city loves our library, and we can’t wait to connect with patrons and patrons-to-be in some of the spaces they might least expect us. Just don’t expect a quiet space when you visit the mobile library!” said Petersen. With seemingly endless possibilities, who knows where you’ll see Poppy next!

Please contact outreach@omahalibrary.org for more information.

The mobile library was made possible by generous support from the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation; Cox; and Karen and Jim Linder.

Developed by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), TeenTober™ is nationwide event which aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services, and help teens fuel their passions both in and outside the library.

Has a librarian made a difference in your life or your community?

Nominate them for the American Library Association’s annual l Love My Librarian Award! Visit ilovelibraries.org/love-my-librarian now through September 30, 2023 to submit your nomination.

Throughout October, OPL branches will provide prompts and art supplies to encourage teens to create poetry and rap. Teens can choose to keep their creations, share them in the teen space, or perform them at the 23rd Annual Teen Poetry Bash in December. Learn more at omahalibrary.org

October is Family History Month

Since 2001, October has been nationally recognized as Family History Month. This is a time to increase awareness around and encourage people to explore their family history and learn more about their ancestors. There are resources available to help researchers at all levels, many of which are easily accessible with your library card. Get started by visiting omahalibrary.org/genealogy-local-history. Find online research tools, recommended reading, and even local community resources that may be helpful in constructing your family tree.

October is also a great time to visit OPL’s Genealogy & Local History Room located at 3020 S. 84th St. This space opened to the public on October 3, 2022 and offers access to the Nebraska reference collection (closed stacks), government documents dating back to the 1800s, and microfilms and microfiches, including local newspapers and other periodicals, local history records, and census records. OPL’s knowledgeable staff can help to navigate the family research process and advise best practices for getting the answers you seek.

Upcoming Genealogy Programs

Documenting Family History Now: A Panel Discussion

Thurs | Sept 21 | 6 pm | Downtown Branch

Join OPL and members of the Native American community to share their stories of family history. Portraits of Indian Congress members taken by renowned photographer Frank Rinehart during the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898 will be on display.

Take Your Research to the Next Level with Newspapers.com

Library Edition

Thurs | Sept 28 | 5 pm | Virtual program

Presented by OPL Genealogy & Local History Librarian Martha Grenzeback

Mysterious Codes: Passenger Manifest Letters and Numbers

Thurs | Oct 12 | 5 pm | Virtual program

Presented by Christine Cohen, Program Director of the Whittier Area Genealogical Society (WAGS)

National Friends of Libraries Week

October 15–21

OPL will celebrate the Friends of Omaha Public Library as part of the National Friends of Libraries Week.

Using Your Known DNA Matches to Further Your Research

Sat | Oct 21 | 2 pm

Genealogy & Local History Room

Presented by avid genealogy researcher and lecturer Kevin Cassidy

Have a Blast in the Past!

Fri | Oct 27 | 5:30–8 pm

Genealogy & Local History Room

Join your fellow genealogists after hours for a magic lantern show, some old-time games, and vintage cocktails and snacks. Finding Your 19th Century Ancestors on Fold3–Is There a Better Way?

Thurs | Nov 16 | 5 pm | Virtual program

Presented by Brian Rhinehart, professional genealogist and speaker, and owner of CivilWarRecords.com

Your Genealogy: Is It in the Cards?

Sat | Nov 18 | 2 pm

Genealogy & Local History Room

This program takes a light-hearted approach to using tarot cards as a means of connecting with your ancestors.

Program registration may be required. Visit omahalibrary.org/events for details and to sign up.

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15—October 15

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Latino community. Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as “Hispanic Heritage Week” beginning in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, but was later extended to a month-long celebration under President Ronald Reagan.

OPL will offer recommended reading lists featuring materials that share experiences and cultural viewpoints of Hispanic Americans, and host a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at South Omaha Library (2808 Q St.) Saturday, October 14, from 12:30–2 pm, featuring bilingual storytimes, crafts and dancing.

Learn more at omahalibrary.org

Established in 1974, the Friends of OPL is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for OPL, providing volunteers, and promoting the library to the greater community. A team of more than 50 volunteers raises funds through book sales and memberships. Friends’ board members include Meghan Hope, Jess Winter, Barb Nielson, Jeanne Spence, Larry Friend, Kim Lesinski, Alice Lindsay, and Bridget West.

“OPL truly benefits from the efforts of its Friends group,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “The funds they raise support many of the library services and programs our patrons enjoy.”

Please visit friendsomahalibrary.org to learn more about the Friends.

National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association with approximately 4,000 personal and group members representing hundreds of thousands of library supporters. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information, visit ala.org/united.

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, OPL will offer recommended reading lists featuring materials that share experiences and cultural viewpoints of Native Americans. Find these and more at omahalibrary.org

Tickets on Sale for 2023 Fundraiser

Molly Shannon, Susan Orlean to Headline September 26 Event

Patron Ticket: $225

Features a private 5 pm reception and reserved seating

General Admission Ticket: $100

Includes cocktails and appetizers starting at 6 pm

Virtual Ticket: $75

A Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the 7 pm event program.

A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available. To learn more, please contact the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF): foundation@omahalibrary.org or 402.444.4589.

Library patrons, donors, and members of the community are invited to attend the 10th annual Between the Lines fundraiser for OPL.

Tickets to the Tuesday, September 26 event, which will be held at 7 pm at the Holland Performing Arts Center, are now on sale. Proceeds will support OPL this year.

In-person and virtual tickets are both available through Ticket Omaha or by visiting omahalibraryfoundation.org

Financial Gifts

Received July 1, 2022 — June 30, 2023

$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+

Collective for Youth

Claire M. Hubbard Foundation

Susan Sibbernsen

Sokolof Foundation

Weitz Family Foundation

$10,000+

Cox Michael & Susan Lebens

Dan & Tina Lonergan

Mammel Family Foundation

Amy L. Scott Family Foundation

Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation

Paul & Annette Smith

Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation

Webster Family Foundation

$5,000+

Bonnie & John Austin

Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation

Bluestem Prairie Foundation

Ann C. Burdette Irrevocable Trust

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Joseph Drugmand

Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation

HDR, Inc.

The Heider Family Foundation

Estate of Donna M. Hull

Jack & Stephanie Koraleski

John & Elizabeth Lauritzen Foundation

Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation

Mutual of Omaha Companies

Lewis & Winifred Pinch

Silvia Roffman

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

Elizabeth Summers

Tenaska, Inc.

Eileen M. Wirth

$2,000+

Baer Foundation

Berry Law Firm

Barbara Bock-Mavis

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather

John & Terri Diesing

Devin Fox & Rob Block

Sarah Newman

Peggy & John Heck

Sue & Mark Hoffman

Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Karen & Jim Linder

Marilyn Marsh

Tulani & Othello Meadows

Omaha Steaks International

Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt

$1,000+

Anonymous (2)

Mary Joy Anderson

Bay Family Foundation

George & Kathleen Bigelow

Bridges Trust

Richard & Carol Britten

Stephen & Anne Bruckner

Katie Bruno

Leilani & Ron Coe

Friedland Family Foundation

Carol Gendler

Great Plains Communications

In addition to an on-stage conversation between Molly Shannon and Susan Orlean, along with audience Q&A and dual book signings, the fundraiser will also feature the presentation of the 2023 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award to Dan Kinsella. Kinsella is a former OPLF board member and a longtime advocate for OPL.

The annual award recognizes longtime service from an OPLF volunteer. Previous honorees include Barbara Bock-Mavis (2017), Jim Kineen (2018), Eileen Wirth (2019), Freddie Gray (2020), Dick Kelley (2021), and Carol Wang (2022).

GreenSlate Development

Harold & Clara Hoover

Theresa Jehlik

Richard Kelley

Milton & Marsha Kleinberg

Jeff Kosse

Dave & Vicki Krecek

Gary & Lucie Long

Marty Magee

Margaret Sullivan Studio

Edward & Carrie May

Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners

Heidi Moser

Rochelle Mullen

Sharee & Murray Newman Fund

Omaha Community Foundation

OPPD

John & Kathleen Ransom

Sarah Morris Rotermund

Red & Jann Thomas

Justine Walker

Phil & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous (4)

Alleghany Corporation

Sandor & Rhonda Chomos

Nancy Darst

Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin

Carol Ebdon

Rebecca Evans

Mary Ann & Daren Folchert

Jo Giles

Mike & Wanda Gottschalk

Lynn & Cindy Gray

Anna Gregerson

William & Ann Hall

Dr. Gina Hawley

Howard & Gloria Kaslow

Dan & Kari Kinsella

Marc & Joan Kraft

Mark & Dianne McMillan

Chris Menefee

John & Merrilee Miller

Nancy Ovenden

Susan Petersen

Ann Rinne

Greg & Sue Rusie

Emily & Joshua States

Susan Vosburg

Carol Wang & Jim Phillips

Jen Rae Wang

Sarah Watson

$250+

Anonymous

AmazonSmile Foundation

Amy Armbruster

Lynn & Thomas Ashby

Marcia Bechtel

Cargill

Bobbie Carlson

Hal & Mary Daub

Roy & Gloria Dinsdale

Emspace, Inc.

Mary Ferer

Thomas & Nancy Gallagher

Richard & Melanie Gerbeling

Give Nebraska

Kathy Gross

David & Joan Haas

Traci Hancock

Lori Hedstrom

Noreen Johnson

Emily Kemp

Kiewit

Greta Landis

Laura Marlane & Paul Richards

Moshman Family Foundation

Nebraska Writers Collective

Diana Nevins

Nithya Paul

Ryan Pelster

Ken & Linda Pohlman

Norma & Cliff Pountney

Silva Raker

Joseph & Mary Scholl

Laura Schumacher

Shirley Siebler

Deborah Smith-Howell

Susan Stalnaker

Pete & Mary Lou Stehr

Vance Taylor

Tom Trenolone

Jon Tritsch

Union Pacific Giveplus Program

David Watts

Ashley & Brad Wedeking

Honorariums & Memorials Received

April 1 — June 30, 2023

In Honor of Camille Culp

Andrew Culp

In Memory of Lucille Douglas

Colleen Bizzarri

Joann Blum

Chris Blumkin

Judy Buono

Cassem, Tierney, Adams, Gotch & Douglas

Kathryn Lea Coder

John Danielson

Leslie Douglas

Delores Ebel & Gerald Rathouz

Kathleen Gerber

Micaela & Casey Hopkins

Greta Landis

Laura Thorsen Mann

Lynn Marchese

Roberta & John Matyja

Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin

Colleen & G. David Richardson

Diane & David Trevarrow

In Memory of Marilyn Hansen

Members of Evening Book Discussion, Omaha Chapter of the American Association of University Women

Clare Baylor

Elizabeth McDaniel

Melody Mundell

Esther & Steve Scarpello

In Honor of Bret Jones

Heidi Moser

In Memory of Aja Kneip

Pelster

Ryan Pelster

In Honor of Nancy Rogene (Gassaway) Robinson

Phillip Robinson

In Memory of Sarah Williams

Mr. Warren R. Williams

In Honor of Eileen Wirth

Homesomes Book Club

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

DOWNTOWN BRANCH

1401 Jones St | 402 444 4828

FLORENCE BRANCH

2920 Bondesson St | 402 444 5299

GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY ROOM

3020 S . 84th St . | 402 . 444 . 4800

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

24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 or omahalibrary.org

CONNECT

Stay up-to-date on OPL’s latest news, events and more . Follow us on social media @OmahaLibrary

Fall Holiday Closings

October 9

Columbus Day & Indigenous Peoples’ Day (South Omaha Library open)

November 10

Veterans Day (South Omaha Library open)

November 23 & 24

Thanksgiving