Book Sales W. Clarke Swanson Branch 9101 W. Dodge Rd.
Weekly Sales | Thursdays 10 am - 3 pm Monthly Sales | 1st Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Be a FRIEND! Libraries cannot be built or maintained by today’s tax dollars alone. To ensure the continued excellence and growth of Omaha Public Library, become a Friend today! Please complete the form below and mail it to: FRIENDS of Omaha Public Library PO Box 6032 Omaha, NE 68106
In Memory of Susan Thornton February 17, 1948 January 31, 2013 OPL staff said goodbye to a dear colleague and friend, Susan Thornton, who had been the manager at Milton R. Abrahams Branch for the past six years. Thornton passed away after a brave struggle with cancer. “It’s hard to let go of someone who was so energetic and enthusiastic, always ready with a kind word of support, and a bright bubbly smile,” said Executive Director Gary Wasdin. Thornton graduated from Duchesne Academy and Creighton University and earned a Masters of Library Science from the University of Iowa. She worked as a librarian at the Offutt Air Force Base Thomas S. Power Library from 1988 to 1997, becoming the library director. She began her career at OPL in 1997 and worked at several locations throughout the city, giving her the unique opportunity to touch many lives in our community. She will be dearly missed by her OPL family.
Outstanding Volunteer
Questions? Email us at omahalibraryfriends@gmail.com
Be a FRIEND! The Friends of Omaha Public Library held their annual meeting in January. The Friends board elected new officers for 2013, including Vanessa Timberlake, president; John Zipay, president-elect; Cathy Hohman, secretary; and Karen Hosier, treasurer. Two individuals were honored with the Special Friends Award for their exceptional service to the organization. Dave Schaal and John Zipay were recognized and have had their names included on a commemorative plaque.
Like most volunteers, Kathy Throne doesn’t feel like she’s done anything special. “I just show up and do what I’m told,” she laughed. That said, she was more than a little surprised and maybe even slightly embarrassed when she learned that she would be recognized as an outstanding library volunteer at the Nebraska Library Association’s Advocacy Day luncheon in Lincoln. Throne was nominated for this honor by Florence Branch staff who cite her as “an energetic self-starter.” Throne helps with various projects at Florence Branch, including shelving and pulling books, setting up for programs, and assisting with storytimes and crafts. Perhaps one of her most appreciated traits is her baking. She has been known to bake cookies, breads and other goodies to share at programs – a big hit with those attending. While Throne could spend her time volunteering anywhere, she chooses to help at the library because she believes libraries are “cathedrals of knowledge,” a message she’s heard since she was a child. “Everything at the library is useful,” she explained. “Don’t be afraid to come in and explore. You’ll be amazed at what you can find.” If you are interested in volunteering at OPL, contact Jody duRand at 402.444.4807 or jdurand@omahalibary.org.
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