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Seed Library Locations Benson Branch
Seed Library
As spring nears, it’s a great time to start thinking about what plants to grow in your garden and what seeds can be sourced from Omaha Public Library's (OPL) Common Soil Seed Library! OPL cardholders have embraced the seed library, which was established in 2013. In 2019 alone, use increased by 31 percent over 2018, boosted by the addition of a fourth Common Soil collection at Millard Branch. Paul Christopherson, OPL’s urban gardening librarian, has also worked to distribute seeds to other OPL locations, so that they may be displayed for patrons to browse and take home on the spot. Cardholders may check out up to 10 seed packets from the Common Soil Seed Library each month. Seeds do not need to be returned and are not subject to library fines and fees.
Varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs can be viewed and placed on hold in OPL's online catalog. Germination information and planting instructions are available for each seed type at the seed library locations, or by request at any branch help desk. Patrons may also suggest that OPL purchase any seed varieties that aren’t stocked, either in person at any location or at omahalibrary.org. Christopherson encourages patrons to look through the full selection of seeds and to give growing plants from seeds a try this year, even if gardening is new to them. “You never know, people might learn they have a green thumb,” Christopherson said.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
This wise and witty novel examines what happens to the witnesses of a shooting and how their lives overlap in unexpected ways.
Nobody Will Tell You This But Me: A True (As Told to Me) Story by Bess Kalb Kalb recounts the life of her great-grandmother, who was unapologetically opinionated.
6015 Binney St. 402.444.4846
Elkhorn Branch
2100 Reading Plz. 402.289.4367
Millard Branch
13214 Westwood Ln. 402.444.4848
South Omaha Library
2808 Q St. 402.444.4850
Gardeners are advised to read the growing instructions carefully, as some plants must be started earlier in the year to reach their full maturity by growing season. If anyone would like help with garden planning in person, Christopherson encourages them to visit him at Benson Branch or email pchristopherson@omahalibrary.org to schedule a meeting.
New Spring Titles A mother and daughter with a shared talent for healing--and for the conjuring of curses--are at the heart of this dazzling first novel.
Volume 27 • Issue 1 • Spring 2020
Coffeeland: One Man’s Dark Empire and the Making of Our Favorite Drug by Augustine Sedgewick Hear the surprising story of how coffee came to be one of the most valuable commodities in the history of global capitalism, the leading source of the world's
most popular drug, and perhaps the most widespread word on the planet. All Adults Here by Emma Straub Straub tells a deeply satisfying story about adult siblings, aging parents, high school boyfriends, middle school mean girls, the lifelong effects of birth order, and all the other things that follow us into adulthood, whether we like them to or not. Request your own customized book list at omahalibrary.org and select Custom Reading List under the Services tab.
Director’s Note
Another good book on this subject is “Swedish Death Cleaning for Beginners,” by Sarah Hodges. Don’t be put off by the title! This book brings a fresh perspective, explains how clutter can have a negative The beauty and warmth of spring is something I look forward to all year. The anticipation of warmer weather, fewer layers of clothing, and impact on your health, and teaches you what you can do about it. gardens in bloom revitalize me. My husband’s gardening success last If just getting out in the sunshine is your primary goal this spring, year inspired me to get him to do even more this year. It’s only fair, as check out OPL’s Partnership Pass Program. Free passes are available he’s got the green thumb, and me…not so much. He’s already planning year round to Fontenelle Forest and Lauritzen Gardens, or you can the kinds of tomatoes, squashes, and beans he’d like to grow. enjoy a bike ride around town by checking out a Heartland B-Cycle If you are in the early stages of garden planning, OPL can help! Whether pass! Visit omahalibrary.org for announcements about special releases to Omaha Children's Museum and you’re a gardening novice or pro, OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library has Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. many great resources to help get you started. Browse the physical collection of seeds at the Benson, Elkhorn, Millard or South Omaha OPL is here for you no matter the season, branches. All seeds are also listed in OPL’s online catalog, so you can so visit your local branch today to discover search from home and have your selections delivered to your favorite everything it has to offer! library branch. Seeds don’t have a due date. They are yours to keep! If, like me, spring motivates you to throw open windows and think about spring cleaning projects, you may be interested in “The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondō for some inspiration.
2019: Year-in-Review Items Borrowed | 4,108,779 Library Visits | 1,683,462 Website Visits | 2,003,231 Desktop Computer Sessions | 414,878 Digital Downloads (books, audiobooks & videos) | 570,474 Current Library Members | 338,482
Service Statistics 30,775 kids, teens & adults registered for the Summer Reading Program
35,762 people attended a meeting in a library meeting room
individuals attended a library
115,931 program
Top Circulating Titles Adult Fiction: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens Adult Nonfiction: Becoming by Michelle Obama Adult eBook: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens DVD: A Star is Born Youth/Teen: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Children’s: Pete the Cat and the New Guy by Kimberly & James Dean 2
Laura Marlane Executive Director
Winter Recap 19th Annual Teen Poetry Bash On Dec. 7, 2019, teen poets gathered to compete for the chance to win cash prizes. An incredibly supportive audience of 58 consisted of parents, classmates, and friends. Coaches from Louder Than a Bomb and The Nebraska Writers Collective served as judges, and Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason emceed the event.
Madeline Grives (1st place); Sophia Mason (3rd place); Eva Burkland (2nd place).
Each participant presented one poem as slam poetry or read it aloud and A Teen Poetry Bash participant presents her work. top scorers went on to perform in a second round. The competition was tight, with mere decimal points separating the winning poets. This event was sponsored by the Friends of Omaha Public Library. It supports literacy, fosters creativity and provides teens with a welcoming space to share their works. Poems often address challenging topics, and the event provides an opportunity to express feelings in a nonjudgmental environment.
Jane Austen Tea Now in its sixteenth year, the annual Jane Austen Tea continues to grow in popularity. On Dec. 14, 2019, more than 145 people gathered to honor what would have been author Jane Austen’s 244th birthday. Viki Barie presented “The Ordinary and Extraordinary Life of Jane Austen,” while attendees enjoyed light English fare. This event was sponsored by the Friends of Omaha Public Library and the Nebraska Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. continued on page 3
Participants enjoy tea at the annual event.
Attendees don their best Regency attire for the affair.
Michael Phipps Gallery
March/April: Shawnequa Linder, Derek Courtney & Joe Pankowski Opening reception: Fri | March 6 | 5-6 pm
Main Library | 215 S. 15th St. | 1st Floor Available free of charge to local artists and art groups for exhibitions throughout the year. Exhibits are displayed for one or two months, and scheduled 12 months in advance through an open application process. Learn more at omahalibrary.org/michael-phipps-gallery.
These artists represent very different styles: Linder presents texture-rich, nontraditional portraits; Courtney creates dense, biological-mechanical abstractions; and Pankowski sketches surreal scenes that read like still frames of animation. The artists' works are connected by powerful use of movement and color, and seeing people, objects, and processes in new ways.
May: OPL - Year In Review
Waiting by Shawnequa Linder
Lapis by Derek Courtney
Who Wound this Guy Up by Joe Pankowski
In May, photographs taken at OPL locations in 2019 will be showcased, celebrating moments ranging from storytimes and signature events to families reading quietly together. A father reads to his son at the library.
Celebrate National Library Week
Artwork by Kevin Cannon
April 19-25 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. April 19-25 is National Library Week, an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming communities and improving lives.
Winter Recap continued from page 2
Noon Year’s Eve Two OPL locations bid 2019 a fantastically fun goodbye in a family-friendly way. A family celebrates the New Year with balloon drop. Saddlebrook Branch celebrated its sixth annual Noon Year’s Eve party, welcoming nearly 800 participants. Children met some of their favorite storybook characters and learned about some of the books they like to read. There was also a “Where the Wild Things Are” storytime followed by a “Wild Rumpus” and a much-anticipated balloon drop. Florence Branch welcomed more than 90 people to its first-ever Noon Year’s Eve event to read stories, sing, dance, eat snacks and ring in the New Year!
“Libraries have long served as trusted and treasured institutions where we can all come together, connect and learn alongside one another,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “National Library Week is a perfect time for community members to check out what’s new at the library and pursue their interests and aspirations.” Celebrate National Library Week with OPL by stopping into your favorite branch and asking for an illustrated branch sticker. Share your library love by posting a photo of your branch sticker to social media and tagging #OmahaLibrary. This is a great way to show your support for libraries, and especially for the branch that holds a special place in your heart. Special storytimes featuring local elected officials will be offered throughout the week, including a storytime with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. A full schedule of storytimes is available at omahalibrary.org. 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.
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KidSpot
Día de los Niños
Costume Character Enjoy stories & activities with this children’s book character. Don’t forget your camera!
Children’s Day/Día Celebration or Storytime April 17 April 18 April 28 April 28 April 29 April 29 April 29 April 30 May 1 May 2 May 5
Spot Visits Storytime April 4 April 6 April 7 April 8 April 9 April 10 April 11
Celebrate the diversity of our community during the annual Children’s Book Day (Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros). Children in attendance will receive a free book to keep while supplies last! For more information, visit omahalibrary.org.
10:30 am. . . . . . . . . . . Sorensen 10 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . Elkhorn 10:30 am. . . . . . . . South Omaha 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Willa Cather 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Washington 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . . . . Swanson 10:15 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . Benson
10:30 am. . . . . . . . . . . . Florence 2 pm. . . . . . . . South Omaha 10 am. . . . . . . . . . . Abrahams 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Saddlebrook 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Willa Cather 10:30 am. . . . . . . . Main Library 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Saddlebrook 10:15 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . Benson 11 am. . . . . . . . . . . . . Millard 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Saddlebrook 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . Washington
April 3-26 The eighth annual Nebraska Science Festival will take place across the entire state this April. The mission of the festival is to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for kids and adults alike. OPL will offer a variety of family-friendly programming during the festival to showcase
Golden Sower Nominees Nebraska’s Children’s Choice Literary Award is presented annually to the authors and illustrators of the best books, as voted by school-age children. To see the nominees and learn how to submit your vote, visit sites.google.com/site/ nebraskagoldensower/.
Picture Books
Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick & David Serlin I Want That Nut! by Madeline Valentine Hattie & Hudson by Chris Van Dusen
how science affects every part of our everyday lives – through simple activities like reading, building with LEGO bricks, and hands-on experiments. Visit omahalibrary.org for OPL programs, or visit nescifest.com for festival information.
Voting eligibility requires readers to have read or heard a minimum of four of the current nominees from the category in which they will be voting: Picture Books, Chapter Books, or Novels. Voting ends April 17, 2020. Check the availability of these books and more at omahalibrary.org.
Chapter Books
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate Sidetracked by Diana Harmon Asher I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted The Perfect Score by Rob Buyea The Losers Club by Andrew Clements The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris The Sky at Our Feet by Nadia Hashimi The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz Lemons by Melissa Savage
Novels
Property of the Golden Sower Award Committee. Used with permission.
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor Refugee by Alan Gratz Hooper by Geoff Herbach Restart by Gordon Korman Warcross by Marie Lu The Traitor’s Game by Jennifer A. Nielsen The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish Wild Bird by Wendelin Van Draanen
Partner Spotlight
OPL and Millard Public Schools (MPS) partnered last fall to provide greater internet access for MPS students. MPS students and staff can now connect to the MPS wireless network at OPL’s Millard Branch. MPS approached OPL in August 2019 to explore the possibility of running a dedicated fiber line into Millard Branch that would allow MPS students and staff to access the district’s secure wireless network at the library. The network became available to MPS users in November 2019. “Being a one-to-one district means our students can learn anytime, anywhere. But we know internet access can still be a barrier for some. Our partnership with OPL gives all of our students a path to learning beyond the classroom,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Jim Sutfin. All available networks at Millard Branch will be visible to anyone searching for a Wi-Fi signal, but only MPS students and staff will be able to use networks* that connect them directly with all of the features and resources normally available at any other MPS facility – resources that are not available through an open Wi-Fi connection. MPS students and staff will experience the benefit of connecting with needed resources in a location where they can study and take advantage of OPL’s many offerings. “I am pleased that we were able to offer this to our patrons from MPS and look forward to potentially offering this opportunity to other area school districts,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. * “BeKind” (for laptops) or “BeKind-MPS” (for iPads)
Volunteer Spotlight: Lore Reick
TeenSpace
Summer Volunteers Needed Share your time, creative ideas & enthusiasm for reading! Help out during OPL’s Summer Reading Program (SRP)! Volunteers must attend training at the beginning of the program to learn their responsibilities. Typical tasks may include registering people for SRP, preparing crafts and materials for children’s programs, assisting with setup and clean-up for programs, photocopying, cutting paper, cleaning books, straightening shelves, and shelving books. Schedules are created on an individual basis and may be flexible around vacations and other commitments. Contact your local branch to learn more about SRP volunteer opportunities. Reick plans to continue his involvement with National Honor Society in high school, and said that he will continue volunteering at the library, one of the many reasons why he was nominated by the branch staff to be spotlighted.
When Lore Reick, 13, thought about library work better for everyone. accumulating volunteer hours for National “A lot of people just stick books in random Junior Honor Society (NJHS), it wasn’t hard places and they have to be fixed later,” for him to decide to complete them at OPL’s Reick says. “If more people learn how the Florence Branch. Following in his older system works, less fixes have to be done and sister’s footsteps, Reick chose to volunteer everyone can find what they want faster.” at the library near their family’s home, which Despite only needing three service hours he visited regularly growing up to check out each month for NJHS, Reick has already “a lot of books and movies.” accumulated 27.5 volunteer hours in three “Lore is a unique addition to the Florence “[My sister] volunteered here for four years months, to his friends’ amazement. When Branch with his ceaseless joy and entertaining and she really liked coming and helping out they ask how he has so many hours already, conversations,” said Florence Branch youth with events,” Reick said. he encourages them to try volunteering at services librarian Rebecca Agler. “This makes Since he started volunteering in November an OPL location near them because “it’s very working with him a highlight of our day. Lore 2019, he has mostly helped with shelving simple to shelve things, it’s easy to learn views all tasks with the excitement and materials, pulling holds, and other tasks quickly and it’s a nice community,” said readiness to learn that makes him stand out that the staff needed help completing. Reick. He also enjoys perks like setting aside as an exceptional OPL volunteer.” When he first started, he had to learn the any movies he wants to watch while he’s If you or someone you know is interested in Dewey Decimal System, but said it was a shelving to take home at the end of his shift. volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood quick process. He believes that more people branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer for should learn how it works, to help make the more information. 5
Annual Meeting The Friends of Omaha Public Library held their annual meeting on January 11 at the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center. Board President Jeanne Spence reported $135,763 in book sale profits from nearly 9,900 customers. Nearly 88,000 items were sold, and 8,600 volunteer hours were served by 51 generous volunteers. Friends’ volunteers Kathy Dayton and Ruth McNamara were honored with the Special Friends Award, which recognizes service and dedication to the mission of the Friends. Outgoing board members Teggy Maxwell and Michael O’Hara were also recognized for their service, and new board members Alice Lindsey and Margaret Pope were welcomed. New board officers were elected for 2020: Brian Overton, president; Jeanne Spence, past president; Amanda Reid, treasurer; and Barbara Nielsen, secretary. Guests enjoyed a presentation by guest speaker Erin Grace, Omaha World-Herald metro columnist. Learn more about the Friends and how you can get involved at friendsomahalibrary.org.
Erin Grace
The Joseph Goecke Internet Room On Dec. 16, 2019, the OPL Board of Trustees approved a resolution to name the internet book sale room at W. Clarke Swanson Branch “The Joseph Goecke Internet Room.” Goecke was a longtime Friends volunteer and board member, and spent a great deal of time working in the internet room to establish and maintain online book sales to supplement the in-person book sales that take place at Swanson Branch. Goecke passed away Sept. 10, 2019.
Book Sales
W. Clarke Swanson Branch | 9101 W. Dodge Rd. Weekly Sales Monthly Sales Thursdays | 10 am-3 pm 1st Saturday | 10 am-3 pm 6
Staff Spotlight: Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Retires Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh did not take a conventional path to her library career, or anywhere else for that matter. Born and raised in the Nebraska Sandhills, she was, at times, the only person in her class. She didn’t grow up with a lot of books at home, but did have a neighbor that took her into town to get books from the bookmobile and participate in Summer Reading Club. Her mother wouldn't make her do chores if she was reading, so that helped to nurture her affinity for books. Growing up on her family’s ranch, Ferguson Cavanaugh was ready when adventure came calling. First she moved to pursue her education as a paralegal north of Seattle at Edmonds Community College. After that, she went to live with a high school friend in London, where she worked as domestic help for an Iranian family, took swim lessons, and explored Europe. She eventually came back to Nebraska, and while studying history at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, one of her three part-time jobs was with Lincoln City Libraries. Ferguson Cavanaugh realized that many of the jobs she found interesting required a library science or museum studies degree, so when she learned that Emporia State University would be offering its distance program at the Nebraska Library Commission, she decided to pursue it. After completing her degree, she applied for a position with OPL in the children’s services department and was hired. She began working at Florence Branch in 1995, and also worked at Millard Branch as a children’s librarian before moving to W. Dale Clark Main Library to work in the History & Social Sciences department. In 2009, she became the branch manager at Charles B. Washington Branch. “I loved working there,” Ferguson Cavanaugh said. “There are so many groups doing good things in that community. It took me a while, but I made some lifelong friends.” Ferguson Cavanaugh capped off her career at OPL in December 2019 as the manager of Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch. She plans to keep herself busy in retirement through her work on a local campaign, Ferguson Cavanaugh (left) poses with the staff from Elkhorn Branch. service as a board member of the Great Plains Black History Museum, helping her sister and niece with calving, and of course, digging up a little history. All are welcome to attend Ferguson Cavanaugh’s retirement celebration on Friday, May 1, 4-7 p.m., at the Great Plains Black History Museum at 2221 N. 24th St. We are grateful for her service to OPL and wish her well in her retirement!
Branch Improvements, Baby Reads & More Part of 2020 Fundraising Now in its thirty-fifth year, the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) continues to serve as a bridge between OPL and the philanthropic community. When needs arise at OPL – system-wide and at the individual branch level – or when new technologies or services for patrons are desired, the OPLF gets to work. Through the generosity of individual donors, corporations, small businesses, family foundations, private foundations, and even the overpayment of library fines, the OPLF makes possible programs, services, technology, and more that public dollars alone would not fund. Support also comes from the annual author fundraiser, scheduled this year for Tuesday, October 6. Look for the announcement of this year’s author on OPLF's website in March! Without private support through the OPLF, many annual library programs would either cease to exist, or operate within a severely limited scope, including Summer Reading Program, literacy programs for youth and adults, community services, outreach events, and enhancements to technology and collections. In addition to annual program and collections support, the OPLF raised funds for the following special projects in 2019:
• StoryWalk at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: A new
walk-through exhibit at the zoo will showcase oversized prints of beloved children’s books. The exhibit will also promote OPL and its reach in the community.
Financial Gifts
Received Jan 1–Dec 31, 2019
$100,000+
Anonymous The Sherwood Foundation
$30,000+
Richard Brooke Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation
$20,000+
Hawks Foundation Lozier Dianne & Allan Lozier The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Omaha Community Foundation Sokolof Foundation in Memory of Richard Rosinsky
$10,000+
Collective for Youth Claire M. Hubbard Foundation Dan & Tina Lonergan Paul & Annette Smith Webster Family Foundation Weitz Family Foundation Estate of Leonard Yelinek
$5,000+
Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation Benson Neighborhood Association Bluestem Prairie Foundation Cox Deloitte & Touche LLP Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Lori Hedstrom Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Michael & Susan Lebens Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation Mutual of Omaha Companies Silvia Roffman
Eve Simon Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Omaha Steaks International Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Tenaska, Inc. Union Pacific Foundation Wally & Barbara Weitz
Harold & Clara Hoover Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp Sandra Jenkins Noreen Johnson Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Dave & Vicki Krecek Bob & Kathy Kunkle Estate of Evelyn Lang $2,000+ Gary & Lucie Long Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Gail McFayden Baer Foundation Metropolitan Community College Devin Fox, M.D. Dave Moline Gallagher Foundation Morrissey Engineering James & Dawn Hammel Heidi Moser Richard & Helen Kelley Rochelle Mullen Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Nebraska Arts Council Humanities Nebraska Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Jim Kineen Olsson Maggie & Michael McMeekin Lewis & Winifred Pinch Greg & Lori McMillan Sandra Price Dave & Anne Rismiller RDG Planning & Design The Soener Foundation Kathy & Chad Roum Streck, Inc. Ruth Sage Elizabeth Summers Barbara & Ronald Schaefer Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt Red & Jann Thomas Whole Foods Market Carol Wang & Jim Phillips Eileen M. Wirth Sarah Watson Wayne State College $1,000+ Phil & Nancy Wolf Anonymous (2) Mary Joy Anderson $500+ Mogens & Cindy Bay Anonymous BCDM Architects Doug & Cathy Aden Michael & Michelle Berlin Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Barbara Bock-Mavis Jo Anne Amoura Anne & Brian Branigan Jean Amoura Stephen & Anne Bruckner George & Kathleen Bigelow BVH Architecture Richard & Carol Britten Julie & Scott Cobb Dick & Carole Burrows John & Terri Diesing Casey's General Store Joseph Drugmand Sandor & Rhonda Chomos First National Bank Robert & Jill Cochran Friedland Family Foundation Leilani & Ron Coe Lance & Julie Fritz Maurice & Cora Conner Carol Gendler Nancy Darst Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Tim Davlin & Ann O'Connor Sue Grishaber DMSi Deryl & Ramona Hamann Mary & Thomas Evans Jennifer Hamann Marian G. Gehrk Estate Traci Hancock Giger Foundation John & Jean Hartwell Jo Giles Peggy & John Heck Lynn & Cindy Gray The Heider Family Foundation
• Touchscreen children’s
computers: The children's area at all 12 OPL branches will have computers that provide children with engaging and interactive educational opportunities.
• Updates to children’s & teen
areas: A handful of OPL branches are in need of modest upgrades including replacing worn furniture, adding interactive displays to support children’s literacy and education, and more. In 2019, the OPLF raised project funds for Benson, Abrahams, Millard, Swanson, and Willa Cather branches.
This year, the OPLF will raise private dollars for more advanced improvements to the children’s areas of OPL branches; continued growth of OPL’s Baby Reads program, in which pediatricians distribute library cards and materials to the parents of children during their six-month wellness check; and more. Private gifts have made thousands of programs and services available to OPL patrons throughout our community. Visit omahalibraryfoundation.org/donate or call 402-444-4589 for more information.
Mike & Kathy Gross Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Hartman Dwain Horn Memorial Fund Theresa Jehlik Jim Lewis Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Heather Lundine Roland & Jean Mariucci William McNiece Jim & Bobbie Montequin Shirley & Daniel Neary Frank Partsch Susan Petersen John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Rotary Club of Omaha--North Rotary-Suburban Greg & Sue Rusie Saddlebrook Elementary School PTA Nola & David Schettler Susan Shell Susan Stalnaker Emily States Anh Tran Bruce & Susan Vosburg David Watts Molly Wickert Estate of Helen Wittmann
$250+
Anonymous (3) Trent & Emily Allen AmazonSmile Foundation Martha Antonson Lynn & Thomas Ashby Benevity Community Impact Fund The Bookworm Marjorie & Larry Brennan Crystal & Brian Brislen Bobbie Carlson James & Anne Carroll Lou & Ellie Clure Mark & Teri D'Agostino Harl & Kay Dalstrom Stephanie Diers Sandy & Kate Dodge Carol Ebdon Eclectic Book Club Andrew Evans Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Mary Ann & Daren Folchert Thomas & Nancy Gallagher
John & Janis Haggstrom David Harding & Sarah Newman Terry & Linda Haubold Linda & Dick Johnson Howard & Gloria Kaslow Emily Kemp Erwin & Elaine Klabunde Marc & Joan Kraft Linda Lavely Marty Magee James & Patricia Manion John & Merrilee Miller Ann Moshman Diana Nevins Sheri Oakes O'Daniel Honda Omaha Schools Foundation Norma & Cliff Pountney Rick & Carol Russell Julie Schroeder Shirley Siebler Deborah Smith-Howell Jeanne & Robb Spence Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Bill & Joan Truhlsen Nichole & Kevin Turgeon Judy Vann Judy & Gale Wickersham Lynette & Edward Wieger John F. Williams
Honorariums & Memorials Received
Oct 16, 2019—Jan 16, 2020
In Honor of Ruth Kelly Erin Grace
In Honor of Bruce Kemp Emily Kemp
In Memory of Suzie Klosterman Jane Selk
In Honor of Waldo & Dolly Kunkle Bapa & Reegee
In Memory of Brenda Kay Miller Dennis & Gloria Alexander Robert & Diane Ames Julie & William Cunningham Timothy & Jennifer Geisert Noreen Jungbluth Keith Miller Jeff Miller Stephen & Carolyn Miller O'Daniel Honda Kristi & Scott Pavel Todd & Amy Peterson
In Memory of Ted Newman Sarah Newman & David Harding
In Memory of Beverly & Roger Picken Glenda Pierce
In Honor of Kevin Rudick Dr. Beverly Perrachione
In Memory of Janice Siragusa Jason & Kate Reynolds
In Memory of Harold & Marion Slosburg Jill Slosburg-Ackerman
In Honor of Barbara Bock-Mavis In Honor of the Librarians at Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein Sorensen Branch David Haas & Joan Lusienski In Honor of Julie Cobb Michael & Diane Millea In Memory of Kris Stolz Nichole Turgeon Muellersman In Memory of Virginia Frank Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Harl & Kay Dalstrom In Honor of Wendy Townley In Memory of Ruth Frederiksen Wally & Barbara Weitz Barbara How In Memory of April Underwood In Honor of Joanne Freeman Valerie & Greg Stoj Melvin J. Freeman In Honor of Carol Wang In Memory of Marianne Furlow Nichole Turgeon Cynthia Vana In Honor of Nancy Webster In Honor of LaVaine Gaskill Holly Dunning Daniel Gaskill
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HOURS & LOCATIONS
215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102
W. DALE CLARK MAIN LIBRARY
215 S. 15th St. / 402.444.4800 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6 PM
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage
PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 1818
MILTON R. ABRAHAMS BRANCH
5111 N. 90th St. / 402.444.6284 ______________________________________ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 9 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6 PM
Now Available!
BENSON BRANCH
6015 Binney St. / 402.444.4846 ______________________________________ _______ TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 8 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
BESS JOHNSON ELKHORN BRANCH
2100 Reading Plz. / 402.289.4367 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 8 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
FLORENCE BRANCH
2920 Bondesson St. / 402.444.5299 ______________________________________ _______ TU & WE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM TH, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
Flip to your favorite magazines from any location! Visit omahalibrary.org then click Resource Center and select Newspapers, Magazines & Journals and Flipster.
MILLARD BRANCH
13214 Westwood Ln. / 402.444.4848 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 9 PM FR, SA & SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM
SADDLEBROOK BRANCH
14850 Laurel Ave. / 402.444.5780 ______________________________________ _______ TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 8 PM FR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 5 PM SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 4 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED
A.V. SORENSEN BRANCH
4808 Cass St. / 402.444.5274 ______________________________________ TU & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM WE, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
SOUTH OMAHA LIBRARY
2808 Q St. / 402.444.4850 (call for hours during MCC quarter breaks) ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . 7:30 AM - 9 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH
9101 W. Dodge Rd. / 402.444.4852 ______________________________________ _________ TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 8 PM FR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 6 PM SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED
CHARLES B. WASHINGTON BRANCH
2868 Ames Ave. / 402.444.4849 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU & WE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 8 PM TH, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED
WILLA CATHER BRANCH
1905 S. 44th St. / 402.444.4851 ______________________________________ _______ TU & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM WE, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED 24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 Hours subject to change. or omahalibrary.org
Dianne Bondy celebrated yoga teacher & social justice activist
Author Talk Join us!
& book signing
Friday
March 27 4:30–6 ��
W. Dale Clark Main Library
Story Jam
215 S. 15th St. | 402.444.4800
Sun | May 3 | 4 pm
Kickoff Parties
Scott Recital Hall | 1200 Douglas St.
May 29 | 10:30 am-1 pm Main Library Sat | May 30 | 1-3 pm All other OPL locations
Holland Performing Arts Center
OPL and Omaha Performing Arts will partner to present this first-time storytelling and music event. Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason will serve as emcee. Illustrating the power of story through music, storytellers will have five minutes to tell a story that will be accompanied by local musicians. Learn more at omahalibrary.org.
Register for SRP and take part in fun events at each OPL location.
While supplies last at any OPL branch.
Summer Reading Program June 1–July 31, 2020 Presented by the Richard Brooke Foundation