Connect News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL
Volume 29 • Issue 1 • Spring 2022
Steps Taken Toward OPL Facilities Master Plan Updates on major facilities projects, relevant documents, and related news can be found at omahalibrary.org/facilities-projects.
Downtown Branch & Library Administrative Branch On November 23, 2021, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced the intent to relocate Omaha Public Library’s (OPL) downtown library from its current location at 215 S. 15th St., to 1401 Jones St., and library administrative services to a former Shopko at 84th & Frederick streets. These moves are the first steps toward implementing priorities established in OPL facilities master plans in 2010 and 2017. The plans (available at omahalibrary.org) recommended that W. Dale Clark Main Library be replaced with a smaller, more efficient downtown branch. Following tours of the buildings and a period for community feedback, the OPL board of trustees voted to approve the moves during their January 20 board meeting. Building renovations and moves are expected to be complete by fall 2022. The new downtown library branch will revitalize a building originally constructed in 1912, and that served as a creamery throughout most of its existence. A rendering provided by the developer envisions updates at 14th & Jones.
Central Library
A website launched in January 2022 provides project updates and gathers community input.
During their November 2021 board meeting, the OPL board of trustees approved a resolution to “working jointly with Heritage Services, the City of Omaha, and other community stakeholders to create a plan for enhancing existing and creating new public library spaces and programming for the benefit of all citizens of Omaha.” On January 28, 2022, OPL, the Omaha Public Library Foundation, the City of Omaha, Heritage Services, and Do Space/Community Information Trust affirmed this commitment when they publicly announced their intent to work together and with the communities they serve to create a vision for a new central library. Updates about this project can be found at omahacentrallibrary.org. “A new central library provides OPL with an opportunity to welcome its patrons at an accessible location, offering services they value and expect, while incoporating flexibility and technology that will help meet their needs well into the future,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane.
Strategic Plan Update Last summer, OPL began work on a new strategic plan to help guide library services over the next three to five years. OPL’s previous strategic plan was created more than 10 years ago, and much has changed in the world and our community since that time. A new strategic plan provides
OPL with an opportunity to evaluate how to meet community needs and create goals to help it become the best library system for Omaha and Douglas County residents. OPL staff worked with a consultant to gather input from internal committees and the public to help create a new vision
for library services. In October 2021, a series of community forums took place at different library branches throughout the city. Participants expressed their ideas, hopes and vision for the future of OPL, and heard from others in the community who are passionate about their libraries. A survey was also available to collect feedback. Continued on page 3
Director’s Note I’ve always thought of spring as a time of renewal and growth, and that’s certainly appropriate this year as the library is in the midst of changes that present amazing opportunities for OPL and the community it serves. It’s also an incredibly busy time. Library staff are wrapping up a new strategic plan, discussing the possibility of a new central library, and looking at two moves to relocate W. Dale Clark Main Library to a downtown branch and a library administrative branch. It’s a lot of work, but we welcome the chance to create new spaces for the community! If you find yourself looking for a fresh start or opportunities for growth this spring, check out OPL resources and programs. You may be surprised at what you find! For example, find growth in the literal sense by checking out seeds from OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library. Openpollinated seeds are available to check out from Benson, Elkhorn, Millard, and South Omaha Library branches, or view the seed collection at omahalibrary.org, and have seeds sent to your local branch to get your growing season off to a great start! There are also a wide array of gardening books to help you plan, cultivate and harvest your garden. Another great way to escape some day-today stress is allowing yourself time to read something you enjoy. Whether getting lost in a work of fiction, learning something new, or contemplating a different perspective through a biography, reading is proven to make people happier and less stressed – and OPL can help with that! No matter what your plans are this spring, OPL is here for you, so be sure to visit your local branch today!
2021: Year-in-Review Each year, OPL provides an annual summary of significant library statistics and other notable information.
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In March, OPL’s board of trustees voted to permanently eliminate daily overdue fines.
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The annual Summer Reading Program saw 14,912 participants log over 156,000 hours of reading over the summer. Nearly 60 percent of participants achieved their reading goals and received fun prizes as a reward.
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In July, work began on a new strategic plan to help define a vision for OPL programs and services over the next three to five years. Part of the process involved hosting a series of community forums at library locations throughout the city to gather community input. A draft of the plan will be presented to OPL’s board of trustees in spring 2022 for approval.
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The Omaha Reads selection, “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey” by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar, was checked out 1,142 times during the campaign, helping to make it OPL’s most checked-out work of nonfiction in 2021.
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During their October board meeting, trustees voted to explore opportunities for OPL facilities projects with Heritage Services, a local philanthropic group interested in collaborating with OPL.
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In November, Mayor Jean Stothert announced the intent to move OPL’s downtown library from its current location at 215 S. 15th St., to 1401 Jones St., and library administrative staff to 84th & Frederick streets. These moves are steps toward fulfilling recommendations outlined in the 2010 and 2017 OPL facilities master plans.
Useage Statistics Items Borrowed | 3,677,914 Library Visits | 802,125 Website Visits | 1,327,225 Desktop Computer Sessions | 155,618
A young patron uses the self checkout at Main Library.
Digital Downloads (books, audiobooks & videos) | 769,821 Current Library Cardholders | 248,445
Service Statistics 14,912 kids, teens & adults registered for the Summer Reading Program
3,136 people attended a meeting in a library meeting room 18,046 individuals attended a library program
A Summer Reading Program participant selects a book at Abrahams Branch.
Top Circulating Titles Adult fiction: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Laura Marlane Executive Director
Adult nonfiction: You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar Adult eBook: The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah DVD: Wonder Woman 1984 Youth/Teen: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins Children’s: The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
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Winter Recap
Strategic Plan Update Continued from page 1
OPL Teen Poetry Bash The 21st annual Teen Poetry Bash took place on December 4, as a virtual event for the second year in a row. Students in grades 8-12 were invited to prepare two original poems to read aloud or perform as slam poetry. Louder Than A Bomb coaches from the Nebraska Writers Collective served as judges and emcees for the event. Top scoring participants were awarded with cash prizes. • 1st place: Trinity Johnson • 2nd place: Kaleciana Perry
following the input-gathering phase of the strategic planning process, results were analyzed to help answer what our community prioritizes for its library system, and to develop strategic goals to address those priorities. These goals create benchmarks for advancement in the areas of collections, literacy and technology, during a time when major facilities changes are on the horizon. A draft of the strategic plan will be presented to the OPL board of trustees this spring for revision and approval. Once approved, the plan will be shared at omahalibrary.org.
A.V. Sorensen Branch Improvements
• 3rd place: Stephanie Schrader • Audience favorite: Lauren Becker
Lauren Becker
A.V. Sorensen Branch closed for a week at the beginning of February to make some major updates, including: • • • •
Jane Austen Tea In celebration of what would be iconic author Jane Austen’s 246th birthday, 64 people gathered at Jane Austen Tea attendees toast to another great event. W. Dale Clark Main Library on December 11, to enjoy tea (of course), sandwiches and finger foods, and a presentation by Juliette Wells, “Looking at Emma Woodhouse with 21st-Century Eyes.” This program was presented in partnership with the Nebraska Chapter of the Jane Austen Society and the Friends of Omaha Public Library.
The improvements were made using some of the funds designated through a bequest from the Virginia C. Schmid estate. In 2016, Schmid’s $1.17 million donation was the largest single gift received by the Omaha Public Library Foundation in the organization’s history. The gift was earmarked exclusively for Sorensen Branch in support of books, capital expenditures, and other branch improvements. These funds allowed Sorensen Branch staff to think big about how to best maximize their space.
Lauren Tarshis Author Visit On December 16, OPL hosted a virtual visit with the author of the popular “I Survived” series of books, Lauren Tarshis. More than 120 people attended the online event. Participants heard about the author’s struggles with reading as a child, as well as how she conducts research for the different historical periods represented in her books. The author answered questions submitted by audience members in advance of the event.
New shelving throughout the branch A new activity wall in the children’s area New tables and seating A renovated staff area
“We knew we wanted to make some changes, and started thinking about how to make the best use of our small space to accommodate the different needs of our community,” said Branch Manager Autumn Hill. “Our goal was to make the space as flexible as possible, and provide a better browsing experience for our patrons.” Work on the project will be finalized this spring.
New Spring Titles Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection between March 1 May 31, 2022. Snails & Monkey Tails: A Visual Guide to Punctuation & Symbols by Michael Arndt Arndt looks at punctuation not merely as a grammatical tool, but as a visual medium, and as part of the beauty of the world of typography and design. The Houseboat by Dane Bahr A rural noir set in 1960s Iowa, this
moody, bleak and unpredictable debut follows a federal agent’s investigation into the murder of a high school senior. Probably Ruby by Lisa Bird-Wilson This is a moving story of an Indigenous woman who was given up for adoption as a baby and raised by a white couple. In her search for herself and her birth parents, many other people connected to Ruby help her to form a greater understanding of her own identity. Conversations with People Who Hate Me: 12 Things I Learned from Talking to Internet Strangers by Dylan Marron
Marron shares what he’s learned about having difficult conversations, and how having them can help close the ever-growing distance between us. The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka This is an unconventional novel about a group of swimmers whose routines are altered when a crack forms in the deep end of the pool. Otsuka’s work brings together friendship, grief, dementia and mother/ daughter relationships. Find more new and on order titles at omahalibrary.org. 3
KidSpot
TeenSpace
Escape Room Challenge Each hour, a group will be “locked” in a meeting room with puzzles, clues, and a few hints, to see if they can figure out how to escape before the hour is up! Find age recommendations and registration information at omahalibrary.org or by calling the hosting branch. Escape room participants work together Mon | Mar 14 | 1:30-4:30 pm | Swanson to solve clues to “break out.” Tues | Mar 15 | 1-4 pm | Elkhorn Tues | Mar 15 | 1-3 pm | Main Library Thurs | Mar 17 | 1-3 pm | Washington Wed | Mar 16 | 1-3 pm | Saddlebrook Fri | Mar 18 | 1-3 pm | Abrahams
Golden Sower Nominees
Property of the Golden Sower Award Committee. Used with permission.
Nebraska’s Children’s Choice Literary Award is presented annually to the authors and illustrators of the best books, as voted by schoolage children. To see the nominees and learn how to submit your vote, visit sites.google.com/site/ nebraskagoldensower. Voting eligibility requires readers to have read or listened to 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 15. Check the availability of these books and more at omahalibrary.org.
Bruce the Bear Visits Storytime Enjoy stories & activities with this children’s book character. Fri | Mar 18 | 10:30 am | Elkhorn Sat | Mar 19 | 10:30 am | Benson Sun | Mar 20 | 2 pm | Abrahams Mon | Mar 21 | 10:30 am | Main Library Tues | Mar 22 | 10:30 am | Saddlebrook Wed | Mar 23 | 10:30 am | Millard Thurs | Mar 24 | 10:30 am | Willa Cather Fri | Mar 25 | 10:30 am | South Omaha Sat | Mar 26 | 10:30 am | Swanson
Día de los Niños
NE SciFest The annual Nebraska Science Festival will take place across the entire state. The mission of the festival is to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for all ages. Visit omahalibrary.org for OPL programs, and nescifest.com for information about the festival.
Celebrate the diversity of our community during the annual Children’s Book Day (Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros). Children receive a free book to keep while supplies last!
Author and Illustrator Yuyi Morales Wednesday | April 6 | 6 pm Award-winning author and illustrator Yuyi Morales will visit South Omaha Library for a special storytime. Children and their families are welcome.
Storytimes Mon | Apr 18 | 10:30 am | Washington Wed | Apr 20 | 10:30 am | Main Library Thurs | Apr 21 | 10:30 am | Willa Cather Fri | Apr 22 | 10:30 am | Elkhorn Fri | Apr 22 | 10:30 am | South Omaha Wed | Apr 27 | 6 pm | South Omaha
The City Nature Challenge motivates people around the world to find and document wildlife in their cities. OPL will recognize this annual campaign with a series of storytimes.
April 27 - May 2
Sat | Apr 23 | 3 pm | South Omaha
Read books about nature, sing songs and learn how to identify plants and animals found in the wild. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking and writing in each storytime. Children of all ages are welcome; storytimes will be tailored for the age of the children present.
For more information, visit omahalibrary.org.
See a full schedule of events at omahalibrary.org.
Día Celebration 4
Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Fernandes
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 set up and clean up for programs, photocopying, cutting paper, straightening shelves, and cleaning and 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.
LearningExpress Library Find resources for elementary, middle, and high school students from LearningExpress Library. Prepare for important tests, get extra help for assignments, boost skills in core subjects, and more. Visit omahalibrary.org and select “Resource Center.”
Paul Christopherson Retires Before becoming a librarian, Paul Christopherson spent 15 years as a minister in South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska. When he decided to leave ministry, he sought opportunities that would allow him to work with and help others. An aptitude test pointed him in the direction of librarianship and he felt the profession would be well-suited to his skill set. Christopherson joined OPL in 1995 as a part-time library specialist at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. In 1997, he was promoted to a full-time young adult librarian position at Millard Branch, where he worked for the next 22 years. In that time, Christopherson emphasized the need for outreach in Millard schools, and visited classrooms frequently to do book talks, promote Summer Reading Program, and celebrate reading achievements. He helped to establish a robust Teen Advisory Board at Millard Branch, which was recognized by the Nebraska Library Association Advocacy Award on three separate occasions.
Rachel Fernandes has visited Millard Branch since she was a child, so when her school required students to acquire volunteer service hours, Fernandes thought of the library. Now a sophomore at Duchesne Academy, Fernandes started volunteering with OPL during summer 2019, helping with the annual Summer Reading Program. She continued helping at the branch by shelving books until libraries closed in March 2020 because of the COVID pandemic. As soon as OPL Teen Advisory Board (TAB) programs were available again virtually in fall 2020, Fernandes rejoined as a volunteer helping to plan library programs. She also served on the Millard Branch TAB, and has worked on a variety of projects and met great people along the way. Some of the projects she worked on include planning an escape room program at Millard Branch, and drafting a proposal that was presented to OPL leadership regarding the types of programs offered to teens at OPL. “She’s an outstanding volunteer,” said Youth Services Librarian Jacqueline Wilber. “[She is] reliable, responsible and friendly.” Youth Services Specialist Kris Cram agreed. “Rachel is always willing to help us out, no matter what. She brings so much positivity to her work.” Fernandes plans to continue volunteering with OPL until she finishes high school, and encourages other book and library lovers to consider volunteering at the library. “Don’t be afraid to get involved,” said Fernandes. “It’s fun and a great way to gain leadership experience.” If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer for more information. While the accolades were appreciated, some of Christopherson’s proudest and most memorable moments at OPL were hearing from kids that after one of his book talks, the book became the “hottest book in school,” or hearing from a teen who stayed up all night reading a book that Christopherson recommended. “It was moving to see kids so passionate and engaged about what they were reading,” he said. In 2019, Christopherson moved to Benson Branch as the urban gardening librarian, and was responsible for overseeing and engaging around OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library. The upward trend of seed check outs that OPL experienced since it began circulating seeds in 2013 continued with dramatic growth during Christopherson’s tenure in the position, and he helped to expand the collection to all 12 OPL locations in a visible way. Christopherson retired on December 1, 2021, after more than 25 years of service to OPL. Christopherson will remain active in retirement with plans to continue working in a job that allows more flexibility in his schedule so that he can travel, read, exercise and take some classes. “Working at OPL has been a great experience and some of the greatest years of my life,” said Christoperson. “I am thankful to OPL for giving me such great opportunities to serve and make a difference in the lives of people. Ultimately, I give all glory to God for the ways He has helped me to reach more people with library services.” 5
Friends Report on 2021, Elect New Officers During the January 22, 2022, board meeting, Board Past President Jeanne Spence reported $47,211 in in-person book sale profits. Book sales resumed in June 2021, after having paused in March 2020 due to COVID. Safety precautions were instituted to help ensure the safety of Friends of Omaha Public Library customers and volunteers. Online book sales yielded $25,245 with the sale of 1,236 books. More than 5,179 volunteer hours were served in 2021. The Special Friends Award was presented to three volunteers who went above and beyond expectations in their service to the organization. Dee Ebel and Julie Giannangelo were recognized for their work in the book sale room, specifically in the media section. Evelyn Whitehill was honored posthumously for over 20 years of service to FOPL. Whitehill passed away in November 2021, and her daughter Dottie Bossman accepted the award on her Dottie Bossman mother’s behalf. Outgoing board members Carol Ebdon, Ph.D., Matt Hill and Brian Overton were recognized for their service, and new board member Sue Nardie was welcomed. New board officers were elected for 2022: Margaret Pope, president; Jeanne Spence, past president; Meghan Hope, president elect; Jess Winter, treasurer; and Barbara Nielsen, secretary. Learn more about the Friends at friendsomahalibrary.org.
Welcome, Cameron Gales OPL welcomed Cameron Gales to the board of trustees on December 21, 2021. Gales replaces former trustee Michael Alley, who moved outside of city limits and was ineligible to complete his appointment. Gales’ term on the board expires June 30, 2023. Gales is a social economic inclusion lead for Jacobs Engineering. As part of his work, Gales has coordinated diversity inclusion for the City of Omaha Nebraska Sewer Separation project and Omaha Public School Bond initiative. He has also served on the executive board of ACE Mentoring of Omaha, and been recognized as a Jacobs Performance Excellence Award winner (2020/2021) and Midlands Business Journal 40 Under 40 winner. Omaha Public Library is governed by a nine-member board of trustees. Board members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve a three-year term. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 5 PM at different library locations unless otherwise noted. Schedules, agendas, and minutes from these meetings can be found at omahalibrary.org/board-of-trustees. 6
Jody duRand Retires Jody duRand joined the OPL staff in 2006 as the business manager. She originally worked in the finance office, helping to prepare and organize the library’s budget. While duRand implemented several strategies to help organize and streamline budget processes, former Library Director Gary Wasdin recognized that her skill set may be better utilized in a different role and, in 2011, asked her to become the volunteer and partnership services manager. This role turned out to be a great fit for duRand, who brought a unique perspective to her work because of her diverse professional experiences. “I saw the value in partnerships,” said duRand. “I always thought about how to come to the table and find common ground. I worked with others to gather information and make plans that we hoped would make an impact.” In 2014, duRand and her team of outreach staff moved into the newly constructed Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. This provided OPL with the opportunity to connect with other area nonprofits throughout the city, and to explore how they might work together for the betterment of the community. One of those partners was Nicole Everingham, development director for Collective for Youth. Everingham explained that Collective for Youth conducted after-school programs in Omaha middle schools, along with participation from OPL and Omaha Parks and Recreation. “When Jody came on board, there was a switch,” said Everingham. “She had a vision for developing multidimensional programs that helped make books come to life.” duRand transformed OPL’s role in after-school programming, revamped the Baby Reads program by involving partners that could help emphasize the importance of reading to new parents, and was able to develop relationships with educators at the Douglas County Youth Center to provide book clubs and speakers for incarcerated youth, among many other accomplishments. January 8, 2022, was duRand’s last day with OPL, and she has high hopes for the future of OPL’s outreach. “I built something that I felt was important, and am leaving it in a better place. Now it’s time for someone else to take the opportunity to grow it.” OPL Assistant Director Rachel Steiner shared, “It has been a joy to work with Jody! Her enthusiasm for connecting the community to the library and books has shown through the many organizations she’s connected with over the years, especially the after-school program. I will miss her excitement around new projects and ideas and the way she rallies for the library and the good it brings to the community!” On behalf of those who have had the pleasure of working alongside duRand, as well as the many people she impacted through her work, we wish her all the best in retirement.
Foundation Update As library programming and library branches look, sound, and feel a bit more familiar in a pandemic world, community sentiments about OPL were almost everywhere you looked in 2021. To say the past few months provided an opportunity to uncover what OPL means to our community would be an understatement. Public forums and patron surveys, all part of OPL’s year-long strategic planning process, provided critical feedback of what our community values in our public library system – and what it hopes for in the near future. At the Omaha Public Library Foundation, we have been encouraged and inspired by this outpouring of community support – financial and otherwise – for OPL from so many.
Financial Gifts Received Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2021 $100,000+
Claire M. Hubbard Foundation The Sherwood Foundation
$50,000+
Holland Foundation
$30,000+
Anonymous Peter Kiewit Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation
$20,000+
Hawks Foundation Lozier Foundation The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Sokolof Foundation in Memory of Richard Rosinsky Webster Family Foundation Weitz Family Foundation
Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation Mutual of Omaha Companies Silvia Roffman Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Paul & Annette Smith The Soener Foundation Elizabeth Summers Tenaska, Inc. Eileen Wirth
$2,000+
Michael & Laura Alley Marianne Bruner Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather Cox Business John & Terri Diesing Joseph Drugmand $15,000+ Heritage Services Anonymous Humanities Nebraska Baumstark Giving Account Mike & Susan Lebens Richard Brooke Foundation Marty Magee The Heider Family Foundation Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Pacific Life Foundation Mike & Nancy McCarthy Amy L. Scott Family Foundation Maggie & Michael McMeekin $10,000+ Rochelle Mullen Collective for Youth Nebraska Arts Council Cox Red & Jann Thomas Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Foundation Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt Friendship Program $1,000+ Michael & Deana Liddy Anonymous (3) Dan & Tina Lonergan Alley Poyner Macchietto Mammel Family Foundation Architecture, P.C. Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Jane Alseth Foundation Mary Joy Anderson Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Bay Family Foundation $5,000+ Benevity Community Impact Fund John & Elizabeth Lauritzen Blair Freeman Foundation Stephen & Anne Bruckner Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Maria Brookhouser Batchelder Foundation Katie Bruno Bluestem Prairie Foundation J. Richard Burrows Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Leilani & Ron Coe Special Donor-Advised Fund of Dollar General Literacy Foundation the Jewish Federation of First National Bank Omaha Foundation Friedland Family Foundation Richard Kelley Carol Gendler Michael & Susan Lebens Jo Giles
Private dollars raised for OPL has been our proudest achievement since we opened our doors in 1985. It’s the only work we know, and it’s the work we do best. The dollars we raise each year bring people to the library and offer an opportunity for patrons to create lasting memories: attending a program (virtual or in-person), chatting about books with their favorite library staff member, hearing from a local expert, meeting an author, grabbing seeds for their summer garden, and more. This vital fundraising work is accomplished through grant requests; sponsorships; ticket sales to the annual fundraiser, Between the Lines; unsolicited one-time donations; bequests and estate gifts; and more.
Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Great Plains Communications David Harding & Sarah Newman Harold & Clara Hoover Theresa Jehlik Milton & Marsha Kleinberg Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Jeff Kosse Dave & Vicki Krecek Karen & Jim Linder Gary & Lucie Long Marilyn Marsh Tulani & Othello Meadows David & Jessica Moline Morey & Quinn Shirley & Daniel Neary Justine Petsch Lewis & Winifred Pinch Sandra Price RBC Wealth Management Anne & David Rismiller Ruth Sage David & Nola Schettler Jane & Robert Slezak West O Fitness Phil & Nancy Wolf
$500+
Doug & Cathy Aden Anna Applegate Zac Baer George & Kathleen Bigelow Jeffrey Boyum Richard & Carol Britten Roberta Carlson Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Julie & Scott Cobb Robert & Jill Cochran Maurice & Cora Conner Fund Nancy Darst Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor Roy & Gloria Dinsdale DMSi Eventbrite, Inc. Lynn & Cindy Gray Bill & Ann Hall Deryl & Ramona Hamann Dawn Jensen Noreen Johnson Howard & Gloria Kaslow Dan & Kari Kinsella Bob & Kathy Kunkle Roland & Jean Mariucci John & Merrilee Miller Morrissey Engineering
Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Jane Petersen Susan Petersen John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Rotary-Suburban Emily & Joshua States Susan Vosburg Anna Wastell Sarah Watson
$250+
Anonymous (4) LuJean Allen AmazonSmile Foundation Jo Anne Amoura Lynn & Thomas Ashby Marcia Bechtel Evelyn Bingel Thad & Sharon Call William Chaney Gary & Lisa Choquette Linda & Charles Duckworth Nils Erickson Mary Ferer Daren M. & Daren Folchert Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Traci Hancock Terry & Linda Haubold Lori Hedstrom Ronald & Linda Hospodka Stephanie Iwan Flamme Robert Kearney Merritt Keiser Emily Kemp Erwin & Elaine Klabunde Marc & Joan Kraft Jane Kugler & Doug Vonderfecht Andrena MacLeod James & Patricia Manion Moshman Family Foundation Diana Nevins Mrs. Frank Partsch Norma & Cliff Pountney Danielle Rozmus Greg & Sue Rusie Shirley Siebler Deborah Smith-Howell Vance Taylor Jonell Tempero Jon Tritsch Jim & Maureen Waldron Linda Wedberg-Kraft & Robert Kraft Brad & Ashley Wedeking
Yaa Gyasi joins in a conversation with OPLF board president Jo Giles at Between the Lines fundraiser on October 5, 2021.
That work continues for the 37th consecutive year through the fundraising for OPL programs, services, and special projects, including: • Literacy programs & services • 2022 Summer Reading Program • Baby Reads • Community services & outreach • Collections (eBooks & eAudiobooks in 2022) • StoryWalks • Digital restaurant menu project • Improvements to the children’s areas at Washington, Abrahams & Millard branches • A one-year subscription to ABCmouse To learn more, visit omahalibraryfoundation.org, email foundation@omahalibrary.org, or call 402.444.4589. Honorariums & Memorials Received Oct 1 — Dec 31, 2021
In Memory of Dan Allen LuJean Allen Anna Applegate Bill & Carol Fleming
Richard & Cathy Pedersen Beth Ryan
In Memory of Sam Morford Gloria Sorensen
In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. C. Partridge Robert & Janet Partridge
In Memory of Aja Pelster
In Memory of Paul Bashus
Ryan Pelster
In Honor of Paul Christopherson
Glenda Pierce
Nancy Rips
Gloria Sorensen
In Honor of Julie Cobb Jim & Maureen Waldron
In Memory of Ruth Frederiksen
In Memory of Roger & Beverly Picken In Memory of Genevieve Price Sarah Watson
In Honor of Pauline Quinn Kelle Scott
In Memory of Mary Kate Garst
In Memory of Thelma Slattery
In Memory of Mark P. Johnson
In Memory of Harold & Marion Slosburg
In Memory of Maureen Kessler
In Honor of Jill Sobczyk
Barbara How
Dianne Desjardins
Mike & Michelle Berlin
Carol & Larry Johnson
Jill Slosburg-Ackerman ReRUNS R Fun Inc.
Alice & Harold Kosowsky Nativity Elementary School Susan Prazan
In Honor of Lynn Sullivan
Anonymous Janna Hosek Kathleen Lane St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School
Gloria Sorensen
In Memory of Anne P. Kramer
Kathy Valdez
In Memory of Bonny Swaggard In Memory of Shirley Tomka Donna Langel
In Honor of Wendy Townley Josh Bucy
In Memory of Joan MacLeod Lorraine Chang Lisa & Chad Hedrick Andrena MacLeod Robin Malone Joanna Murray Heather Murray Harding Bonnie & Robert Schulte
Nichole & Kevin Turgeon
Daren & Mary Ann Folchert
Caitlin Benton
In Memory of Dorothy Truhlsen Gary & Beth Bowen
In Honor of Nancy Webster Holly Dunning
In Honor of Patrick & Barbara In Honor of Margaret McNeal Weckinger In Memory of Jane Meehan Idonna & Robert Florell Betsy Gier Mary Clare Haven Charlene Tarsney
In Memory of Donald Moray John Hartigan
In Memory of Lyle & Louise Wedberg Linda Wedberg-Kraft & Robert Kraft
In Memory of Donald Wilson Barbara Wilson
7
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BENSON BRANCH 6015 Binney St. | 402.444.4846 BESS JOHNSON ELKHORN BRANCH 2100 Reading Plz. | 402.289.4367 CHARLES B. WASHINGTON BRANCH 2868 Ames Ave. | 402.444.4849 FLORENCE BRANCH 2920 Bondesson St. | 402.444.5299 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 W. DALE CLARK MAIN LIBRARY 215 S. 15th St. | 402.444.4800 WILLA CATHER BRANCH 1905 S. 44th St. | 402.444.4851
New Gardening Books Gardening Hacks: 300+ Time & Money Saving Hacks by Jon VanZile Fearless Gardening: Be Bold, Break the Rules, & Grow What You Love by Loree Bohl My First Indoor Garden: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Little Houseplants by Philippe Asseray Garden Allies: The Insects, Birds & Other Animals That Keep Your Garden Beautiful and Thriving by Frédérique Lavoipierre
Seed Library
The Common Soil Seed Library continues to grow in popularity. With nearly 36,000 check outs in 2021 (36 percent growth from 2019, and more than 62 percent over 2020), it was the biggest year in OPL seed library history! Patrons may visit Benson, Bess Johnson Elkhorn, Millard, and South Omaha Library branches to browse seed collections. All other branches have some popular seeds available for check out. Patrons may also search for seeds in OPL’s online catalog and request to have them sent to their preferred OPL branch. Visit omahalibrary.org to peruse varieties of flowers, fruit, herbs and produce. Patrons may also suggest that OPL purchase any seed varieties that aren’t stocked, either in person at any OPL location or through OPL’s website. OPL cardholders may check out up to 15 seed packets each month. Germination information and planting instructions are available for each seed type. 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. OPL’s Urban Gardening Librarian Jacob Lee says that gardening and horticulture offer an enormous benefit to not only the environment, but also to one’s own health and well-being. “Gardening is mentally and physically active and can be done in nearly any living condition. It provides support for biodiversity and pollination in your environment, and more nutritional value in your seasonal diet.” If you have questions regarding how you can start your own garden this growing season, contact Lee at jclee@omahalibrary.org or search OPL’s catalog for more information on starting the best garden for you. Visit omahalibrary.org/seed-library for more information.