OPL Connect Newsletter Volume 29 • Issue 4 • Winter 2022-2023

2023 Reading Challenge

Omaha Public Library (OPL) invites readers to take on a challenge! In 2023, the annual Reading Challenge will be back with 12 themes for participants to tackle once per month, or at whatever pace they’d like throughout the year. As in years past, participants are encouraged to read one book for each of the 12 themes presented to help push them out of their reading comfort zone.

Reading recommendations for each month’s theme will be available at omahalibrary.org. Title suggestions will be geared toward adults, but readers of all ages may participate. Ask staff at your neighborhood branch for age-appropriate suggestions for each theme, or request a Custom Reading List at omahalibrary.org/find-your-next-read

Beginning in January 2023, participants may pick up their very own Reading Challenge notebook (while supplies last) at their local branch, which contains the details of the challenge and a place to track reading throughout the year.

Once completed, participants can either fill out a paper form or submit their entries online for a chance to win a gift card to a local bookstore. Everyone who turns in a paper form or submits the online form will also receive a pin for completing. Challenge participants can share what they’re reading on social media by tagging @omahalibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Find more information at omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge.

New Winter Titles

2023 Reading Challenge Themes

Read a book mentioned on The Book Drop

Read a book about or featuring a real person

Read a book about or featuring LGBTQIA+ history

Read a book about or featuring plants

Read a book about or featuring a movie or TV show

Read a book by a Latine writer

Read a book about or featuring friendship

Read a book about or featuring mental health

Read a book about or featuring music

Read a book from OPL’s Top Shelf lists

Read a book by a Black writer

Read a book about or featuring food

Enjoy these titles being added to OPL's collection December 2022—February 2023.

Jellyfish Age Backwards: Nature’s Secrets to Longevity by Nicklas Brendborg

This book takes a look at the animal kingdom to help expand our understanding of aging.

The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal

Malhotra

This is a debut historical fiction novel about two lovers–one a Hindu perfumer's apprentice, the other a Muslim calligrapher’s apprentice–torn apart by the Partition of India.

Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America's National Parks by Emily Pennington

A yearlong trip exploring national parks becomes a journey of self-discovery.

All the Dark Places by Terri Parlato

The morning after celebrating her husband's 40th birthday at their house, Molly discovers him murdered in his office. The Boston Police Department is convinced that the murderer is someone who celebrated with them the night before. In this suspenseful thriller, Molly isn't sure who to trust or who knows about her traumatic past.

Home Therapy: Interior Design for Increasing Happiness, Boosting Confidence, and Creating Calm by Anita Yokota

The author is a therapist and interior designer who uses both professions to help readers turn their homes into sanctuaries.

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

News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL Volume 29 • Issue 4 • Winter 2022-2023

Director’s Note

It’s hard to believe we’re coming to the end of another year. This one went by so quickly, especially with the many changes we experienced at OPL in 2022!

Team members moved out of W. Dale Clark Main Library and into new spaces: A downtown Interim Branch at 1410 Howard Street, and the Library Administrative Building (LAB) at 3020 S. 84th Street. The Genealogy & Local History Room (located inside the LAB) houses OPL’s local history and genealogy collections and opened to the public on October 3. Construction on the new Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street is progressing nicely, and we look forward to welcoming you to that branch in spring 2023.

As we move into the holiday season, OPL has something to help people get in the swing of things—whether with holiday gift ideas, recipe resources for tasty treats, or a cozy read to help you relax on a wintery day! If the weather keeps you indoors, find plenty to read, watch or listen to in OPL’s collection at omahalibrary.org

OPL’s provider of eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, OverDrive, recently expanded its offerings to include downloadable magazines through the Libby app. Access Freegal to add free music from the Sony catalog to your personal playlist. Kanopy’s streaming service brings thousands of movies, TV series, documentaries, foreign films and classic cinema to your device. Download the app, login with your library card, and create an account to start viewing!

If you’re interested in cooking something amazing for the holidays, find plenty of holiday cookbooks in OPL’s catalog. Browse New York Times Cooking by downloading the app and searching recipes – free with your library card! Whether you’re a novice or advanced cook, you’ll find something tasty for your holiday table.

No matter what your interests, OPL is here for you. On behalf of all of us at OPL, we wish you all a happy and safe holiday season, and a happy New Year!

Marlane Executive Director

Fall Recap

W. Dale Clark Main Library Community Farewell

On August 20, 2022, OPL invited community members to say goodbye to W. Dale Clark Main Library during a farewell celebration. Participants had the opportunity to tour the library, including some “behind the scenes” spaces not normally open to the public. Those in attendance also enjoyed a special storytime, coloring sheets and a scavenger hunt for children, as well as refreshments, a photo booth, and performances by Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason and local musician Jessica Hanson. Patrons shared their stories and memories of the space by writing them upon the walls of the meeting room and on cards created to capture reflections upon what Main Library meant to them. Approximately 650 people attended this event.

Omaha Reads

Each year, 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. The Omaha Reads selection for 2022 was “The Perfume Thief” by Timothy Schaffert.

OPL offered several programs in September and October, including an author visit at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, book discussions, and a panel discussion of Omaha’s underground queer culture at The Max.

More than 110 people attended the events. Nominations for 2023 titles will take place this winter.

Open House for

Branch

A.V. Sorensen

On October 13, 2022, A.V. Sorensen Branch celebrated branch improvements made earlier this year. Thanks to community support and donations, Sorensen Branch now offers a more efficient and inviting space with new shelving, furniture and an improved children’s space. During the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and activities like thumbprint selfies, a Polaroid picture station, and a game to help them find their next read. Sorensen Branch t-shirts were for sale at the event, and are currently available at the branch in three fun colors. Overall, 70 people joined in the festivities. “This was our chance to say thank you and welcome the community back into our wonderful space," said Branch Manager Autumn Hill.

A family signs up for a new library card at Main Library.

Patrons share memories on the walls of W. Dale Clark Main Library about what the branch meant to them.

Visitors participate in a scavenger hunt during the Main Library farewell party.

Author Timothy Schaffert signs a copy of "The Perfume Thief" at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel on September 11, 2022.

A young patron explores the new and improved children's space at A.V. Sorensen Branch.

OPL Youth Services Librarian Ashley Hamernik and Branch Manager Autumn Hill pose for their version of the "Children Reading on a Log" sculpture.

Laura

Facilities Updates

Updates provided were current at the time this publication went to print. Due to the accelerated pace of these projects, the status may have changed from what is reported here. The most current information is available at omahalibrary.org/facilities-projects.

Downtown Branch & Library Administrative Building (LAB)

W. Dale Clark Main Library had its last day of service to the community on August 28, 2022. The following day, Interim Branch opened at 1410 Howard Street to ensure that downtown library patrons would have continuous library service during the time between the closure of Main Library and the opening of the Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street in spring 2023. Construction on the Downtown Branch continues to progress. Work is underway on window installation, furniture and art procurement, plumbing and HVAC, and much more. Following the public closure of Main Library, library staff and movers from Hallett & Sons Expert Movers, Inc. worked to prepare and pack the contents of the building for relocation to the new Library Administrative Building (LAB) at 3020 S. 84th Street. The move was complete by September 28, and Main Library was turned over for demolition on October 1. On October 3, the new Genealogy & Local History Room at LAB opened to the public. The space houses 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. Researchers of all levels are encouraged to visit and learn more about available resources.

New Central Library

Planning meetings regarding the future of the central library resumed in fall 2022. Some of the committees with regularly scheduled communication include the newly formed advisory committee, building stakeholders, and communications and engagement teams. Participants include representatives from OPL’s leadership and staff, the Omaha Public Library Foundation, the architectural design team, the City of Omaha, Heritage Omaha, Do Space and Community Information Trust, and other community members. Next steps involve launching a new facilities master plan for OPL led by Margaret Sullivan Studio.

Resolve to use OPL more in 2023

When making New Year’s resolutions for 2023, don’t forget about OPL! There are so many resources at the library that can help you make good on your goals. Here are a few examples of how OPL can help make 2023 your best year yet!

Read more

Reading is proven to make people happier, less stressed and more empathetic, among other benefits, so it comes as no surprise that people want to spend more time with a good book. Push yourself out of your reading comfort zone by participating in the 2023 Reading Challenge, or get a group of readers together and start your own book club using OPL’s book club bags!

Get organized

Find tips and tricks for decluttering and cleaning using books about organizing in OPL’s collection. If a calendar would help you organize your schedule, pick up a 2023 Early Literacy Calendar at your local branch or request one at your next curbside pickup.

Learn new skills

OPL’s online resource center is full of valuable tools to help you learn skills ranging from new languages to family history. Register for a free six-week online class from Gale Courses. New sessions begin December 14, January 18, and February 15. There are also plenty of books that can help you to learn something new.

Eat healthier

OPL offers a variety of books about healthy eating, as well as cookbooks filled with delicious and nutritious meals that can help you improve your eating habits. You can also sign up for the “Certificate in Food, Nutrition, and Health” class through Gale Courses to help gain a holistic view on food and nutrition.

Save more and spend less

If you haven’t done so already, there’s no time like the present to evaluate your finances and make proactive changes! Focus on your finances by taking in some books on saving money or enroll in one of the personal finance classes on Gale Courses. Utilize OPL’s collection and online resources to save even more. There are some stories, movies and subscriptions that people want to own, but for all the rest, OPL is best!

Whatever 2023 has in store, there are endless ways that OPL can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Don’t forget—staff are available to answer questions via AskOPL online chat at ask.omahalibrary.org or over the phone at 402-444-4800. If you have favorite ways of utilizing your local library, feel free to share a photo or post and tag @OmahaLibrary on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

An OPL patron checks out the Interim Branch on its opening day, August 29, 2022.

Construction on the Downtown Branch continues with an anticipated opening date in spring 2023.

The Genealogy & Local History Room offers resources for researchers of all levels.

A rendering of a potential new central library at 72nd and Dodge streets shares a vision for the future.

Bash

Picture Books

Registration required

Wizard's Winter Escape Room R

Wed | Dec 21 | 1, 2 & 3 pm 

Thurs | Dec 22 | 1, 2 & 3 pm  Millard Branch

Fri | Dec 30 | 3 pm , 4 pm 

Saddlebrook Branch

Tues | Jan 3 | 1:30 & 2:30 pm 

Swanson Branch

Chomp, Stomp, Roar, Dinosaurs Galore! 

Thurs | Dec 29 | 2 pm Elkhorn Branch

Choose Your Own Adventure:

Magic Treehouse R

Wed | Dec 21 | 2 pm

Willa Cather Branch

Fri | Dec 23 | 10:30 am

Saddlebrook Branch

Wed | Dec 28 | 1 Swanson Branch

Sat | Dec 31 | 1 Benson Branch

Tues | Jan 3 | 1 Millard Branch

Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest

Young writers in grades 5-8 are invited to submit their original works of fiction to the Friends of Omaha Public Library for the 2023 writing contest.

Contest participants are asked to select a character from a book they have read on their own and create an original work of fiction featuring that character. Entries will be accepted through February 24, 2023.

Winners will be notified in the spring. The top three winners from each grade will receive cash prizes: $100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third. The school libraries of the winning students will be recognized with matching cash prizes.

For contest requirements, visit omahalibrary.org/virginia-frankmemorial-writing-contest.

The contest is named in memory of longtime University of Nebraska Omaha English professor and Friends volunteer Virginia Frank.

Elementary

Teen

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Capybara Is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost

Let's Tell A Story! Jungle Adventure by Lily Murray

The Jessie Files: The Friendship Feature by Stacia Deutsch

Weird But True! World 2023 by National Geographic Kids

Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder & Dan Santat

Just Roll With It by Veronica Agarwal & Lee Durfey-Lavoie

Falling Short by Ernesto Cisneros

The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton

Anzu the Great Kaiju by Benson Shum

Gibberish by Young Vo

The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson

Sunny G’s Series of Rash Decisions by Navdeep Singh Dhillon

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

Scattered Showers: Stories by Rainbow Rowell

Gallant by V.E. Schwab

The Words We Keep by Erin Stewart Kings of B’more by R. Eric Thomas

Conversation Kits

It's not always easy to talk to children about challenging topics. Over the past two years, OPL youth service librarians noticed an increase in patron requests for books that could help adults talk to kids about tough issues. In response to these requests, librarians researched and were inspired by work from The Lane Libraries,* and voilà: Conversation Kits were created! Conversation Kits are designed to support families and groups with age-appropriate and kid-friendly resources. Each kit has a themed topic and contains children's books to read aloud, a kit guide, and discussion questions.

Kits are available for check out and can be placed on hold by searching "Conversation Kit" in the library catalog at omahalibrary.org

*Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0

Volunteer Spotlight

Since OPL returned to in-person programming in fall 2021, Zariah Champlin, 14, and her sister Siri, 12, have provided consistent support at library events. “We primarily volunteer at Benson Branch and for the online Teen Advisory Board (TAB),” said Siri, “but we enjoy helping at other branches and supporting all OPL events.”

In pursuit of her dream of becoming a librarian, Zariah applied to volunteer at OPL as soon as she could. She joined TAB, a library program in which members advocate, pilot programs, plan events, and give input. Teens also advise OPL on ideas for the library and promote library services at their schools. “It’s cool that we get to plan events for different people,” said Zariah. “We give ideas and suggestions, and create teen book lists.” Siri also joined TAB in hopes of a new adventure.

While volunteering in person, the sisters support branch programs by helping to set-up and shelving items in the collection. “I enjoy shelving books, it’s fun,” said Zariah. “I feel like I am already a librarian because I can do what I have seen real librarians do since I was a child coming to the library.”

Volunteering at OPL provides Zariah and Siri with a different outlet from their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. “I like helping people and engaging with the library staff,” said Siri. “They are such nice people and it’s so cool to hang out with such a great team.”

"I have had the privilege of working with Zariah and Siri since they were little kids coming to LEGO club,” said Youth Services Librarian Aura Sewell. “They ask good questions about the library and are so fun and warm. I'm so glad to have them as volunteers."

When it comes to volunteering, “Do it,” said Siri. “If you don’t end up enjoying volunteering, that’s okay, but at least try it.”

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer.

Partner Spotlight: Nebraska Humane Society

As OPL’s outreach department grows, patrons may be surprised to spot library staff promoting OPL services in unexpected spaces. One of the most unique partnerships this year started with a simple request: Could OPL curate a pop-up display of books for children to read to dogs at the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS) before the Fourth of July?

“We love to explore new ways we can engage with our community and partners who are making a difference,” explained OPL Outreach Manager Maggie Petersen. “A nonjudgmental ear can be so positive for developing readers. The opportunity to support young people in our community reading to dogs was an obvious yes.”

On July 1, OPL staff were on-site at NHS to explain the activity and register visitors for the Summer Reading Program. After the first session, NHS staff wrote, “It's amazing how calm [the dogs] get when someone reads softly to them - I haven't heard our largest kennel area that quiet in a long time.” Just like that, Furrrst Friday, an OPL and NHS read to a shelter dog event, was born. Traditionally, Read to a Dog programs are collaborations between libraries and registered therapy dogs. A change in environment and audience can help establish an enthusiastic, confident relationship to reading for young people experiencing anxiety about pronunciation and accuracy. “Our Read to a Dog programs at the Florence, Millard, W. Clarke Swanson, and Willa Cather branches are already so beloved by our patrons. Furrrst Friday feels like an exciting extension of those events, with the bonus of supporting our reading culture and community in a new space,” said Outreach Librarian Elly Roberts.

"It makes a lot of sense for us to partner with Omaha Public Library for Furrrst Fridays. After all, the Abrahams Branch is literally in our backyard!" said NHS Marketing Specialist Brendan Gepson. "This partnership is especially great because the kids love it, but so do the dogs. The shelter can be a stressful place for our canine friends, but it’s amazing what a kind voice and a book can do to calm them down."

Growing steadily each month, recent Furrrst Fridays have featured treats for participants to toss to dogs, coloring pages, a bingo challenge, and a donation drive for the shelter’s Pet Food Pantry where participants filled NHS’s famed Puppy Cart to the brim with food and toys for shelter pets. Visitors of all ages are welcome to browse an OPL-curated selection of books, participate in monthly activities, and read to the animals at NHS, 8929 Fort Street, at Furrrst Fridays on the first Friday of every month from 3-6 p.m.

A NHS visitor reads to a shelter dog at NHS on September

Siri (right) and Zariah (left) Champlin volunteer at Benson Branch.

Kaylan Guinn & Sarah Mapes

In OPL's mission and vision, library staff embrace the role of the library as a connector – with ideas, information, innovation, and people. Whether providing patrons with resources and reading or creating opportunities to develop valuable relationships, being a (big or small) part of your story is why OPL is here for its community.

Many parents know that library storytimes offer a variety of benefits. Storytime is a valuable activity for helping children to develop early literacy skills. Participating

Staff Spotlight: Beth Steffensmeier

children learn new sounds, words and language; they exercise their imaginations; and they meet and interact with other children around joint activities. However, one of the most unsung benefits of storytimes may not be directly about the kids, but rather, for their parents.

Kaylan Guinn and Sarah Mapes both became first-time moms during the height of COVID. As soon as OPL began offering in-person programming at branches, Guinn and Mapes started attending baby storytime at Millard Branch and then Saddlebrook Branch with their children. Guinn recognized Mapes and her son from a previous storytime visit and said hello. As they continued to see each other at storytimes, they found that they had a lot in common and enjoyed talking about everything from the TV shows they watch to their mutual love of dogs.

Though their activities often revolve around library offerings, they often spend time together at the conclusion of storytimes to catch up and let their boys play.

“It’s hard to make friends as an adult,” said Guinn. “It’s easier when you find someone who is in the same stage of life.”

Mapes agreed. “It’s nice knowing that we can understand and help each other through the next steps in life.” Guinn and Mapes look forward to continuing their friendship as their boys get older.

Steffensmeier began working as a library aide one night a week at Milton R. Abrahams Branch in 2008. Though her time in that position was short-lived, it started her on a path to advance her library career through a variety of different experiences.

Though she didn’t remember doing it, Beth Steffensmeier had set her sights on librarianship as a child. As an adult, she discovered a fourthgrade assignment that had asked her to predict her future profession, and she was surprised to see that she had written “LIBRARIAN.”

Steffensmeier always loved books and reading, but libraries were never a place she wanted to spend a lot of time. She didn’t enjoy the silence and didn’t even use them as a place to study in college. She preferred being among people and wanted libraries to be a gathering space for the community.

Following graduation from Hastings College, Steffensmeier moved to Omaha when her boyfriend (now husband) got a job in the city. As she looked for a job, she found herself drawn to libraries, but wasn’t sure that’s what she wanted to do.

Steffensmeier often saw former OPL Executive Director Rivkah Sass on the news and wondered if that was a sign of what she should be doing with her life. She decided to find out by calling Sass and asking for a meeting to learn more about librarianship. After that discussion, Steffensmeier was sold.

She decided to pursue a master’s degree in library science through a program jointly offered by the University of Nebraska Omaha and the University of Missouri. In an effort to gain library experience,

Currently, Steffensmeier works at Millard Branch as a fulltime library specialist. In this role, she supervises library aides, coordinates branch volunteers, facilitates a book club, and works with the library collection. She takes pride in her work and feels like libraries have evolved to be the kind of places she always wanted them to be.

“I know our purpose - to be a community gathering place where all are welcome, where people come to learn things or expose themselves to different opinions, worlds, cultures and stories,” said Steffensmeier. “It's so great!”

Though she doesn’t know where her library career will take her next, Steffensmeier enjoys her current role.

“I love it,” she said. “The common good of being able to truly help people trumps any challenges.”

Kaylan Guinn & Wyatt

Sarah Mapes & Thomas

Annual Fundraiser

With a crowd topping more than 400 guests, the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) welcomed "Just Mercy" author Bryan Stevenson to Omaha on September 28 for its annual fundraiser. Stevenson is the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults.

Held at the Hixson-Lied Auditorium inside Creighton University’s Harper Center, Between the Lines with Bryan Stevenson celebrated OPL and OPLF, and raised needed dollars for library programming, collections, and more. Jo Giles, OPLF board member and past president, served as the night’s emcee. The evening also recognized Carol Wang, a former OPL board of trustees president, with the 2022 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award.

Now in its ninth year, the Between the Lines fundraiser brings a celebrated author to Omaha. Previous authors include Margaret Atwood (2014), Wally Lamb (2015), Tobias Wolff (2016), Hope Jahren (2017), Amy Thielen (2018), Angie Thomas (2019), Elaine Weiss (2020), and Yaa Gyasi (2021).

OPLF is grateful for the support of this year’s event sponsors:

Gold: Cox, Susan and Mike Lebens, Annette and Paul Smith

Silver: Deloitte, HDR, Heider Family Foundation, Tina and Dan Lonergan, Tenaska

Bronze: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, Berry Law Firm, Cline Williams, Heritage Omaha, Tulani and Othello Meadows, Omaha Steaks, West O Fitness

Friends of OPLF: Great Plains Communications, GreenSlate Development, Margaret Sullivan Studio, Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners, OPPD

Stay tuned for details on next year’s fundraiser. Learn more about how to support the Omaha Public Library Foundation at omahalibraryfoundation.org or 402-444-4589.

Financial Gifts

Received Oct 1, 2021 –Sept 30, 2022

$250,000+

Ruth Sage Estate

$50,000+

Holland Foundation

Lozier Foundation

The Sherwood Foundation

$30,000+

Richard Brooke Foundation

William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation

$20,000+

Hawks Foundation

The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation

Sokolof Foundation

Webster Family Foundation

Weitz Family Foundation

$15,000+

Baumstark Giving Account

Amy L. Scott Family Foundation

$10,000+

Lee Bachand

Cox Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation

Michael & Susan Lebens

Dan & Tina Lonergan

Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation

Paul & Annette Smith

Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation

Roger & Kate Weitz

$5,000+

Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation

Bluestem Prairie Foundation

Ann C. Burdette Irrevocable Trust

Collective for Youth

HDR, Inc.

Richard Kelley

Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation

Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation

Mutual of Omaha Companies Silvia Roffman

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

Elizabeth Summers Tenaska, Inc. Eileen M. Wirth

$2,000+

Anonymous

Michael & Laura Alley

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C.

Baer Foundation

Berry Law Firm

Barbara Bock-Mavis

Marianne Bruner

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather

John & Terri Diesing

Joseph Drugmand

The Heider Family Foundation

Heritage Services

Harold & Clara Hoover

Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Mike & Susan Lebens

Marty Magee

Maggie & Michael McMeekin

Meza Gardens & Design

Omaha Steaks International

West O Fitness

Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt

$1,000+

Anonymous

Jane Alseth

Mary Joy Anderson

Atredis Partners

Bay Family Foundation

Maria Brookhouser

Stephen & Anne Bruckner

J. Richard Burrows

Leilani & Ron Coe

Friedland Family Foundation

Jo Giles Mike & Wanda Gottschalk

Great Plains Communications

GreenSlate

Deryl & Ramona Hamann

Theresa Jehlik

Milton & Marsha Kleinberg

Jack & Stephanie Koraleski

Jeff Kosse

Dave & Vicki Krecek

Gary & Lucie Long

Marilyn Marsh

Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners

Rochelle Mullen

Shirley & Daniel Neary

Phyllis & Bob Newman

OPPD

Justine Petsch

Lewis & Winifred Pinch

Anne Rismiller

Sarah Watson

Phil & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Doug & Cathy Aden

Anna Applegate

Zac Baer

Richard & Carol Britten

Bobbie Carlson

Sandor & Rhonda Chomos

Julie & Scott Cobb

Community Services Fund of Nebraska

Maurice & Cora Conner Fund

Nancy Darst

Carol Ebdon

Rebecca Evans

Lynn & Cindy Gray

Bill & Ann Hall

Dr. Gina Hawley Dawn Jensen

Noreen Johnson

Howard & Gloria Kaslow

Dan & Kari Kinsella

John & Merrilee Miller

Morrissey Engineering

Sharee & Murray Newman Fund

Susan Petersen

John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne

Rotary-Suburban Julie Schroeder

Emily & Joshua States Susan Vosburg

$250+

Anonymous (4)

LuJean Allen

Amy Armbruster

Jim & Gail Binderup

Jeffrey Boyum

Thad & Sharon Call

William Chaney

Gary & Lisa Choquette

Tony & Claudia Deeb

Roy & Gloria Dinsdale

Linda & Charles Duckworth

Max & Elizabeth Engel

Mary Ferer

Mary Ann & Daren Folchert

Thomas & Nancy Gallagher

Richard & Melanie Gerbeling

Traci Hancock

Lori Hedstrom

Merritt Keiser

Emily Kemp

Kiewit

Erwin & Elaine Klabunde

Jane Kugler & Doug Vonderfecht

Joseph & Molly Lang

Tom Liefer

Andrena MacLeod

Laura Marlane & Paul Richards

Mark & Dianne McMillan

Moshman Family Foundation

Amanda Neal

Norma & Cliff Pountney

Danielle Rozmus

Greg & Sue Rusie

Joseph & Mary Scholl

Shirley Siebler

Deborah Smith-Howell

Sue Stroesser

Vance Taylor

Jon Tritsch

Bill & Joan Truhlsen

Nichole & Kevin Turgeon

Union Pacific Giveplus Program

Linda Wedberg-Kraft & Robert Kraft Ashley & Brad Wedeking

Honorariums & Memorials

Received July 1 — Sept 30, 2020

In Memory of Karla Baker Jennifer Grosz

In Memory of James Richard (Dick) Burrows

Anonymous Terry & Shelley Ahlers

Tom & Susan Cody

Charles Grubb

Sandra Ham

Mike & Lee Ann Kraft

Thomas & Janis McCrudden

Sheila Nelson

Frank & Gertrude Perrone Jodeen Petersen

In Memory of Joan Cooney Nancy & James Slattery

In Memory of Al Cooper Craig Adamson Melissa Carlson

Claire & Pierre Flatowicz Christina Free Ross McDaniel

Stacie Moseley Beverly Moyer Linda Thenhaus

In Memory of Patrick L. Hibberd M. L. Ausdemore-Johnson Kathryn Cooper Omaha Police Federal Credit Union

In Memory of Cilla Jepson Housebound Hounds

In Memory of Tory David Jones Tammy Jones

In Honor of Alice Janelle Nash Mary James

In Memory of Samar Ray Dr. Gina Hawley

In Memory of David Rismiller Eileen Wirth

In Honor of Wendy Townley Carol & Rick Russell

Diana Nevins

Mrs. Frank Partsch

OPLF Executive Director Wendy Townley presents Carol Wang with the Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award.

Fundraiser attendees enjoy a patron party prior to Bryan Stevenson's presentation.

Bryan Stevenson addresses a crowd of more than 400 at the Hixson-Lied Auditorium.

Photos by Frison & Co.

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

FLORENCE BRANCH

2920 Bondesson St. | 402.444.5299

GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY ROOM 3020 S. 84th St. | 402.444.4800

INTERIM BRANCH

1410 Howard St. | 402.444.4828

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