Connect Newsletter Volume 32 • Issue 1 • Spring 2025
Connect
Grow Your Garden with OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library
Gone are the days of flipping through a wooden card catalog’s drawers for a book record. Today, these artifacts of the analog age have found new purpose at Omaha Public Library (OPL). They are home to the Common Soil Seed Library, a collection of open-pollinated and heirloom seeds that library card holders can check out for free, take home and plant in their gardens.
Ready for Spring Planting?
Unlike borrowing a book, seeds are the one thing you check out but don’t return. When you’re ready to plant your garden, start by browsing the seed drawers at any branch (except the Genealogy & Local History Room) or searching the catalog online at omahalibrary.org/seed-library to place seeds on hold for pick-up at your local branch.
Right now, there are nearly 150 seed varieties available. Library card holders can check out up to 15 packets of seeds per month, which resets at the start of a new month.
Behind the Scenes at OPL’s Common Soil Seed Library
Stocking and maintaining the seed library is a continuous process, whether it is growing season or not. Here’s what happens before seeds reach those drawers:
• Seed selection: An OPL Collection Development Librarian chooses seeds based on user demand and availability from suppliers.
• Packing: A team of staff and volunteers prints seed information on thousands of envelopes, and then carefully fills each one. Each packet typically has 10-15 seeds, depending on size and viability.
• Cataloging: Seeds are inventoried, and then eventually given a barcode label when branches can request them.
• Distribution: Seeds are delivered to the requesting branch where a library staff member files them in the repurposed wooden card catalog for patrons to browse. When a patron places seeds on hold, they are stored in upcycled VHS cases, and added to the holds section for pick-up.
Flowers, Vegetables and Food Literacy
Last year, the top three circulating seed varieties were Santo Cilantro, Cut & Come Again Zinnias, and Bloomsdale Spinach, just a small sample of the variety of seeds available. From fruits and vegetables to herbs and flowers, the Common Soil Seed Library’s purpose has been to support food literacy, urban agriculture, and biodiversity. Since its launch in 2013, local gardeners have contributed to a culture of sustainability while building local seed stocks better suited to our community’s climate.
Gardeners are welcome to donate openpollinated and heirloom seeds to help keep the collection growing. As planting season approaches, we can’t wait to see what you grow! Share your gardening progress by tagging OPL on social media!
Director’s Note
I’ve always thought of spring as a time of renewal and growth, and we see that reflected at Omaha Public Library. In addition to anticipating and preparing for the opening of the new Central Library, coming in 2026, OPL continues to expand its offerings for the public, including opportunities to engage with our collections and join in community with others at programs and events.
You can find growth in the literal sense by checking out seeds from the Common Soil Seed Library, one of our most popular special collections. You’ll find an assortment of open-pollinated vegetable, fruit, flower and herb seeds that you can check out at any of our branches, as well as a wide array of gardening books available to help you plan, cultivate and harvest your garden. If you want more hands-on learning, join an upcoming gardening workshop hosted at our branches in partnership with No More Empty Pots!
Spring is also a great time to read—well, anytime is a great time to read, in my opinion, and you should take a peek at the upcoming spring titles that our librarians are most excited about. You can also get more recommendations to add to your to-be-read list by exploring Book Page, a magazine that showcases book reviews, author interviews and special features, available free in our branches or online at bookpage.com.
Libraries have always been keepers of stories, and OPL is no exception. But we also want to cultivate the storyteller in all of you! We’re hosting even more writing workshops this year — led by Nebraska Writers Collective Teaching Artists — to help anyone, no experience required, learn how to craft everything from memoirs to fantasy fiction to poetry. Participants at our Stories After Dark story slams share five- to eightminute tales based on the theme of the night, competing for prizes and the attention of volunteer judges pulled from the audience.
We encourage you to keep celebrating storytelling in all its forms and wish you a happy spring from everyone at Omaha Public Library!
Laura Marlane Executive Director
Central Library Will Feature Vibrant Urban Garden
Libraries, as integral “third spaces” — public places where people gather outside of work and home — benefit greatly from the inclusion of natural environments. These spaces encourage social interaction, lifelong learning and communitybuilding, making them essential to a thriving city.
OPL’s new Central Library, set to open in 2026 at the southwest corner of 72nd and Dodge streets, will feature a city garden that includes native trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials, creating a serene oasis amidst the urban environment.
With the expertise of local landscaping company Mulhall’s Nursery, a rich collection of plantings has been developed with a focus on creating a sustainable, pollinatorfriendly and birdfriendly garden. Beyond fostering relaxation and mindfulness, green spaces are crucial to urban development, as accessible outdoor areas help improve air quality, reduce heat and enhance biodiversity.
OPL has a history of engaging the community through its seed library, nature storytimes and gardening workshops, providing residents with the tools and knowledge to cultivate their own green spaces. The
Common Soil Seed Library, launched in 2013, supports literacy, urban agriculture and biodiversity by making open-pollinated heirloom seeds accessible to the general public; patrons checked out more than 90 thousand seed packets in 2024, an approximately 30% increase over the year prior.
The inclusion of a thoughtfully-designed city garden highlights a commitment to sustainability, education and community well-being that is already reflected across the OPL system. The library cultivates connections between people, knowledge and the environment. Whether through the calming presence of greenery, the educational opportunities of the seed library or the simple joy of gathering in a beautiful outdoor space, the library’s new garden will be a testament to the power of nature in public life.
Nebraska Science Festival
Get ready for a season of discovery! Omaha Public Library is partnering with the Nebraska Science Festival to bring hands-on, engaging programs that spark curiosity and inspire learning. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an artist, an environmentalist or just like to get your hands dirty.
Geo Rutherford Author Visit
Art meets science with artist and printmaker Geo Rutherford! Her work explores themes of invasive species, the environment and the Great Lakes, offering a unique perspective on ecology through creative expression.
Don’t miss this inspiring author visit on April 12!
Incredible Edible Landfill
What if you could eat your way through a landfill? This fun and interactive program teaches the science behind waste management, using edible materials to construct a landfill model. Learn how landfills work and why sustainable choices matter — all while satisfying your sweet tooth!
Wonderful Worms
Worms might not be glamorous, but they are essential to our ecosystem! In this handson workshop, get up close with these soil superheroes, learn how they break down organic matter and discover the magic of composting.
Skeletons on the Screen: Dr. Katie East
Think TV crime dramas get forensic anthropology right?
Think again! Join Dr. Katie East for a fascinating glimpse into the world of forensic anthropology — on-screen vs. real life. From exaggerated lab results to impossible crime scene timelines, she’ll break down what Hollywood gets wrong (and sometimes right) about the science of solving mysteries!
These programs are perfect for families, educators and science lovers of all ages. Scan to see all dates, times and registration details. Let’s celebrate science together!
New Spring Titles for Youth
These titles will be added to OPL’s collection between March–May 2025.
Papilio by Ben Clanton, Andy Chou
Musser & Corey R. Tabor
Three authors come together to tell the story of an expressive, emotional, adorable caterpillar transforming into a black swallowtail butterfly.
Robinson’s New Thing by Julia Mills
Robinson, a funny raccoon who loves to collect things, learns a lesson in experiences versus objects in this charming picture book.
Meet the Mini-Mammals: A Night at the Natural History Museum by Melissa Stewart
This informational book celebrates some of the smallest mammals of the animal kingdom including flying squirrels, jerboas and pygmy shrews.
History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment by Kate Messner
The latest in the History Smashers series focuses on misconceptions about the first Earth Day and ways readers can help protect the environment. The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Now in a graphic novel, readers can revisit the first in the Lemonade War series about the sibling summer lemonade stand battle.
Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi
The author of the award-winning “Pet” returns with a magical fantasy set in a West African world following a teen with terrifying powers who is on a mission to save her missing twin.
J Vs. K by Kwame Alexander & Jerry Craft
Two Newberry medal-winning authors pair up to write this illustrated novel about two 5th grade rivals competing in their school’s annual storytelling contest.
Fearless Firsts: Artists Who Changed Entertainment by James Buckley Jr. & Ellen Labrecque
This illustrated biography highlights more than 50 entertainers who broke barriers and re-shaped the artistic world.
Rendering courtesy of HDR
Rendering courtesy of HDR
Rendering courtesy of HDR
New Fiction
Titles for Spring
These titles will be added to OPL’s collection between March–May 2025.
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Years after her last novel, Ngozi Adichie is back with a novel about four women’s struggles through the pandemic. An incredibly potent novel delving into the inner lives of characters we needed to meet with resplendent language.
Elphie: A Wicked Childhood by Gregory Maguire
If you can’t get enough of “Wicked,” this novel is for you. This is a prequel about Elphaba’s childhood and captures her struggles and mistreatment by the animals of Oz.
Firebird by Juliette Cross
If you finished “Onyx Storm” and want to continue reading about dragons and romance, this first book in this series will get you hooked on a new adventure.
Tough Luck by Sandra Dallas
In this homage to the 2010 film, “True Grit,”- Haidie Richards and her younger brother set out to find their lost father after their mother dies, facing danger and great adventures.
The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson
When a book club is a disaster and the members can’t agree on a book, they decide to solve a murder instead.
The Night Birds by Christopher Golden
In this atmospheric horror novel, Charlie Book lives in a half-sunken freighter ship with Mangroves growing out of it. Normally it is a beautiful sight but when his ex, Ruby comes on board with an infant and a mysterious woman, he will have to face an oncoming storm and the consequences of Ruby’s actions.
Your Story Starts Here: Writing & Storytelling at OPL
Libraries have always been keepers of stories, from picture books and popular fiction to memoirs and poetry, not to mention being stewards of local histories and storytelling resources. OPL also offers opportunities to inspire community members to craft and share their own stories across mediums. At the library, patrons can not only consume stories but actively create and share them, fostering an environment where curiosity is cultivated and storytelling skills can flourish.
As OPL continues to expand its programs and resources, it’s clear that the library is more than just a keeper of stories; it can be a catalyst for the community to create and share their own. Learn more about opportunities to elevate your storytelling at omahalibrary.org
Stories After Dark
During this story slam, participants share a five- to eight-minute story based on the theme of the night. Those who don’t want to take to the stage are invited to attend and cheer on the storytellers or even volunteer to be a judge!
April 19: Awkward Moments
Do you have a story about an awkward moment from your life? Have you experienced something that makes you laugh, cry and cringe all at once?
Writers Workshops
OPL hosts a variety of Writers Workshops led by Nebraska Writers Collective (NWC) Teaching Artists. This partnership directly connects local writers with community members who are interested in learning more about the writing craft and process. This spring, adults are invited to join two different kinds of workshops, one on crafting family histories through memoir and another on developing rich characters and worldbuilding for fantasy fiction. Registration is required.
Writing Family Histories Through Memoir
April 7 | 5:30–7:30 pm
Genealogy & Local History Room
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll discuss how writers approach writing their family’s stories. Workshop attendees can expect discussion, tips and tools for getting started or continuing their memoir, further reading suggestions and time to write and brainstorm their ideas with others.
Legends in the Making
April 19–May 17
Various OPL locations
May 30: You’ve Got Mail
Do you have a story about letters?
Have you ever sent, received or found a letter that held special meaning to you or revealed a secret? If you could send a letter to anyone, living or dead, who would it be? What would it say?
New Nonfiction Titles for
Spring
These titles will be added to OPL’s collection between March–May 2025.
Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood’s First South Asian Star by Mayukh Sen
This biography of the iconic film star engages frankly with the complex and painful ways in which racism impacted her life and career while celebrating the career she built through determination and sacrifice.
Learn how to craft rich and compelling character backstories for a fantasy setting. Whether you’re a writer, gamer or world-builder, this workshop will guide you through creating unique, layered characters with depth and personal history, including key elements of character development and integration into a fantastical world.
Reading Party Out & About
There’s Always Room at the Table: Farmhouse Recipes from My Family to Yours by Kaleb Wyse Midwestern family fare fills this warm and inviting cookbook enriched by photos from the author’s Iowan family farm.
Salsa Daddy: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking by Rick Martinez Classic and contemporary Mexican salsas are the cornerstone of this wideranging cookbook. Like any Rick Martinez creation, it’s an explosion of flavor and color.
Searches: Selfhood in the Digital Age by Vauhini Vara Vara offers essays on human interaction with technology through the lens of her own life, including a viral experiment using generative AI to write an obituary for her sister.
Proof: The Art and Science of Certainty by Adam Kucharski
Ranging from math to science to philosophy, mathematician and epidemiologist Kucharski explores the complexity, limitations, and meaning of our quest to separate fact from fiction.
Baking Across America: A Vintage Recipe Road Trip by B. Dylan Hollis Social media star Hollis takes his retro recipe repertoire on the road, highlighting classic baked goods from every corner of the United States.
NWC teaching artist Bridget Lillethorup
NWC teaching artist Riley Westerholt
Omaha Public Library Foundation Update
A year of celebration is underway as the Omaha Public Library Foundation marks its 40th anniversary of serving Omaha Public Library through fundraising.
In 1985, Omaha was one of the last major cities without a digitized card catalog.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation was founded that year to raise $1 million needed to computerize library circulation, and to begin underwriting other major projects that city funding would not cover.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation has become Omaha Public Library’s essential partner in reaching out to private donors and volunteers. It remains committed to its goal of a great library for a great city, doing so with a small staff and an active and engaged board of directors.
In addition to that successful initial effort in 1985, OPLF has funded the following special projects in its forty-year history.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation remains grateful for the longstanding philanthropic partnerships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors – and welcomes new supporters each and every year.
For more information on these past projects and how your gift can support OPL, please contact the Omaha Public Library Foundation: (402) 444-4589 or foundation@omahalibrary.org.
• In 2021, joined a robust committee to make plans for the new Central Library;
• In 2020, raised $175,000 for digital books in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Omaha Public Library branches remaining closed for six months;
• In 2019, secured funding to purchase and install children’s touch-screen computers in all twelve library branches ($34,000);
• In 2018, secured grant funding to purchase a Chromebooks kiosk for the W. Dale Clark Main Library ($37,000);
• Raised $10,000 to expand OPL’s Baby Reads program (secured in 2017 and 2018);
• In 2017, secured funding to purchase the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Omaha Star digital archives (1938-2011), a historic black newspaper, for $12,000;
• In 2015, funded OPL’s new toy library, which launched in 2016;
• In 2015, raised $31,000 to increase OPL’s digital books collection;
• In 2014, raised $650,000 to purchase the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Omaha World-Herald Digital Archives (1878-1983), which OPL now owns in perpetuity;
Financial Gifts
Received January 1 – December 31, 2024
$50,000+
Anonymous (2)
Hawks Foundation
Peter Kiewit Foundation
$30,000+
Richard Brooke Foundation
William & Ruth Scott Family
Foundation
$20,000+
Collective for Youth
The Sherwood Foundation
Sokolof Foundation
Weitz Family Foundation
$10,000+
Bluestem Prairie Foundation
• Sponsored literary events that have enriched cultural life in Omaha, such as hosting authors Tom Clancy, Stephen Ambrose, Alexander McCall Smith, Alex Kava, U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, Walter Dean Myers, Margaret Atwood, Wally Lamb, Tobias Wolff, Hope Jahren, Amy Thielen, Angie Thomas, Elaine Weiss, Yaa Gyasi, Bryan Stevenson, Molly Shannon and Susan Orlean, and Tommy Orange;
• Assisted with the introduction of technology targeted to underserved populations;
• Contributed to establishing teen centers in OPL branches;
• Assisted with opening South Omaha Library on the Metro Community College campus;
• Secured funds for a new computer lab at W. Dale Clark Main Library, and purchased desktop computers for all branches;
• Enlarged the children’s collection through two campaigns that raised $700,000.
Dixon Family Foundation
Donna Fettig Estate
Giger Foundation
The Heider Family Foundation
Claire M. Hubbard Foundation
Lozier Foundation
Mutual of Omaha Companies
Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation
Webster Family Foundation
Don Wurster
$5,000+
Anonymous
Bonnie & John Austin
Baer Foundation
Whitney & Jared Baker
Clifton B. & Anne Stuart
Batchelder Foundation
Julie & Scott Cobb
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Joseph Drugmand
Ike & Roz Friedman
Foundation
Carol Gendler
John & Peggy Heck
Heritage Services
Jack & Stephanie Koraleski
Dan & Tina Lonergan
Allan & Ann Mactier
Charitable Foundation
Lewis & Winifred Pinch
Silvia Roffman
Paul & Annette Smith
Tenaska, Inc.
Eileen M. Wirth
$2,000+
Anonymous
Alley Poyner Macchietto
Architecture, P.C.
Marcia Bechtel
Megan Belcher
The Fred & Sally Bekins
Foundation
David H. Chait
Michael Clark
Cline Williams Wright Johnson
& Oldfather
COX
Hal & Mary Daub
Tom Elser & Stephen Hug
Valerie Enholm Estate
Roger & Joyce Fitch
Shannon Gilroy
Ann & Don Hosford
Theresa & Richard Jehlik
Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of
Omaha Foundation
Ken & Marilyn Knox
Anne & Jeff Lieben
Marty Magee
Mary O’Donohue & Dakotah
Smith
Omaha Steaks International
William R. Patrick Foundation
Elizabeth Summers
Joan & Harold Tu
The Uninvited Book Club
Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt
Emily & Cameron Young
$1,000+
Anonymous (3) Bay Family Foundation
Mike & Michelle Berlin Family Foundation
Maria Brookhouser
Anne & Anne Bruckner
Burlington Capital Foundation
Leilani & Ron Coe
Matthew Dunning
Jan Dutton & Robert Beecham
First National Bank
Friedland Family Foundation
Jo Giles
Mike & Wanda Gottschalk
Lynn & Cindy Gray
Great Plains Communications
GreenSlate Development
Harold & Clara Hoover
Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp
Sandra Jenkins
Ruth H. Keene
Dave & Vicki Krecek
Gary & Lucie Long
Tulani & Othello Meadows
John & Merrilee Miller
Dennis & Ellin Murphy
Shirley & Daniel Neary
Phyllis & Bob Newman
Sharee & Murray Newman
Fund
Christine Noriega
Walt & Sandy Price
John & Kathleen Ransom
Rotary-Suburban
Jane & Bob Slezak
Red & Jann Thomas
Chris VanKat
Phil & Nancy Wolf
Yuan Zhen
$500+
Anonymous
Doug & Cathy Aden
Michael Berg
George & Kathleen Bigelow
Jeffrey Boyum
Richard & Carol Britten
Katie Bruno
Bobbie Carlson
Sandor & Rhonda Chomos
Gary & Lisa Choquette
Elisa & Drew Davies
Michael & Marcia Davies
Dundee Bank
Carol Ebdon
Rebecca Evans
Mikki Frost
Give Nebraska
Holly Herman
Nancy Jacobson
Howard & Gloria Kaslow
Maria & Lynn Knudtson
Joan Kraft
Bob Kraft & Linda Wedberg-Kraft
Donna Langel
Ruth MacNamara
Jim & Bobbie Montequin
Moshman Family Foundation
Nithya Paul
Susan Petersen
Marcie & Scott Peterson
Pauline Quinn
Ann Rinne
Joseph Samson
Joseph & Mary Scholl
Eve Simon
Mike & Marilyn Sitorius
Mary & Leonard Sommer
Susan Stalnaker
Anna Stone
Union Pacific Giveplus Program
Susan Vosburg
Sarah Watson
The Wycoff Family
Dick & Sharon Zahm
$250+
Anonymous (4)
Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson
Martha Antonson
Ken & Annie Bird
The Bookworm
Anne & Anne Carroll
Susan Chenoweth
The Clothier’s Daughters
Christopher J. Cold Family
Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin
Tony & Claudia Deeb
Audrey Dobbe
Megan Durham
Eclectic Book Club
Nancy Gallagher
Joseph & Polly Goecke
William & Ann Hall
Terry & Linda Haubold
Noreen Johnson
Kiewit
Tom Liefer
Jodie Mackintosh
Lynn McCormack
Dan McGill
Mark & Dianne McMillan
Jenny Mickeliunas
Sue Morris
Diana Nevins
Rachel Nun
Carl & Mary Peters
Donald & Mary Lee Ranheim
Margaret Galus Sandlier
Laura Schumacher
Kelle Scott
Shirley Siebler
Mary Smith
Jon Tritsch
Rebecca Walters
Ashley & Brad Wedeking
Honorariums & Memorials
October 1 – December 31, 2024
In Memory of Wayne Ablott
Terry & Marilynn Theis
In Memory of Gerald Adcock
Edwards Sisters Foundation
In Honor of Hazel Batter
MarySue Grossman
In Memory of Jeff Cashell
Christopher Cashell
In Memory of Steve Cashell
Christopher Cashell
In Honor of Nicole Clark
ReRUNS R Fun Inc.
In Memory of Al Cooper
Nancy Ovenden
In Memory of Craig Crews
Diane Crews
In Honor of Rose FennessyMurphy
Anonymous
In Honor of Sherry Forrest
Sarah Watson
In Memory of Virginia Frank
Harl & Kay Dalstrom
In Memory of Carol Gendler
Susan Chenoweth
Sarah Watson
In Memory of Jean Goetsche
Gary Goetsche
In Memory of Barbara Goodrich
James & Nancy Coffey
In Memory of Deborah Greene
Silvia Roffman
In Memory of Howard Hawks
Julie & Scott Cobb
In Honor of Donna K
Anonymous
In Memory of Marc Kraft
Anonymous
Michael Berg
Amy Cook
Lawrence Gendler
Linda Hammann
Paula Harris
Ginny Inglis
John & Merrilee Miller
Gediminas Murauskas
Ariella Rohr
Jeffrey Santee
Phil & Nancy Wolf
In Memory of Dr. M. Chad McBride
Jim & Jackie Feder
Greg & Julie Gilliand
Roy & Jane LaMark
Curt & Linda Safranek
Christy Schlueter
Matt & Gina Thummel
In Honor of Jeff McWhorter
Anonymous
In Honor of Ellen Nordby
Barbara Soderlin
In Memory of Beverly & Roger Picken
Glenda Pierce
In Honor of Gayle Rathbun
John Wehrle
In Honor of Susan Robinson
Melissa Price
In Memory of Rosemary Rogers
Marilyn Woodruff
In Memory of Patricia Samson
Joseph Samson
In Memory of Lucy Spielman
Charles Alexander
Cathy Basham
James Beyer & Margaret Hamilton-Beyer
Julie & Scott Cobb
Robert Cusworth & Michaele Penkoske
Phyllis Finney
Rosemary
Between the Lines, the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser, featured Tommy Orange (pictured far right) for a conversation moderated by Christina Faw Faw Goodson (left). The event was held on Sept. 18, 2024 at Creighton University’s Mike and Josie Harper Center.
Photos by Chris Machian for the Omaha Public Library Foundation.
Spring Holidays
Libraries will be closed on these holidays observed by the City of Omaha.
Easter April 20
Memorial Day May 26
LOCATIONS
A.V. SORENSEN BRANCH
4808 Cass St | 402 444 5274
BENSON BRANCH
6015 Binney St . | 402 . 444 . 4846
CHARLES B. WASHINGTON BRANCH 2868 Ames Ave | 402 444 4849 DOWNTOWN BRANCH 1401 Jones St | 402 444 4828 FLORENCE BRANCH 2920 Bondesson St | 402 444 5299
W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH 9101 W . Dodge Rd . | 402 . 444 . 4852
WILLA CATHER BRANCH 1905 S . 44th St | 402 . 444 . 4851
24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 or omahalibrary.org
CONNECT
Stay up-to-date on OPL’s latest news, events and more . Follow us on social media @OmahaLibrary
English Conversation Groups
Drop in to practice your English in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere! Intermediate-level conversation for adults 19+ facilitated by OPL staff Thurs | May 1 | 6 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch 5111 N. 90th St. Wed | May 7 | 6 pm
