OPL Connect Newsletter Volume 31 • Issue 1 • Spring 2024

Connect

News from Omaha Public Library

• OPL Foundation

• Friends of OPL

Genealogy Week at OPL • March 3-9

Spring is on the way, and it’s a great time to start new projects or get back to some old ones! For the historically-minded, there is no better place than Omaha Public Library (OPL)’s Genealogy & Local History Room at 3020 S. 84th St., and no better time than Genealogy Week, March 3-9.

National Genealogy Day falls on the second Saturday in March (March 9 this year) and is a time dedicated to memorializing our families and recording their stories. As they did last year, OPL and the Greater Omaha Genealogical Society (GOGS) are joining forces to celebrate family history for the entire week leading up to National Genealogy Day with openhouse activities in OPL’s Genealogy & Local History Room.

Visitors will enjoy a variety of familyhistory-themed activities including puzzles, scavenger hunts, crafts, free genealogy charts and other giveaways (while supplies last), unique displays,

New Spring Titles

demos of specialized scanners—and door prizes! See what a real Sanborn map atlas looks like, or browse an early city directory; find your family in a 19thcentury county history or local church records; or simply enjoy socializing and networking with other researchers.

What’s more, GOGS volunteers and expert library staff will be on hand to help researchers of all levels find new information about their families, making good use of the library’s extensive genealogical and local history collections and databases such as Ancestry Library Edition, MyHeritage Library Edition, the Omaha World-Herald and Omaha Star digital archives, Newspapers.com and Fold3. OPL’s genealogy collection includes books, periodicals, microfilm and archival materials spanning most of the United States and several other countries. Be prepared to get a sneak peek at some of the rare items from OPL’s archive!

Genealogy Week is the perfect time to learn about new resources, start or resume your family history research, make new genealogy friends and socialize with old ones.

Featured programs

Excess Baggage: Riding the Orphan Train

Sun | March 3 | 2 pm Registration required Between 1854 and 1929, thousands of orphans were sent on trains to the “Wild West” to be adopted…or used as free labor. Presenter Charlotte Endorf – who has written books on the topic and interviewed some of the last surviving Orphan Train riders – will share her knowledge of this fascinating piece of Nebraska history.

Humanities Nebraska (HN) provides major funding for this program. HN receives support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Nebraska State Legislature, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and private donations.

Music Evoking Stories: Love

Sat | March 9 | 2 pm

A small string or wind ensemble from the Omaha Symphony will perform music chosen around the theme of “Love.”

Visit omahalibrary.org/events for details.

Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection March—May 2024.

Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls by Chelsey Goodan

Teenage girls are often underestimated and dismissed as irrelevant or of little importance. Others feel free to give them advice and guidance, often with no context or knowledge of what their lives might be like. Goodan argues that teenage girls have power that they can harness to achieve amazing things.

Third Millennium Thinking: Creating Sense in a World of Nonsense by Saul Perlmutter, John Campbell & Robert MacCoun

This book provides tools and a framework to approach the challenges of life, learn how to think critically and make wise choices.

Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show by Tommy Tomlinson

Go behind the scenes at the Westminster Dog Show and get to know the dogs – and some of the people – at the premier dog show in the country.

Silk: A World History by Aarathi Prasad

Delve into a microhistory of this sensuous and luxurious treasure, from its ancient origins in worms to modern advances and trade secrets.

A Fatal Inheritance: How a Family Misfortune

Revealed a Deadly Medical Mystery by Lawrence Ingrassia

After losing too many family members to cancer, Ingrassia investigated to see if it was more than just coincidence or bad luck. Here he explores a history of medical research that offered insight for his family history.

Scavenger hunts puzzles

History themed crafts Free decorative genealogy charts

Director’s Note

The snowy and bitterly cold winter we are experiencing as I write this has me daydreaming about warm, sunny days and lush gardens in bloom. It is certainly a nice distraction from watching the inches of snow piling up outside my window! If you’re just beginning to plan your garden this year or want to give it a try for the first time, OPL can help. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or a master gardener; you’ll find plenty of resources to assist you along the way.

Our Common Soil Seed Library, now entering its 11th year, is a great place to start. You will find a collection of open-pollinated vegetable, fruit, flower and herb seeds that you can check out at any of our branches! Gale Courses offers an online class, “Start Your Own Edible Garden,” where you can learn from an instructor who has a Masters of Landscape Architecture. Visit omahalibrary.org/resource to sign up. Spring is also a great time to read— well, anytime is a great time to read, in my opinion–and you should know that it’s not too late to join OPL’s 2024 Reading Challenge! See the 12 themes at omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge along with suggestions of titles that fit each theme to help you expand your reading horizons. A great way to learn about new (or new to you) books is through The Book Drop, OPL’s weekly podcast that explores topics related to our community, libraries and the joy of reading. Each month they will offer suggested titles that meet that month’s reading challenge. You can also visit omahalibrary.org/find-your-next-read to request a custom reading list with plenty of recommendations to keep you reading!

Happy Spring from all of us at Omaha Public Library!

Laura Marlane Executive Director

2023 Year-in-Review

Each year, OPL provides an annual summary of significant library statistics and other notable information.

• Common Soil, OPL’s seed library, celebrated its 10-year anniversary. It launched in 2013 and has been growing ever since. In its first year, the seed library provided the community with just over 1,700 seed packets. Ten years later, the community is checking out more than 73,000 packets in a year.

• On May 21, OPL opened the Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones St. The two-story brick building was designed by renowned Omaha architect John Latenser in 1912, and originally served as the site of the David Cole Creamery. Special care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the original structure, including its masonry, tilework, tin ceilings and exposed wooden beams.

• A 20-year Citywide Facilities Plan for OPL was created based on input from the community. The plan anticipates future opportunities and partnerships for neighborhood libraries and makes aspirational recommendations for each branch. It does not recommend closing libraries and includes the already-planned new southwest branch location.

• The annual Summer Reading Program saw 18,941 people participate, and nearly 40% completed their reading goals.

• The 2023 Omaha Reads selection, “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, was checked out 1,924 times during the Omaha Reads campaign.

Service Statistics

Useage Statistics

Items Borrowed | 4,296,885

Library Visits | 1,116,662

Website Visits | 2,048,231

Desktop Computer Sessions | 183,027

Digital Downloads | 1,024,273 (eBooks, eAudiobooks & videos)

Current Library Cardholders | 253,923

18,941 kids, teens & adults registered for the Summer Reading Program. 18,978 people attended a meeting in a library meeting room.

89,082 individuals attended a library program.

Top Circulating Titles

Adult fiction

“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus

Adult nonfiction

“Spare” by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex

Adult eBook: “Verity” by Colleen Hoover

DVD: “A Man Called Otto”

Youth/Teen

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah

J. Maas

Children’s

“The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster!” by Mo Willems

Senator Tony Vargas and his child read together during Downtown Branch’s grand opening on May 21, 2023.

Winter Recap

Holiday Lights Festival

Pete the Cat and OPL’s mascot Scamper greeted guests at the Downtown Branch as they participated in the annual Holiday Lights Festival on Dec. 3, 2023. More than 800 people visited the branch that afternoon, which was one of the festival’s numerous participating venues, to hear music and celebrate the holiday season.

Teen Poetry Bash

The 23rd annual Teen Poetry Bash took place on Dec. 9, 2023, at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Students in grades 8-12 were invited to prepare two original poems to read aloud or perform as slam poetry. All Writes Reserved coaches from the Nebraska Writers Collective served as judges and emcees for the event. Top-scoring participants were awarded with cash prizes.

1st Place

Aiden Whalen

2nd Place

Grayson Shuler

3rd Place

Jay Peters Audience Fave Aiden Whalen

Jane Austen Tea

In celebration of what would be iconic author Jane Austen’s 248th birthday, 96 people gathered at The Living Room at The Mastercraft on Dec. 9, 2023, to enjoy tea from The Tea Smith, light sandwiches and finger foods, and a presentation by Dr. Cheryl Kinney: “What’s the Matter with Lady Bertram.” This program was presented in partnership with the Nebraska Chapter of the Jane Austen Society and the Friends of Omaha Public Library.

Willa Cather – 150th Celebration

Nebraska author Willa Cather would have turned 150 years old in 2023. To honor of Cather and join in the statewide celebration, OPL held three programs centered on her and her works in December 2023. Nearly 50 people participated in the events, many sharing their passion for Cather and her works. OPL would like to thank Melissa Homestead, Timothy Schaffert, Humanities Nebraska and Dundee Book Company for making these programs a success.

OPL Welcomes New Member to Board of Trustees

Maria Arriaga joined OPL’s board of trustees in December 2023. Arriaga replaced Keegan Korf on the board and will serve through June 30, 2025.

As the Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission on LatinoAmericans for the past year, Arriaga works to empower and educate the Hispanic/Latino communities of Nebraska about their educational, social, political and economic opportunities in the state, particularly regarding how the government is here to help them succeed. With over a decade of media and nonprofit experience, Arriaga is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and her passions include culture, animal and women’s rights.

Other board members include Rochelle Mullen (president), Jen Rae Hein-Wang (vice president), DeJuan Reddick (secretary/treasurer), John Barrett, Joseph Bradly, Mikki Frost, Cameron Gales and Bryan Wilson.

Trustees are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council to serve a three-year term. In accordance with the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, OPL board meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 pm at different library locations. Schedules, agendas and minutes from these meetings can be found at omahalibrary.org/board-of-trustees

New Spring

Titles for Youth

These titles will be added to OPL’s collection between March–May 2024.

Ferris by Kate DiCamillo

This multigenerational story from the author of “Because of Winn Dixie” explores the bonds of family and friendship through a girl, a grandma and a ghost.

The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming Award-winning Fleming presents the story of a group of young women called to report to Station X at Bletchley Park who helped to decipher Nazi code during World War II.

Sourgrass by Hope Lim

This hopeful picture book details the story of a friendship when one friend moves away.

Lights Out: A Movement to Help Migrating Birds by Jessica Stremer

This informational book based on Audubon’s Lights Out program shows how small actions can enact change in light pollution for migrating birds.

Unhappy Camper by Lily LaMotte

Two sisters drift apart as one starts to deny their Tawainese culture while the other embraces it. Their dispute culminates in their parents sending them both to a Taiwanese American summer camp in this graphic novel recommended for fans of “Sisters” by Raina Telgemeier.

The Witches of Silverlake by

Simon Curtis

The first in a young adult graphic novel series, a group of quirky outcast high schoolers at a prestigious L.A. school invite newcomer Elliot into their coven where they quickly learn the power and danger of magic.

Photo courtesy of the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans

Jay Peters performs their poem at the Teen Poetry Bash at Milton R. Abrahams Branch on Dec. 9, 2023.

Several patrons dressed in costume to attend the Jane Austen Tea at The Mastercraft building on Dec. 9, 2023.

March

April 3

Wild Robot Escape Room

March 9–April 9

See if you have what it takes

our “locked” meeting room using puzzles, clues and a few hints before the time is up! This escape room is based on the best-selling Wild Robot series by Peter Brown.

of events.

Golden Sower Nominees

Nebraska’s Children’s Choice Literary Award is presented annually to the authors and illustrators of the best books, as voted by school-age children. The award empowers young people to experience literature of various styles, emotions, situations and characters that mirror themselves and the outside world, fostering respect and compassion for others.

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: Little Bluestem (picture books), Honeybee (chapter books), or Meadowlark (novels).

Visit sites.google.com/site/nebraskagoldensower to see the nominees and submit your vote by April 15. Check the availability of these books and more at omahalibrary.org

Property of the Golden Sower Award Committee. Used with permission.

Meadowlark category (Novels for grades 6-8)

Little Bluestem category (Picture books for grades K-2)

Honeybee category (Chapter books for grades 3-5)

A

OPL’s 2023 Top Shelf

Since 2017, Omaha Public Library staff have compiled their favorite titles published each year. The 2023 Top Shelf list will be published in March 2024 and bring even more great books for OPL patrons to explore.

Each year, these lists include titles for children, teens and adults across a variety of subjects. Check topshelf.omahalibrary.org for all the titles throughout the years. A few of the 2023 Top Shelf titles include:

A Day with No Words

by Tiffany Hammond

Hammond uses her lived, daily experience as an autistic Black mother of two autistic children to share how her family lives from day to day in this picture book. Hammond’s beautifully written and colorfully illustrated story teaches that communication is much more than spoken words, and that we can all benefit from seeing the world from other people’s perspectives.

Recommended by Melissa F. at Library Administration Building

Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo

A fun and wacky tale about Mr. S, a kindergarten teacher who… is a sandwich? This picture book comes with twists and turns and is sure to get readers laughing.

Recommended by Gisselle R. at South Omaha Library

Bonesmith by

Nicki Pau Preto

“Game of Thrones” fans will enjoy this dark, magicfilled fantasy for teens that follows a young bonesmith out to prove herself and save her kingdom at the same time.

Recommended by Kris C. at Millard Branch

The Glass Scientists Vol. 1 by S.H. Cotugno

In a steampunk London, Dr. Henry Jekyll is trying to protect the Society of Arcane Science and the mad scientists that live there, but a mysterious guest may foil all of Henry’s carefully-laid plans. Using colorful and detailed illustrations, Cotugno creates a world of mad science and mayhem in this action-packed graphic novel for young readers.

Recommended by Danielle D. at A.V. Sorensen Branch

Your Driver Is Waiting by Priya

Guns

Damani is working as a ride-share driver and honestly, she’s just trying to survive. “Your Driver Is Waiting” is a gender-bent “Taxi Driver” for the modern age, with underlying criticism of hustle culture and performative allyship.

Recommended by Hannah M. at Charles B. Washington Branch

New Partnership Passes

One of OPL’s most unique collections is the Partnership Pass Program, which allows eligible OPL patrons to visit a variety of local attractions for free. In 2023, patrons were able to make over 13,000 free pass reservations to our participating venues and services. These venues included The Durham Museum, Fontenelle Forest, Heartland Bike Share, Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha Children’s Museum, and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

In January 2024, OPL welcomed two new partners to the existing roster of pass partner organizations: Omaha Jitterbugs and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.

Saket Soni

The Great Escape: A True Story of Forced Labor and Immigrant Dreams in America by

After Hurricane Katrina, skilled workers were lured from India to rebuild oil rigs, yet forced to live in prison-like work camps. This memoir describes one of the largest civil rights movements in recent U.S. history.

Recommended by Jenna G. at Library Administration Building

What You Want

by Maureen N. McLane

In her first collection of new poetry in four years, McLane reasserts her incisive, hyperintelligent voice. These poems explore our changing world through her preferred lenses: Romanticism and her own proud ontology.

Recommended by Colby J. at Downtown Branch

Don’t Fear the Reaper by Stephen Graham

Jones

This sequel to “My Heart is a Chainsaw” surpasses the original! The character work will give you something to think about while the gore and action will keep you turning the pages.

Recommended by David D. at Benson Branch

Omaha Jitterbugs is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable swing dance instruction and social dances that build community, improve mental and physical health, teach social skills and foster personal expression. Their passes offered through Omaha Public Library are for their Friday night event called Jitterbugs’ Night Out (JNO). Each pass admits two people, and all ages are welcome.

The Strategic Air Command (SAC) & Aerospace Museum, located between Lincoln and Omaha near Interstate 80, houses SAC aircraft and artifacts and provides a venue for the restoration of aircraft, preservation and display of historical artifacts. Featuring a variety of interactive permanent and temporary exhibits, as well as special events, the SAC Museum is driven by its mission to inspire the discovery of flight and space exploration. Each pass admits two adults and up to six children to the museum.

Omaha Jitterbugs and The Strategic Air Command (SAC) & Aerospace Museum are the latest additions to a strong existing lineup of venues featured in the Partnership Pass program. OPL looks forward to continuing to offer a variety of educational experiences through these partner venues and further connecting its patrons to these invaluable local resources. Learn more and request a pass at omahalibrary.org/partnership-passes

April 12-20

Join us for storytime! Read books about nature, sing songs and learn how to identify plants and animals found in the wild. See a complete schedule at omahalibrary.org

Día Bilingual Storytimes • April 22-30

Join us at your neighborhood branch for a bilingual storytime! All storytimes will feature the book “I Went Walking” by Sue Williams, and families will learn words and phrases in either American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, or Spanish with the help of a fluent guest speaker.

Linda Miles Retires

After almost 10 years with the City of Omaha, Facilities Manager Linda Miles retired from Omaha Public Library (OPL) on Jan. 8. Before working for the city, Miles spent 30 years working for a telecommunications company. Then in 2012, she decided she wasn’t quite ready to be fully retired, so she began working part-time for the Streets Department with the City of Omaha. In 2014, she decided she was up for a full-time position and was hired on at OPL. While at the library, Miles worked in the statistics and facilities departments with her last role being the facilities manager.

As facilities manager, Miles coordinated with contractors and other city departments to keep the library buildings maintained and looking great. She has worked on a number of projects at OPL and found them to be the most satisfying part of the job. And since there are always more projects to come along, she knew there would never be a perfect time to retire. She looks forward to sleeping in late, searching for gems at flea markets and spending more time with her family, especially at the family cabin.

Summer Volunteers Needed!

See a complete schedule of events at omahalibrary.org/events

Typical tasks include registering patrons for Summer Reading Program, preparing crafts and materials for children’s programs, assisting with set up and clean up for programs, straightening shelves, and cleaning and shelving books. Schedules may be flexible around vacations and other commitments. Opportunities exist at Millard, Swanson, Milton R. Abrahams and Bess Johnson Elkhorn branches. Learn more at omahalibrary.org/volunteer

The seed library is a space to share open-pollinated seeds and learn more about gardening and seed saving.

Visit any OPL branch to peruse its collection, or place holds on available seeds from the comfort of your home and have them sent to your local branch for pick up. OPL cardholders may check out up to 15 seed packets each month. Visit omahalibrary.org/seed-library for more details and to see all available varieties of flowers, fruit, herbs and produce.

Though Miles has a lot to look forward to in retirement, she will miss helping create the welcoming library spaces and the impact they have on patrons’ lives.

Ruth Korte Retires

Ruth Korte never imagined she’d work in libraries, yet she worked for Omaha Public Library (OPL) for 18 ½ years before retiring on Jan. 6. Before working for the City of Omaha, Korte worked in the telecommunication industry and then in retail. She applied to work for the city because she heard it was a great place to work, but had no idea what she’d do for the city. Then OPL called her to ask if she was interested in interviewing for a job at the library. She said yes, was hired and cannot believe how fast her time at OPL has gone.

Korte worked as a Public Services Clerk at OPL for her entire career. She was the friendly face patrons recognized every time they visited the two branches where she worked (W. Dale Clark Main Library and Saddlebrook Branch), and she has made lasting friendships with both patrons and staff. As she transitions into retired life, Korte is looking forward to quilting, traveling and spending more time with her family.

On behalf of their colleagues at OPL and the many people they helped serve over the years, we thank Linda and Ruth for their service and wish them all the best in retirement.

Ages 11-18

Omaha Public Library Foundation Update

Omaha Public Library (OPL) remains on a trajectory of growth, innovation, and collaboration as we look ahead in 2024. And the same holds true for the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF).

Last year brought OPL the commitment of increased public funding from the City of Omaha; a historic partnership in private funding to build a new Central Library, opening at 72nd and Dodge streets in 2026; a far-reaching and deeply thorough facilities study that suggests improvements to all library branches; and more detailed plans for a long-awaited branch serving patrons in southwest Douglas County.

This latest chapter of OPL’s story is one marked by historic transition and physical

Financial Gifts

Received Jan 1, 2023–Dec 31, 2023

$50,000+

Holland Foundation

The NBK Foundation

$30,000+

Richard Brooke Foundation

Hawks Foundation

Lozier Foundation

The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation

William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation

$20,000+

John & Terri Diesing

The Heider Family Foundation

Claire M. Hubbard Foundation

Estate of Donna Hull

Mary & Rodrigo Lopez

Mammel Family Foundation

The Sherwood Foundation

Sokolof Foundation

Weitz Family Foundation

$10,000+

Anonymous Collective for Youth

Webster Family Foundation

Lewis & Winifred Pinch

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

Becker Family Foundation

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Michael & Susan Lebens

Carrie & Ed May

Barbara & Patrick McNeal

Mike & Dana Meyer

Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation

Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation

$5,000+

Bonnie & John Austin

Baer Foundation

Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation

Reba A. & Leon G. Benschoter

Charitable Fund

Family of Virginia Budka

Lorraine Chang & Eric Pearson

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather/Rochelle Mullen

Cox

Joseph R. Drugmand

Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation

Traci Hancock

Heritage Omaha

Harold & Clara Hoover

Ken & Marilyn Knox

Jack & Stephanie Koraleski

Dan & Tina Lonergan

Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation

Heidi Moser

Mutual of Omaha Companies

Tony & Kelsey Noecker

Pitney Bowes Foundation

Walt & Sandy Price

Silvia Roffman

transformation. Despite these changes, OPL honors its core missions of literacy, community, equity and accessibility for all.

At the OPLF, we have been engaged in many of these library initiatives designed to improve and expand the OPL footprint and its vital, longstanding scope of services. OPL is loved by so many in the Greater Omaha area, and it’s our privilege to share that love story to donors in the our community.

Yet our work, which began in 1985, remains unfinished.

We continue raising dollars for the OPL programs, services, technology and collections you know and love. If you are a one-time or regular donor, we thank you

Carol Gendler

Joseph & Polly Goecke

Great Plains Communications

GreenSlate

HDR, Inc.

Paul & Annette Smith

Tenaska, Inc.

Red & Jann Thomas

Clay Vanderheiden

Katie Weitz

Eileen M. Wirth

$2,000+

Anonymous (2)

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C.

Ibrahim Amoura-Odeh & Jean Amoura

The Fred & Sally Bekins Foundation

Samuel M. Bierner & Joseph W. Pinson, III

Barbara Bock-Mavis

Maria Brookhouser

Katie Bruno

David H. Chait

Elisa & Drew Davies

Davis Erection

Max & Elizabeth Engel

Devin Fox & Rob Block

Kristine & Jared Gerber

Giger Foundation

Jo Giles

John & Peggy Heck

Sue & Mark Hoffman

Rachel Jacobson

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

John & Elizabeth Lauritzen Foundation

Karen & Jim Linder

Marty Magee

Dr. Mark & Bonnie Gill-Manhart

Tulani & Othello Meadows

Meza Gardens & Design

Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners

Shirley & Daniel Neary

Omaha Steaks

Janice Boyer & William Piepmeier

Neil Sandhoefner

Tricia Schmit

Jane & Bob Slezak

Stalnaker Family

Elizabeth Summers

Wendy Townley & Matt Tompkins

Meredith & Drew Weitz

West O Fitness

Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt

Timothy Williams

$1,000+

Anonymous (2)

Mary Joy Anderson

Dr. James & Shirley Young Armitage

Bridges Trust

Richard & Carol Britten

Stephen & Anne Bruckner

Leilani & Ron Coe

Gloria Dinsdale

Carol Ebdon

First National Bank

Mary & Daren Folchert

Friedland Family Foundation

Joel Hutchins

Theresa Jehlik

Sandra Jenkins

Richard Kelley

Milton & Marsha Kleinberg

Dave & Vicki Krecek

Gary & Lucie Long

Cindy Lueder

Margaret Sullivan Studio

Marilyn Marsh

Trisha Meuret

John & Merrilee Miller

Sharee & Murray Newman Fund

Omaha Community Foundation

Pauline Quinn

John & Kathleen Ransom

Sarah Morris Rotermund

Joan & Bill Truhlsen

Union Pacific

Justine Walker

Phil & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous (2)

Doug & Cathy Aden

Claire Baker

George & Kathleen Bigelow

Crystal & Brian Brislen

Sandor & Rhonda Chomos

Brian Delaney

Rebecca Evans

Mary Ferer

Joyce & Roger Fitch

Lynn & Cindy Gray

Vic Gutman & Roberta Wilhelm

William & Ann Hall

John A. Hruska

Grant & Kathryn Hutchins

Nancy & David Jacobson Family

Howard & Gloria Kaslow

Kiewit

Dan & Kari Kinsella

Marc & Joan Kraft

Francine Miller

Jim & Bobbie Montequin

Moshman Family Foundation

Nithya Paul

Susan Petersen

Norma & Cliff Pountney

Ann Rinne

Anne Rismiller

Emma Savory

Julie Schroeder

Mary & Leonard Sommer

Dr. Joshua & Mrs. Emily States

Susan Vosburg

Jen Rae Hein-Wang & Family

David Watts

$250+

Anonymous (2)

AmazonSmile Foundation

Martha Antonson

Lynn & Thomas Ashby

for your support. Our public libraries are places that offer every person dignity, respect, support, a helping hand, an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on. And of course, plenty of books. At the OPLF, we remain committed to raising dollars for key library resources, programs and services. Our work continues in 2024 as we support the fundraising efforts of OPL’s new Central Library. Donations of all sizes are making this project a reality for so many in our community. The Central Library will be an engaging and welcoming library designed for all — in the same spirit as other library branches.

Learn more at omahalibraryfoundation.org

Marcia Bechtel

Jeffrey Boyum

Kate Bradley

Bobbie Carlson

Harl & Kay Dalstrom

Betsy & Dave Danielson

Hal & Mary Daub

Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin

Emspace Group

Nancy Gallagher

Richard & Melanie Gerbeling

Give Nebraska

David & Joan Haas

Terry & Linda Haubold

Noreen Johnson

Philip Kelley

Greta Landis

Tom Liefer

Diana Nevins

Polly & Frank Partsch

Ryan Pelster

Ken & Linda Pohlman

Greg & Sue Rusie

Jeanne & Pat Salerno

Joseph Samson

Margaret Sandlier

Joseph & Mary Scholl

Laura Schumacher

Deborah Smith-Howell

Pete & Mary Lou Stehr

Jon Tritsch

Chester Waters

Sarah Watson

Ashley & Brad Wedeking

Honorariums & Memorials

Received Oct 1—Dec 31, 2023

In Memory of Steven Balters

Jane Kugler & Doug Vonderfecht

In Memory of Marjorie Bock

Marjorie Bock Estate

In Memory of Bill Bridges

Mary Henriksen

In Memory of Craig Crews

Diane Crews

In Memory of Gerry Dibelka

Mark & Dianne McMillan

In Memory of Deborah Greene

Silvia Roffman

In Memory of David Jacobson

Rachel Jacobson

In Memory of Avner & Alene Karnes

Laura & Russell Mann

In Memory of Veronica Key

Susan Baginski

In Memory of Mary Lueder

Rod & Cindy Anderson

Jack & Terri Diesing

Janice Egermayer

Sandy & Paul Epstein

Don & Andi Goldstein

Anne & John Hall

Anne Hellbusch

Jon & Margie Hoffmaster

Teddi & Timothy Kennedy

Nancy Milder Lazer

Cindy Lueder

William & Carol Lynch

Dr. M. Victor & Tamra Monson

Murray & Sharee Newman

Pamela Otto

Nancy & Mark Prauner

Nancy Rips

Ellen Wheeler Scott

Irv & Gail Veitzer

In Memory of Susan McArthur

Carol Szalewski

In Honor of Sarah Micheels

Rebecca Stauffer

In Memory of Roger & Beverly Picken

Glenda Pierce

In Honor of Pauline Quinn

Kelle Scott

In Memory of Marion Gill & Harold

Walter Slosburg

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

In Memory of Nicholas Spelic

Stephanie Spelic

In Memory of Mary Sweaney

Linda Ackerson

Jim Anderson

David Ashby

Sue Behr

Jamie Block

Patrick Boland

Michael Carroll & Linda Marchello

Barbara Drehsen

Joyce Faltis

Jennifer Forbes-Baily & Douglas Baily

Lance Herold

Mutual of Omaha Companies

Mutual of Omaha IWP New Business Team

Susan Nicklin

Tom Richter

Deborah Smith-Howell

Stella Watts

Teresa Woodard

Barbara Zieg

In Honor of Nancy Webster

Holly Dunning

In Memory of Donald Wilson

Barbara Wilson

In Honor of Eileen Wirth

John & Merrilee Miller

Spring Holidays

Libraries will be closed on these holidays observed by the City of Omaha.

Staff Education March 8

Libraries open at 1 pm

Easter March 31

Memorial Day May 27

WILLA

S . 44th St | 402 . 444 . 4851

402.444.4100 or omahalibrary.org

CONNECT

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Timothy

Author Visit

Sun | April 21 | 3 pm

Downtown Branch | 1401 Jones St. Join us for an engaging discussion with local author Timothy Schaffert about his latest book, “The Titanic Survivors Book Club” – a dazzling ode to love, chance, and the transformative power of books to bring people together.

Stop

Grab and Go bags contain three high-quality books curated by youth services staff for patrons to grab, check out and go. Lavender bags (for babies) contain three board books, and blue bags (for preschool-age children) contain three picture books. Bags containing books in Spanish are available at select locations. Look for the blue Grab and Go carts the next time you visit your local branch!