June 1–July 31, 2023 Program Reading Summer All Ages Free! Look inside to discover free, fun activities for every age group all summer long! Learn more & sign up at your local branch or omahalibrary.org. Presented by the richard brooke foundation
Thank You to our sponsors!
Omaha Public Library is grateful to all the organizations who help make summer reading programming and prizes possible.
Presenting Sponsor
Richard Brooke Foundation
Premier Sponsors
Cox
Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation
Sokolof Foundation in memory of Richard Rosinsky
Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Additional Support From
Friends of Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library Foundation
In-Kind Sponsors
Fazoli’s Friends of Omaha Public Library
Made New Makerspace
Omaha Storm Chasers
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
Papio NRD
program Details
Kids’ & Teens’ Program
Receive two free books when you register! Complete 10 hours of reading/listening or activities (see next page) to receive a(n):
• Voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale
• Omaha Storm Chasers ticket voucher (for an 8/10 or 8/13 game)
• Chance to win raffle prizes
Adults’ Program
Complete 10 hours of reading/listening or activities (see next page) to receive a:
• Voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale
• Chance to win raffle prizes
Raffle prizes
Each branch will raffle:
• 1 Switch Lite (kids & teens)
• 1 family membership to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (adults only)
• Squishmallows (kids only)
• Gift cards (all ages; selection varies by branch)
Completion prizes available beginning June 1, while supplies last.
program Details
Suggested Activities
1. Attend a library storytime, program, or book club.
2. Draw a picture of a character from your favorite book.
3. Learn a new poem, nursery rhyme, or song.
4. Draw a picture or write a poem about someone or something you see in your neighborhood.
5. Recommend a book to a librarian.
6. Listen to an audiobook.
7. Read a book and watch the movie.
8. Write a letter to an author and send it.
9. Read to a pet. Visit a park.
Reading & activity log
Pick up a reading & activity log sheet at your local branch, or visit omahalibrary.org/summer-readingprogram to download one.
Use the log sheet to track your progress in 20-minute increments. All time spent reading/listening, completing the above activities, or learning at an OPL program counts toward your 10-hour goal!
Turn in your completed reading & activity log sheet to the information desk at any OPL location to receive your prize and raffle entry.
table of Contents Animals ...................................................... 6 Arts & Crafts .......................................... 6 Book Clubs ............................................... 7 Community involvement ........................... 8 Education & Life Skills ......................... 8 Entertainment ..................................... 9-10 escape rooms ............................................ 11 Storytimes .......................................... 12-15 costume Character visits ........................... 12 Out & About Storytimes .............................. 13 Special Storytimes ....................................... 14 Weekly Storytimes ....................................... 15
Animals Arts & Crafts
All About owls with Papio NRd
Thurs | June 29 | 10:30 am
Downtown Branch
animal Adaptations with Papio NRD
Tues | June 27 | 2 pm
Florence Branch
Wed | July 12 | 1:30 pm R
Charles B. Washington Branch
Animal Curators
Sat | June 10 | 2 pm R
Millard Branch
Sat | July 1 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Animal Grossology
Fri | June 2 | 1 pm R
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Fri | July 28 | 2 pm
Willa Cather Branch
i heart animals
Thurs | June 8 | 2 pm R
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Sat | June 24 | 2 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Raptors on the Go with Fontenelle Forest R
Wed | June 21 | 1:30 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Zoolympics
Sat | June 17 | 10:30 am
South Omaha Library
Sat | June 17 | 1 pm
Benson Branch
Thurs | June 22 | 2 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Tues | July 18 | 2 pm
Florence Branch
arts & Crafts Makerspace
Wed | June 14 | 1 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Tues | July 18 | 2–4 pm R
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Completely Kids Makerspace R
Fri | July 14 | 1 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
illustration workshop with Bruce Arant
Fri | June 30 | 2 pm R
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Sat | July 8 | 2 pm
South Omaha Library
Thurs | July 13 | 2 pm R
Millard Branch
Made New Makerspace
Wed | June 21 | 1–3 pm
Florence Branch
Fri | July 28 | 1–3 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Teen Maker Meet-n-greet R
Thurs | July 27 | 4 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Teen Zine Workshop R
Sat | June 24 | 2 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Kids Teens Adults All ages R Registration
required 6
Book Clubs
A Novel Idea Book Club
Tues | June 27 & July 25 | 1 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Benson mystery Book Club
Tues | June 13 & July 11 | 5:30 pm
Benson Branch
Benson Pageturners
Book Club
Thurs | June 8 & July 13 | 10:30 am
Benson Branch
Between the Lines Book Club R
Fri | June 2 & July 7 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Book Watchers Grades 4-5
Book Club R
2nd & 4th Mondays at 4:15 pm
June 12 & 26 and July 10 & 24
Saddlebrook Branch
Bookies Grades 2-3
Book Club R
1st & 3rd Wednesdays at 4:15 pm
June 7 & 21 and July 5 & 19
Saddlebrook Branch
chat n chew Book Club
Wed | June 14 & July 12 | Noon
Urban Abbey | 1026 Jackson Street
Double Booked Book Club
Wed | June 28 & July 26 | 5:30 pm
Millard Branch
elkhorn Eclectics Book Club
Thurs | June 1 & July 6 | 1:30 pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Friends & Strangers Book Club R
Thurs | June 22 & July 27 | 5:30 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
go Readers Go Book Club R
Wed | June 28 & July 26 | 1 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Jolly Neighbors Book Club
Wed | June 21 & July 19 | 12:30 pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Page turners Book Club R
Thurs | June 15 & July 20 | 2 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Plain Pages Book Club
Sat | June 17 & July 15 | 1 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Under the Dundee Sun Book Club
Tues | June 6 & July 11 | 4 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Washington Book Club
Wed | June 14 & July 12 | 12:30 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
What Are you Reading? Book Club R
Tues | June 13 & July 11 | 11:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
What Are you Reading? Book Club
Wed | June 14 & July 12 | 5:45 pm
Millard Branch
Willa Cather Book Club
Tues | June 27 & July 25 | 5:30 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Visit omahalibrary.org for complete program details and registration information. Groups of 10 or more, please contact the library in advance. 7
board of Trustees Meeting
Wed | June 21 | 5 pm
Downtown Branch
Friends of OPL Book Sale
Thursdays & 1st Saturdays
10 am–3 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Millard Teen Advisory Board R
Sat | June 17 & July 15 | 2 pm
Millard Branch
Opl Teen Advisory Board R
Sat | June 3 & July 1 | 2 pm
Online event
Read to a Dog
Mondays (except June 19) at 4 pm R
Millard Branch
Wednesdays at 5 pm R
Willa Cather Branch
Every other Saturday at 10 am
June 10 & 24 and July 8 & 22
Florence Branch
Sat | June 17 & July 15 | 1 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Spark Your Story
Thursdays at 1 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
June 1
Tiffany Gamble
June 8 Dr. Sheena Parks
June 15
Kimara Snipes
June 22 TikTok Studio R
June 29 Design Your Dream “Sand Castle” R
July 6 Brianna Full with Spark CDI
July 13 Button Making R
community Involvement education & life Skills education & life Skills
July 20
July 27
building Better Babysitters R
Sat | June 3 | 10 am–3 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Wed | June 28 | Noon –5 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Thurs | July 27 | 10 am–3 pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Discovering witches: The Real Records & Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books & TV Shows R
Thurs | June 22 | 5 pm
Online event
Board Game Day
Food Plating Technique & Design R
Teen Gardening Workshop with Omaha Master Gardeners R
Thurs | June 8 | 2 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Sat | June 10 | 2 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Tues | June 20 | 2 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
zines for Genealogists & Historians R
Sat | July 29 | 2–4 pm
Genealogy & Local History Room
Kids Teens Adults All ages R Registration required 8
Book tasting party
Thurs | June 1 | 1 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Chomp, Stomp, Roar, Dinosaurs Galore!
Sat | June 24 | 1 pm
Benson Branch
Sat | July 29 | 10:30 am
South Omaha Library
Clown Makeup & Balloons
Sat | June 24 | 10:30 am
Downtown Branch
Doughnut wars R
Wed | June 7 | 2 pm
Florence Branch
Sat | July 8 | 11 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Tues | July 11 | 2 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Fri | July 14 | 2 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Mon | July 17 | 1 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Wed | July 26 | 2 pm
Millard Branch
Family Game Day
Mon | June 26 | 1 pm R
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Thurs | July 6 | 1–3 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Family Interactive Movie:
Encanto
Fri | June 16 | 10:30 am–Noon
Saddlebrook Branch
Family Zumba
Sat | June 3 | 10:30 am
South Omaha Library
Tues | June 6 | 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Fri | June 9 | 1 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Sat | June 24 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Mon | July 10 | 1 pm R
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Sat | July 29 | 10:30 am
Downtown Branch
Jeff Quinn magic Show
Sat | June 10 | 1 pm
Benson Branch
Sat | June 24 | 2 pm
Millard Branch
Mon | July 10 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Sat | July 22 | 2 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Fri | July 28 | 1 pm R
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Laughing Matters
Juggling Show
Wed | June 14 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Wed | June 14 | 1:30 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Magic & Balloons R
Thurs | July 6 | 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Mario Kart Tournament R
Thurs | June 20 | 2–4 pm
Millard Branch
Visit omahalibrary.org for complete program details and registration information. Groups of 10 or more, please contact the library in advance. 9
entertainment
Molecular Mayhem with omaha Children’s Museum
Wed | July 19 | 2 pm
Millard Branch
ooey Gooey Science R
Mon | June 5 | 1 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Thurs | June 15 | 11 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Fri | June 23 | 2 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Sat | July 1 | 1 pm
Benson Branch
Thurs | July 13 | 2 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Mon | July 24 | 1 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Tues | July 25 | 2 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Science Heroes Show
Sat | July 8 | 10:30 am
Downtown Branch
Sat | July 8 | 2 pm
Millard Branch
Space: It’s Out Of This world with omaha Children’s Museum
Sat | June 3 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Tues | June 13 | 2 pm
Florence Branch
Thurs | July 13 | 1 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Star wars family Day R
Wed | June 28 | 2 pm
Millard Branch
Super Smash Bros Tournament
Tues | June 20 | 2–4 pm R
Millard Branch
Thurs | July 20 | 1–3 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
The Rose Theater Actor WOrkshop
Tues | July 18 | 1:30 pm
Benson Branch
tiktok Creation Studio R
Sat | July 8 | 2 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Under the Stars with the Greek Gods R
Fri | June 16 | 1–3 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Kids Teens Adults All ages R Registration
10
required
Entertainment
Escape Rooms
Creepy Carrots Family Escape Room R
Thurs | June 8 | 10 & 11 am, Noon & 1 pm
Downtown Branch
Mystery at Baker Street (Enola Holmes) Escape Room R
Wed | June 14 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
Millard Branch
Sat | July 8 | 1 pm
Benson Branch
Mystery at Baker Street (Enola Holmes) Escape Room R
Fri | June 9 | 1 & 2 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Thurs | June 15 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
Millard Branch
Fri | June 16 | 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Thurs | June 29 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Thurs | July 6 | 2 & 3 pm
Downtown Branch
Wed | July 12 | 1 & 1:45 pm
Willa Cather Branch
Wed | July 19 | 1 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Sat | July 22 | 2 & 3 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Dog man Escape Room R
Mon | June 12 | 1 & 2 pm
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Tues | June 20 | 2 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Tues | June 27 | 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Wed | July 12 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
Millard Branch
Thurs | July 13 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Sat | July 15 | 1 pm
Benson Branch
Thurs | July 20 | 10 & 11 am, Noon & 1 pm
Downtown Branch
Thurs | July 20 | 1 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Mon | July 31 | 1 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
The Search for Riptide:
Percy Jackson Escape Room R
Fri | July 14 | 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Visit omahalibrary.org for complete program details and registration information. Groups of 10 or more, please contact the library in advance. 11
Costume Character Visits
Bad Kitty Visits Storytime
Fri | July 7 | 10:30 am
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Sun | July 9 | 3 pm
Downtown Branch
Mon | July 10 | 10:30 am
Charles B. Washington Branch
Tues | July 11 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Wed | July 12 | 10:30 am
Millard Branch
Thurs | July 13 | 10:30 am
Florence Branch
Fri | July 14 | 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Sat | July 15 | 10:30 am
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Llama Llama Visits Storytime
Fri | June 2 | 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Sat | June 3 | 10:30 am
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Mon | June 5 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Tues | June 6 | 10 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Wed | June 7 | 6 pm en Español
South Omaha Library
Thurs | June 8 | 10:30 am
Florence Branch
Fri | June 9 | 10:30 am
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Sat | June 10 | 10:30 am
Benson Branch
Stormy Visits Storytime
Tues | June 13 | 10:30 am
Benson Branch
Thurs | June 15 | 10:30 am
Willa Cather Branch
Wed | June 21 | 10:30 am
Millard Branch
Thurs | July 20 | 10:30 am
Florence Branch
Wed | July 26 | 10:30 am
Downtown Branch
Kids Teens Adults All ages R Registration required 12 Storytimes
Out & About storytimes Storytimes
Sun | June 4 | 10:30 am
Sonny’s in Aksarben Village 1905 South 67th Street
Mon | June 5 | 10:30 am
Chalco Hills Natural Resources Center 8901 South 154th Street
Tues | June 6 | 10:30 am
Democracy Park 8780 Templeton Drive
Wed | June 7 | 2:30 pm
Standing Bear Lake Kids Park 11 Papio Lake 16 Road North
Fri | June 9 | 10:30 am
Genealogy & Local History Room 3020 South 84th Street
Sat | June 10 | 10:30 am
Peony Park Community Garden 1111 Cole Creek Drive
Tues | June 13 | 10:30 am
Gene Leahy Mall
1302 Farnam Street
Fri | June 16 | 10:30 am
Elkhorn Fire Station #71 20474 Laramie Road
Wed | June 21 | 2:30 pm
OPPD Arboretum 10601 Blondo Street
Wed | June 28 | 10 am
Dundee Community Garden 4902 Underwood Avenue
Thurs | June 29 | 10:30 am
Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street
Wed | July 5 | 10:30 am
Hummel Park Nature Center 3033 Hummel Road
Wed | July 5 | 2:30 pm
Standing Bear Lake Kids Park 11 Papio Lake 16 Road North
Sat | July 8 | 10:30 am
Peony Park Community Garden 1111 Cole Creek Drive
Mon | July 10 | 10:30 am
Chalco Hills Natural Resources Center 8901 South 154th Street
Tues | July 11 | 10:30 am
Gene Leahy Mall 1302 Farnam Street
Wed | July 12 | 10:30 am
Grover Ice Rink 6171 Grover Street
Wed | July 12 | 10:30 am
Omaha Fire Station #23 9090 North 30th Street
Wed | July 19 | 10:30 am
Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters 3215 State Street
Wed | July 19 | 2:30 pm
Stone Ridge Splash Park 4655 North 163rd Street
Wed | July 26 | 10 am
Dundee Community Garden 4902 Underwood Avenue
Wed | July 26 | 10:30 am
Miller Park Splash Pad 2707 Redick Avenue
Thurs | July 27 | 10:30 am
Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft Street
Visit omahalibrary.org for complete program details and registration information. Groups of 10 or more, please contact the library in advance. 13
special storytimes
Animal Sleepover Storytime
Tues | June 13 | 6 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Thurs | July 13 | 2 pm
Florence Branch
Bilingual Music & Movement
Storytime (french)
Fri | July 7 | 9:30 am
Omaha Symphony Visits Storytime
Wed | June 7 | 10:30 am
Millard Branch
Mon | June 12 | 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Tues | June 20 | 10 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Thurs | June 22 | 10:30 am
Downtown Branch
Fri | June 23 | 10:30 am
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Omaha’s Henry Doorly
Zoo & Aquarium Visits
Storytime
Thurs | July 13 | 10:30 am
Willa Cather Branch
Kids Teens Adults All ages R Registration
14
required
Storytimes
weekly storytimes
Baby Storytime
Tuesdays (except July 4) at 9:30 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Wednesdays at 9:30 am
Millard Branch
Thursdays at 9:30 am
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Thursdays at 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Fridays at 9:30 am
Millard Branch
Saturdays at 9:30 am
Benson Branch
hora de cuentos en Español
Wednesdays (except June 7) at 6 pm
South Omaha Library
Music & Movement
Mondays at 10:30 am
Downtown Branch (except June 19)
Millard Branch (except June 5 & 19 and July 10)
Tuesdays (except July 4) at 10 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Tuesdays (except July 4) at 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Thursdays at 10:30 am
Millard Branch
Fridays (except July 21) at 9:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch
Saturdays at 10:30 am
Benson Branch
Willa Cather Branch (except June 3)
Storytime
Mondays (except June 19) at 9:30 am
Millard Branch
Mondays at 10:30 am
Charles B. Washington Branch (except June 19)
Saddlebrook Branch (except June 19 & July 10)
Tuesdays (except July 4) at 10:30 am
Benson Branch
Saddlebrook Branch
Wednesdays at 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Downtown Branch
Millard Branch
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Thursdays at 9:30 am
Millard Branch
Thursdays at 10:30 am
Florence Branch
Willa Cather Branch
Fridays at 10:30 am
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch (except June 16)
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
South Omaha Library
Saturdays at 10 am
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Saturdays at 10:30 am
Saddlebrook Branch (except June 3 & 24 and July 1 & 22)
W. Clarke Swanson Branch (except June 10 & July 8)
Visit omahalibrary.org for complete program details and registration information. Groups of 10 or more, please contact the library in advance. 15
Storytimes
OPL Locations
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
downtown Branch * 1401 Jones St. | 402.444.4828
Genealogy & Local History Room 3020 S. 84th St. | 402.444.4800 ext. 3
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 omahalibrary.org
*Downtown Branch will open May 21, 2023, at which time Interim Branch will close.
