OPL Connect Newsletter Volume 31 • Issue 2 • Summer 2024

Summer Reading Program

Adults’ Program

Complete any combination of 10 activities or reading/listening hours to receive a voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale and have a chance to win additional prizes.

Kids’ & Teens’ Program

Receive two free books when you register! Complete any combination of 10 activities or reading/listening hours to receive a(n):

• Voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale

• Omaha Storm Chasers ticket voucher (for an 8/7 or 8/11 game)

• Chance to win additional prizes

Director’s Note

The days are getting longer and though spring has teased us with some warm days, we’re now well on our way to a bright, beautiful summer! One of the best ways to celebrate the sunshine is to get outside, and if gardening is your passion (or even just an occasional interest), you can indulge by checking out seeds from Omaha Public Library (OPL). Every branch hosts a Common Soil Seed Library for you to look through and check out the ones you like. You can also browse seeds from OPL’s online catalog and have them delivered to your local branch. The collection has a wide array of openpollinated and heirloom seeds that are ready and waiting for your garden.

While those long, lazy days and sunny vacation spots are a great way to unwind during the quieter days of summer, for public libraries, summer is the busiest time of year, and this year is no exception. OPL’s annual Summer Reading Program will kick off in June with the theme “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” There will be exciting programs happening at each location throughout the summer months. Reading is a very important activity for kids to enjoy and helps them maintain that skill while school is out. Our amazing library staff are always on hand to recommend titles you’ll love. You can reach out to them at our branches or, if it’s more convenient, you can request a custom reading list through our website.

We have lots of options available to you directly from our website—sign up for an eCard online and have instant access to ebooks and audiobooks using the Libby app. Browse magazines, download music, or find interesting offerings in our Resource Center. You can take a class with LinkedIn Learning, or watch movies and TV shows with Kanopy—all from the comfort of your home.

One of my favorite authors, Lloyd Alexander said, “Keep reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have.” And this summer OPL has something exciting for everyone! So stop by your local branch and join the adventure!

Spring Recap

Music Evoking Stories: Small wind and string ensembles from the Omaha Symphony visited various OPL branches to perform music chosen around the themes of Love, Tradition, or Heroes, followed by an opportunity for participants and musicians to reflect on and discuss the experience.

Book Bash: At the February 2024 Virtual Book Bash, library staff presented new and exciting books while attendees added their favorites to TBR lists, chatted with fellow book lovers, and won bookish prizes.

Solar Eclipse: Patrons at the Millard Branch viewed the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse after first learning more about the celestial event and crafting their own models of a solar eclipse.

Egg-cellent Adventures: Library staff participated in the Egg-cellent Adventures held at Gene Leahy Mall where families participated in a scavenger hunt and visited with community partners.

Rooted Stories: At Rooted Stories — hosted at the Omaha Conservatory of Music on April 12, 2024 — the audience went on a musical journey exploring the history of Omaha through the lens of the Omaha Public Library, with music from the Omaha Symphony acting as a powerful storyteller.

New Titles

Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection June – August 2024.

Fire Exit by Morgan Talty Charles Lamosway is caught between the world he lives in on the

and the

one across the river. He has spent years observing the life of Elizabeth from birth until her twenties on the other side and has decided it is time to uncover the secret that he is her father. But he will discover there are profound dangers in the borders between them.

The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer Inspired by “The Chronicles of Narnia,” two boys

reservation

Left: A father and daughter read together at South Omaha Library on March 7, 2024. Middle: A wind quintet plays during Music Evoking Stories at South Omaha Library. Right: Michelle Carlson presents during the Virtual Book Bash. Second row: A family watches the solar eclipse during a viewing at Millard Branch on April 8, 2024. Right: OPL Staff represent the library at Egg-cellent Adventures at Gene Leahy Mall. Bottom row: The Omaha Symphony performs during Rooted Stories at the Omaha Conservatory of Music.

Laura Marlane Executive Director 2

Staff Spotlight: Karen Berry

Born and raised in Omaha, Neb., Karen Berry has dedicated more than two decades of her life to giving back to the community through her work at OPL. While completing her college degree, Berry gained valuable library experience as a school librarian in Springfield, Neb. In 1994, Berry secured a part-time position as a Library Specialist at Millard Branch during the Summer Reading Program. Assigned based on system-wide needs, she trained at various branches, recognizing the importance of familiarizing oneself with each community and its resources. Within a year, she had expanded her knowledge to every branch, emphasizing her commitment to community engagement. “You really need to move around; you really get to know the community,” Berry says. “It’s important to get familiar with what each community has to offer and meet people who can connect you with those resources.”

However, Berry’s fondest memories revolve around her role as the library mascot, Scamper. For 25 years, she brought joy to countless library events, dressed in the iconic costume. “I loved every minute of it,” she says. “If I could, I’d do it all over again.”

She recalls the public community voted to select the mascot and its name. When the Scamper costume got an upgrade in 1995, she was one of the first people to wear it.

“I got to meet so many people, as Scamper,” she says. “From playing hockey and football to attending Mascot Day at Werner Park, every moment brought joy to others, and I loved every minute of it.”

Berry says the most challenging part of working so long within an organization is the chapters of change. During her time she got the opportunity to meet various directors and each one had a different vision for the library. Berry navigated through multiple management styles, changing policies, and expectations.

In 1997, Berry’s dedication earned her a promotion to full-time Library Specialist, and she was relocated to the Washington Branch. “A manager told me that Washington Branch needs some help, and you’ll be there for two weeks,” she says. “Eight years later, that became the longest two weeks of my life.”

In 2004, Berry saw an opportunity for growth and seized it, earning a promotion to full-time Youth Librarian. This move brought her to the Swanson Branch, where she embarked on a new chapter of her career. Across multiple OPL locations, Berry embraced the chance to connect with various library staff and patrons, cherishing the friendships she formed along the way. “That’s the beauty of this job — the lasting connections you can make,” Berry says.

As the community expanded, so did OPL. It was a delightful surprise when children who once attended Berry’s storytime at Washington Branch grew up to become her colleagues. One memorable moment occurred during a staff meeting when a young man approached her, asking, “Hello, Mrs. Berry, do you remember me?” She was happy to see former library kids eager to promote the same services they once enjoyed.

go missing only to reappear six months afterward. Fifteen years later they are still affected by what happened in those months, although only one of them remembers. Now as they help in a search for a missing girl, they must return to the magical place of beauty and great danger.

Bright I Burn by Molly Aitken

This novel is based on the true story of the first woman to be condemned as a witch in Ireland. In the thirteenth-century, Alice grows up wanting more agency than her mother who must suffer under the constraints of family responsibility. She has a knack for making money and grows in stature,

“That was the hardest part, trying to figure out changes in management, technology, and programming,” she says. “As we progress, we lose things and we gain things; the hard part is trying to find a balance.”

Upon retiring, Berry found herself missing her OPL family the most. “We’ve formed such strong bonds over the years,” she says. “They’re not just coworkers – they’re family.” In the close-knit environment of the library, Berry became a part of her colleagues’ lives, celebrating their successes and offering support during challenging times. Karen Berry’s time at OPL was defined by dedication and a profound connection to the communities she served. Now, as she steps into retirement, she looks forward to the freedom of each day, expressing her desire to travel more without any concrete plans. Her legacy of service and love for connecting with others will continue to warm the hearts of those she touched, reminding us all of the lasting impact of kindness and connection in our lives.

“This job was the best job I’ve ever had,” Berry says. “This is the one job where if you like to read, meet people, or learn new things, this is it.”

only to attract the attention of gossips who create a deadly rumor.

There Is No Ethan: How Three Women Caught America’s Biggest Catfish by Anna Akbari Victims fight back against an internet predator in this story told by one of the victims. Go inside the mind of a catfish who was more interested in emotional intimacy than monetary gain.

The Striker and the Clock: On Being in the Game by Georgia Cloepfil

In this memoir, Cloepfil examines not only her life but what it

means to be a dedicated athlete, particularly a professional soccer player. She writes about the pains and joys of sports.

Life Lessons from a Parasite: What Tapeworms, Flukes, Lice, and Roundworms Can Teach Us About Humanity’s Most Difficult Problems by John Janovy, Jr. Janovy looks to microorganisms for lessons humans can use to lead better lives. It is a study of how the micro can be applied to the macroworld.

Find more on-order titles at omahalibrary.org.

KidSpot

Costume Characters

Enjoy stories & activities with children’s book characters. Don’t forget your camera!

Pete the Cat

TeenSpace

LAST KIDS ON EARTH

Fri | June 7 | 10:30 am ........... Elkhorn

Sat | June 8 | 10:30 am ......... Swanson

Mon | June 10 | 10:30 am .... Washington

Tues | June 11 | 10:30 am Saddlebrook

Wed | June 12 | 6 pm South Omaha en Español

Thurs | June 13 | 10:30 am ...... Florence

Fri | June 14 | 10:30 am Abrahams

Sat | June 15 | 10:30 am Millard

Little Critter

Fri | July 12 | 10:30 am Abrahams

Sat | July 13 | 10 am Sorensen

Mon | July 15 | 10:30 am .... Washington

Tues | July 16 | 10:30 am .... Saddlebrook

Wed | July 17 | 10:30 am ...... Downtown

Thurs | July 18 | 10:30 am Willa Cather

Sat | July 20 | 10:30 am Millard

Schedules subject to change; visit omahalibrary.org for updates.

New Summer Titles for Youth

The Outside by Gianna Marino Earl, a prairie dog who is fearful of going outside the burrow, finds that he has things he can teach his friends and also has things to learn. This picture book illustrates a prairie dog’s life of both security and risk taking.

All About U.S.: A Look at the Lives of 50 Real Kids from Across the United States by Matt Lamothe and Jenny Volvoski

For curious kids, this book documents the lives of 50 kids in 50 states celebrating similarities and differences among a range of family backgrounds.

Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar

This young adult rom-com follows Said and Tiwa, former best friends who work together to try to raise money to restore their town’s Islamic center.

WILD ROBOT

Join us at different parks and places in the Omaha metro area for storytime! This program is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome to join in the fun. Rain or shine, we’ll be there!

MON | June 3 & July 1 | 10:30 am

Chalco Hills Natural Resources Center | 8901 S. 154th St.

TUES | June 11 & July 9 | 10:30 am

Gene Leahy Mall | 1302 Farnam St.

MON | June 17 & July 15 | 5:30 pm

Joslyn Castle & Gardens | 3902 Davenport St.

THUR | June 20 & July 18 | 10 am

Lauritzen Gardens | 100 Bancroft St.

WED | June 26 | 10 am

Dundee Community Garden | 4902 Underwood Ave.

Juneteenth Flag Raising & Celebration of U.S. Military Veterans

Sat | June 1 | 11:30 am-2 pm

Charles B. Washington Branch

Join OPL and Juneteenth Nebraska, Inc. at the annual flag raising and luncheon honoring local veterans and military personnel. The program will include a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the raising of the Juneteenth flag, a presentation of honorary quilts to veterans and service members, and the passing of the community service and leadership lantern.

The 2024 UNO Black Studies Traveling Exhibit will be on display inside the branch.

Kiewit Luminarium Joins Partnership Pass Program

OPL’s Partnership Pass program allows patrons to use their Omaha Public Library card to visit some of the best of what our community has to offer in terms of education, entertainment and culture. In April 2024, the Kiewit Luminarium joined the Partnership Pass program. The Luminarium, located at 345 Riverfront Dr., is a place for people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds to explore astonishing phenomena at the intersection of science, art, and human perception through 125+ interactive exhibits and a kaleidoscope of engaging programs.

The pass available through OPL’s Partnership Pass program is reserved in advance online and admits three adults and any household children (limit of 10 children). The pass is only valid for daytime admission entry and does not include adults-only Thursday Night Light. Visit omahalibrary.org/ partnership-passes to learn more.

Patron Spotlight: Ander Gonzalez

Dedicated patron opens home library branch

Omaha Public Library’s mission is to strengthen our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services. Eightyear-old patron Ander Gonzalez has taken this charge to heart and committed to help spread the joy of reading by opening his own branch of OPL.

Located in a northwest Omaha living room, the Ander Branch (AD) offers a variety of programs and services and welcomes neighbors and family friends to check out books. The current featured display showcases books on the topic of Norway, and the branch advertised a Norway Day celebration as another way to drum up interest in the subject.

Check out the community board at the branch to see important information about branch hours and events, as well as promos for other community opportunities like an upcoming Boy Scouts meeting.

The Ander Branch regularly hosts a Read to a Dog program featuring the family dog, Cruz, and encourages exploration of what the collection of books and magazines has to offer. A full family affair, Ander’s sisters also occasionally step in to help with events or collection processing.

Patrons can return books via the branch book drop, or pick up materials that have been placed on hold in advance, marked with their own hold slips. Ander has developed a cataloging and processing system, adding handcrafted barcodes to the books in his collection and scanning them in and out with his own barcode reader (a repurposed toy vehicle).

He has created library cards for his regular patrons, and also has a nonresident library card for visitors who don’t live in the typical service area.

While Ander’s impressive initiative speaks for itself, he wants to be clear: his desire to run a library branch is not a passing interest.

“I like all the books, and I want to be a librarian when I grow up,” he says. When the time comes, OPL will be happy to welcome him aboard.

2024 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest Winners

The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest is held each spring to recognize the creative writing talent of area students in grades 5-8. Students must submit an original work of fiction that features a character from a book they have read on their own and enjoyed. The contest began in 2003 and is named in honor of a longtime Friends of Omaha Public Library volunteer. Virginia Frank’s passion for students and young people inspired everyone around her, and her enthusiasm encouraged many students to explore their creative writing talents.

Winning essays can be read at omahalibrary.org/teens

FIFTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Anna Potts for “Before the War,” Homeschool

2nd – Kyle Martin for “The Protector,” Cottonwood Elementary

3rd – Aleah Adams for “Perfect,” St. Vincent de Paul

SIXTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Mason Estep for “Weird Things Are Happening to Me,” Trinity Classical Academy

2nd – Melaney Burt for “A Wizard’s Beginning,” Trinity Classical Academy

3rd – Elsie Christensen for “Quidditch Dream,” Trinity Classical Academy

SEVENTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Lasya Kalamadugu for “The Secret,” Millard North Middle School

2nd – Sophia Collazo for “Misery,” Liberty Middle School

3rd – Minsu Lofties for “Dog Man: The Furtastic Showdown with Catnapper,” Westside Middle School

EIGHTH GRADE WINNERS

1st – Mya Bryant for “Post-War,” Elkhorn Ridge Middle School

2nd – Elise Mays for “Orchid’s Drive to Arkansas,” Westside Middle School

3rd – Abigail Kwon for “Words I Never Got to Say,” Elkhorn Grandview Middle School

Facilities Updates

Central Library Construction

At 72nd and Dodge streets, the upcoming Central Library — set to open to the public in 2026 — is beginning to take shape as the steel beams are moved into place, assisted by the 180-foot tall crane that was built custom for this project by Kiewit. It’s anticipated that the structure will be fully enclosed later in 2024. Project partners celebrated the construction milestone at a beam signing on March 19, 2024, at HDR, and announced that fundraising efforts surpassed the $158 million goal. Learn more about the project and see construction updates at omahacentrallibrary.org

Land Purchased for New Southwest Branch

A proposal to purchase land for a new library branch in southwest Omaha has been approved by the Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees and was approved by the Omaha City Council on April 2, 2024. The parcel of land is located at 204th and F streets. The new branch will help increase access to library services and help to lighten the load currently seen at the Millard and Elkhorn branches. These two branches together see more than 30% of OPL’s onsite visits, and the new branch will help serve the growing populations in southwest Omaha, increasing access and convenience.

Financial Gifts

Received April 1, 2023 — March 31, 2024

$50,000+

Anonymous

The NBK Foundation

$30,000+

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

The Sherwood Foundation

Sokolof Foundation

Weitz Family Foundation

$10,000+

Anonymous

Becker Family Foundation

Collective For Youth

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Donna Fettig Estate

Michael & Susan Lebens

Mammel Family Foundation

Edward & Carrie May

Barbara & Patrick McNeal

Mike & Dana Meyer

Lewis & Winifred Pinch

Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation

Jill Slosburg-Ackerman

Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation

Webster Family Foundation

$5,000.00

Bonnie & John Austin

Baer Foundation

Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder

Foundation

Reba A. & Leon G. Benschoter Charitable Fund

Bluestem Prairie Foundation

Family of Virginia Budka

Lorraine Chang & Eric Pearson

Cox

Joseph Drugmand

Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation

Traci Hancock

Heritage Services

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

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

Megan Belcher

Samuel M. Bierner & Joseph W. Pinson, III

Barbara Bock-Mavis

Maria Brookhouser

Katie Bruno

David H. Chait

Michael Clark

Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather

Hal & Mary Daub

Elisa & Drew Davies

Davis Erection

Tom Elser & Stephen Hug

Max & Elizabeth Engel

Valerie Enholm Estate

The 2024 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest winners

Drone footage of the Central Library construction.

OPL Foundation Projects

Raising dollars for OPL programs, services, technology, and collections continues to be the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s focus in 2024. In this work, OPLF presents exciting and vital philanthropic opportunities to support OPL while also continually sharing the OPL story with a wider audience.

The annual Summer Reading Program, community outreach, youth literacy activities, and more benefit from year-round donations of all sizes through the Foundation. These much-loved library offerings simply aren’t possible without donor support.

Such fundraising also occurs at the library foundation’s annual fundraiser, Between the Lines. A noted, bestselling author headlines the fall event, often featuring a book signing after. Tickets on sale soon!

In addition to annual program support and special projects for OPL, the library foundation remains engaged in the new Central Library, opening in early 2026 at 72nd and Dodge streets. Construction on this donorfunded project is well underway, thanks to a relatively mild winter. Part of the library’s design includes a high-tech collection system known as the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). OPL will be the first public library system in the United States to have a storage system like this. The ASRS will support citywide distribution by storing items from OPL’s large collection, allowing space for neighborhooddriven programming while still providing an abundance of books and materials in every branch for patrons to discover and enjoy.

The Foundation echoes its gratitude to many longtime donors for making Central Library a reality for OPL and the Greater Omaha community.

BETWEEN THE LiNESwith TOMMY ORANGE

Devin Fox & Rob Block

Jared & Kristine Gerber

Giger Foundation

Jo Giles

Shannon Gilroy

John & Peggy Heck

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

Rochelle Mullen

Shirley & Daniel Neary

Mary O’Donohue & Dakotah Smith

Omaha Steaks International

Stalnaker Family

Janice Boyer & William Piepmeier

Neil Sandhoefner

Tricia Schmit

Jane & Bob Slezak

Elizabeth Summers

Wendy Townley & Matthew Tompkins

Joan & Harold Tu

Meredith & Drew Weitz

West O Fitness

Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt

Timothy Williams

$1,000+

Anonymous

Mary Joy Anderson

Dr. James & Shirley Young Armitage

Richard & Carol Britten

Stephen & Anne Bruckner

Leilani & Ron Coe

Gloria Dinsdale

Carol Ebdon

First National Bank

Mary & Daren Folchert

Friedland Family Foundation

Carol Gendler

Joseph & Polly Goecke

Great Plains Communications

GreenSlate

HDR, Inc.

Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp

Joel Hutchins

Theresa Jehlik

Sandra Jenkins

Milton & Marsha Kleinberg

Dave & Vicki Krecek

Gary & Lucie Long

Cindy & Gregg 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 Corp.

Chris VanKat

Justine Walker

Anonymous

Phil & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous (2)

Doug & Cathy Aden

Claire Baker

George & Kathleen Bigelow

Crystal & Brian Brislen

Bobbie Carlson

Sandor & Rhonda Chomos

Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin

Brian Delaney

Rebecca Evans

Joyce & Roger Fitch

Mikki Frost

Lynn & Cindy Gray

Vic Gutman & Roberta Wilhelm

William & Ann Hall

Holly Herman

John Hruska

Grant & Kathryn Hutchins

Nancy Jacobson

Howard & Gloria Kaslow

Marc & Joan Kraft

Ruth MacNamara

Francine Miller

It’s also worth mentioning that technology offerings continue to grow at OPL’s Abrahams Branch following the addition of Do Space last year. Funded by the generosity of local donors who also annually support OPL, Do Space’s events calendar this year includes the Summer Passport Program, 3D printing services, podcast recording opportunities, and more.

To learn more about how your donation can support OPL programs and services, contact the Omaha Public Library Foundation: foundation@ omahalibrary.org or (402) 444-4589.

Jim & Bobbie Montequin

Moshman Family Foundation

Nithya Paul

Susan Petersen

Ann Rinne

Anne Rismiller

Emma Savory

Julie Schroeder

Mary & Leonard Sommer

Dr. Joshua & Mrs. Emily States

Union Pacific Giveplus Program

Susan Vosburg

Jen Rae Wang & Family

David Watts

Yuan Zhen

$250+

Anonymous (2)

Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson

Martha Antonson

Lynn & Thomas Ashby

Marcia Bechtel

Ken & Annie Bird

The Bookworm

Jeffrey Boyum

Kate Bradley

Marjorie & Larry Brennan

Dale & Christina Broekemeier

Christopher J. Cold Family

Harl & Kay Dalstrom

Tony & Claudia Deeb

Emspace Group

Mary Ferer

Nancy Gallagher

David & Joan Haas

Terry & Linda Haubold

Noreen Johnson

Philip Kelley

Kiewit

Greta Landis

Tom Liefer

Jodie Mackintosh

Diana Nevins

Polly & Frank Partsch

Ryan Pelster

Marcie & Scott Peterson

Norma & Cliff Pountney

Greg & Sue Rusie

Jeanne & Pat Salerno

Joseph Samson

Margaret Sandlier

Joseph & Mary Scholl

Laura Schumacher

Deborah Smith-Howell

Pete & Mary Lou Stehr

Susan Toelle

Jon Tritsch

Union Pacific Fund for Effective Government

Chester Waters

Sarah Watson

Ashley & Brad Wedeking Honorariums & Memorials Received

Jan 1 — Mar 31, 2024

In Honor of Finch & Emme

Bartel

Megan Belcher

In Memory of Joanne

Berkshire

Book & Study Club

In Honor of Janice Bolte

Riccardo & Mary Marchio

In Memory of Douglas Clark

Michael Clark

In Memory of Nathan Cox

John & Diane Cox

In Memory of Barbara Davis

Steve Davis

Susan Davis

In Memory of Mary Lou

Gilroy

Joan & Harold Tu

In Memory of Maureen

Gobel

Joseph & Linda Maloley

In Memory of Marilyn Herman

Holly Herman

In Memory of Rose Hill

Mary Carol Zuegner, Ph.D.

In Memory of Mary S. Lueder

Shirley Alsager

Anne Bearden

Ken & Annie Bird

Ann & Christian Blunk

Deborah & Sam Brower

Bill & Sarah Carver

Jennifer Cyr

Cindy & Gregg Lueder

Jodie Mackintosh

John & Deb McCollister

Susan McMannama

Mr. Gerald F. Moore

Susan & Robert Mullin

Rosemary Rogers

Ann Rutherford

Beth Torson

Nancy & Warren Whitted

Joan Winer

Susan & Robert Woodford

Dick & Terri Zacharia

In Honor of Carrie & Ed May

Cindy & Gregg Lueder

In Memory of Clifford W. Shaffer, Jr.

Corey Aldy

In Memory of Mary Sweaney

Gabriella Castro

Suzan Haskins

Sherry Kellogg

In Honor of Joan & Harold Tu

Shannon Gilroy

In Memory of Priscilla K. Wheeler

Ellen Wheeler Scott

In Honor of Eileen Wirth

UNMC Faculty Women’s Club In Memory of Edward Zachary

Dale & Christina Broekemeier

Lecture + Q&A with the Author

Mike & Josie Harper Center at Creighton University

MON–THURS 9 am –8 pm

(except South Omaha Library closes at 7 pm)

FRI & SAT 9 am –5 pm

SUN select locations . . . . . . . . 1–5 pm

(Downtown Branch, Genealogy & Local History Room, Millard Branch & Milton R Abrahams Branch)

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

DOWNTOWN BRANCH

1401 Jones St . | 402 444 . 4828

FLORENCE BRANCH

2920 Bondesson St . | 402 . 444 . 5299

GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY ROOM

3020 S 84th St | 402 444 4800

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

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 .

Library Night

with the

Wed | Aug 7 | 7 or Sun | Aug 11 | 5 pm

Kids and teens who reached their summer reading goals can redeem their voucher to watch a game with other super readers!

OPL Celebrates 150 Years

Omaha Public Library has served the community for more than 150 years, and its rich history emphasizes the library’s enduring mission to provide access to ideas, information, and innovative services. Over the years, OPL has adapted to technological advancements and the needs of the community, offering diverse services such as language learning, a seed library, and digital resources — in addition to its expansive collection of books and materials — truly serving as a community hub that provides a space for learning, socializing, and access to resources.

Scan to watch a new video that explores the origins or OPL and how it’s grown in its 150+ years, and takes a look toward the future.

Summer Holidays

All locations closed Wednesday, June 19 Juneteenth

July 4