Connect Summer Reading Program
June 1–July 31, 2023
All Ages
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
Kids’ & Teens’ Program
Receive two free books when you register! Complete 10 hours of reading/listening or activities 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 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)
News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL
Free!
Learn more & sign up at your local branch or omahalibrary.org. Completion prizes available beginning June 1, while supplies last.
Director’s Note
This time of year always reminds me of long days of being out of school for the summer, bike rides, afternoons at the beach, and hanging out at the library. These events were the epitome of my childhood downtime.
As the air gets warmer and the days get longer, staff at Omaha Public Library (OPL) look forward to an exciting, funfilled summer of activities and reading for the whole family!
This year during the Summer Reading Program (SRP), patrons can enjoy a variety of educational and entertaining programs, and there’s something for everyone! From storytimes “out and about” at different locations throughout the community, to escape rooms for kids, teens and families, all ages are encouraged to get involved.
This year, OPL and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium will partner to offer opportunities for patrons to see animals from different continents, and learn about their habitats and other cool facts. Omaha Children’s Museum will visit OPL branches to invite kids to become space cadets and learn about physics, chemistry, and engineering concepts! Omaha Symphony will visit storytimes to share how instruments make sound, and make a paper bell used to amplify voices. Learn about the constellations of Greek mythology in the STARLAB from Gifford Farms. These are only a few of the great things to see and do this summer at the library! Visit omahalibrary.org or your local branch to see a full schedule of activities and to get registered for SRP. Enjoy your summer!
Spring Recap
Eggs at OPL Branches
In coordination with Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties, several OPL branches received eggs to incubate and hatch in March. Bess Johnson Elkhorn, Charles B. Washington, Florence, Millard, Milton R. Abrahams, Saddlebrook, W. Clarke Swanson, and Willa Cather branches offered the opportunity to learn more about egg-laying animals with different prompts for patrons to engage with throughout the incubation process. Children were encouraged to think about what kind of animal might be inside the eggs, and even vote on names for the new hatchlings! During the last week in March, baby ducklings emerged from their shells and delighted branch visitors with their peeps, fuzzy feathers and fun names. Ducklings stayed at the branches for less than a week before being rehomed with Nebraska Extension.
Common Soil Seed Library Celebrates 10 Years
In 2023, OPL celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Common Soil Seed Library! OPL’s Seed Library launched in 2013 at Benson Branch. Approximately 1,723 seed packets were checked out in the first year, and that number more than doubled the following year. Circulation continues to grow steadily, with more than 47,000 seed packets checked out in 2022.
To celebrate 10 years of sharing seeds and stories, OPL invited the community to attend an open house at Benson Branch on April 8. At the event, OPL offered seeds for all levels of gardeners and welcomed representatives from various urban agricultural organizations within the Omaha metro to help share more information. More than 90 people attended the event. Learn more about the Seed Library at omahalibrary.org/seed-library
Making Connections Through National Campaigns
OPL offered programming throughout the spring to support various national education campaigns in an effort to connect people with information, each other, and the world around them through books, stories and entertainment.
The Nebraska Science Festival (NE SciFest) took place across the state of Nebraska during April. This campaign supports making science accessible and fun for learners of all ages. OPL patrons had the opportunity to engage with this campaign through programs such as science storytimes and programs exploring different science topics offered in partnership with Fontenelle Forest and Omaha Children’s Museum.
Laura Marlane Executive Director
El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s
Day/Book
Day), commonly known as Día, is an everyday celebration of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. OPL kicked off programming to honor a variety of languages and culture on April 17 with a dance and drumming workshop presented by African Culture Connection. Other programming included non-English speaking guest storytellers, cultural dance, and a celebration at South Omaha Library.
In an effort to encourage patrons to engage in the worldwide City Nature Challenge, OPL offered a series of storytimes at different OPL branches during which they read books about nature, sang songs and learned how to identify plants and animals found in the wild.
Siblings show off their seed projects during a gardening storytime at Willa Cather Branch on April 6, 2023.
Youth Services Librarian Janeth Hernandez Islas reads aloud during storytime at Willa Cather Branch on April 21, 2023.
Newly-hatched ducklings rest in an incubator at Florence Branch on March 27, 2023.
A Fontenelle Forest presenter holds up a barn owl during a program at Saddlebrook Branch on April 7, 2023.
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Urban Gardening Librarian Jacob Lee showcases available resources during the Common Soil open house at Benson Branch on April 8, 2023.
Facilities Updates
Updates provided were current at the time this publication went to print. Due to the accelerated pace of these projects, the status may have changed from what is reported here. Visit omahalibrary.org/facilities-projects the most up-to-date information.
Library Facilities Plan Update
Throughout the spring months, OPL, the Omaha Public Library Foundation, the City of Omaha, Do Space, and Heritage Omaha worked together with the Omaha community and Margaret Sullivan Studio (MSS), a nationally recognized library expert and design firm that specializes in civic projects, to develop a community-driven 2023 Library Facilities Plan.
The goal of the 2023 Library Facilities Plan is to offer recommendations for present and future OPL facilities. The plan also aims to envision future Do Space workspaces and programming in partnership with OPL, and align Do Space services with Omaha’s digital equity needs and the needs of the city’s entrepreneurs and makers.
A community survey launched on February 15 to gather feedback to shape the future of OPL and Do Space services, spaces and more. The community survey was available in English and Spanish, both print and online, and open for responses through May 1, 2023.
A series of neighborhood-focused community engagement opportunities took place in March and April at locations throughout the city.
“The plan’s recommendations and future funding investments will be rooted in the community’s needs and aspirations,” said Margaret Sullivan, principal at MSS.
OPL’s board of trustees will vote on the plan in June 2023 and, if approved, OPL will publish the final 2023 Library Facilities Plan to its website soon thereafter.
New Downtown Branch Opens
Downtown Branch opened at 1401 Jones Street on Sunday, May 21, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening remarks from Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, City Councilmember Danny Begley, OPL Board President Mike Kennedy, and OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane.
Participants explored the new space, which includes a large children’s area and story house to encourage the imaginations of Omaha’s youngest readers; a quiet reading room in which to get lost in a favorite book; meeting spaces and study rooms designed for community collaboration and engagement; and technology and other innovative services to connect people with ideas and information.
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. Following its closure in 1940, the building was renovated into cold storage, and later operated as an auto parts supply business before being sold to investors in 2013.
Special care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the original structure, including its masonry, tilework, tin ceilings and exposed wooden beams. New additions such as a feature wall representing the downtown Omaha street grid, commissioned artwork, and distinctive photography also pay homage to the history of the city.
New Summer Titles
These titles will be added to OPL’s collection between June 1–August 31, 2023.
Soldiers Don’t Go Mad: A Story of Brotherhood, Poetry and Mental Illness During the First World War by Charles Glass
This book examines the origins of PTSD after World War I through the friendship of poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons
In 1938 London, as World War II starts to take over, bookstore owner Gertie decides to take in a young refugee who is willful and fearless. Together, they start a book club and have animated discussions while facing loss and tragedy.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James
McBride
In 1972, workers uncover a skeleton while digging for a development project. This discovery reveals secrets about a neighborhood where Jewish immigrants and African Americans lived side by side, sharing the sorrows of living on the margins.
Recipes for Murder: 66 Dishes That Celebrate the Mysteries of Agatha
Christie by Karen Pierce
This cookbook is filled with recipes for dishes inspired by the mysteries of Agatha Christie.
Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse by Kim Wickens
Lexington’s story has been told in novel form by Geraldine Brooks in “Horse.” This is Lexington’s biography, from his days in early American horseracing, through the Civil War and his success as a sire.
The new Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones Street is now open!
The children’s area features a story house for children to explore and play.
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Patrons share their ideas for library facilities and services during community engagement sessions at Village Empowerment Center on March 22, 2023 (above) & Millard Branch on March 30, 2023 (below). (photos by Margaret Sullivan Studio)
KidSpot
Volunteer Spotlight: Norma Pountney
Having served at nearly every level of the organization, Norma Pountney has come full circle during her time with OPL. She started as a volunteer who gradually worked her way up to become the interim library director. Now in retirement, she has returned again as a volunteer!
Costume Characters
Enjoy stories and activities with these children’s book characters and other special guests. Schedules are subject to change; visit omahalibrary.org for updates.
Llama Llama
Fri | June 2 | 10:30 am | Elkhorn Branch
Sat | June 3 | 10:30 am | Swanson Branch
Mon | June 5 | 10:30 am | Saddlebrook Branch
Tues | June 6 | 10 am | Sorensen Branch
Wed | June 7 | 6 pm | South Omaha Library en Español
Thurs | June 8 | 10:30 am | Florence Branch
Fri | June 9 | 10:30 am | Abrahams Branch
Sat | June 10 | 10:30 am | Benson Branch
Stormy
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
Bad Kitty
Fri | July 7 | 10:30 am | Abrahams Branch
Sun | July 9 | 3 pm | Downtown Branch
Mon | July 10 | 10:30 am | 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 | Elkhorn Branch
Sat | July 15 | 10:30 am | Swanson Branch
New Summer Titles for Youth
How to Go Hiking by Jean Reagan
In 1974, Pountney left a career in data processing to pursue a career in library services. This change presented new challenges as she tried to balance commuting to school and taking care of her family.
As a volunteer at W. Dale Clark Main Library with managerial experience and a business background, Pountney was hired as a part-time specialist at Charles B. Washington Branch in 1995, and continued to acquire promotions in leadership positions until her retirement in 2016.
Not long after her retirement, Pountney returned to her home branch in Elkhorn to continue providing support to OPL. “I believe in libraries,” Pountney said. “I use the library a lot, and I strongly believe in their purpose of giving people access.” Pountney provides support to the branch by shelving books, specifically in the children’s collection. In large part, her responsibilities include maintaining the space by organizing and arranging the materials, making it easier to browse.
Before the pandemic, Pountney tutored first and second-graders at a nearby school and served as a caller for the community bingo hall. As businesses and organizations began to reemerge from the pandemic, volunteering at Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch was her first step toward reengaging with her community. Using her creative skills, she also devotes her time to creating quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The quilts are sent worldwide to areas in need. She shares her quilts locally by making custom quilts for the graduating high schoolers at her church.
“I enjoyed my time at OPL and that’s one of the reasons I came back,” Pountney said. In addition to her church and volunteer work, she is also a book club member at Elkhorn Branch. “It’s important that you get out and help out,” said Pountney. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer to apply.
Burt the Beetle Lives Here! by Ashley Spires
This graphic novel geared toward insect-loving 5-8 year olds follows Burt the June beetle as he visits the homes of his insect friends to find what would make the perfect home for him.
I Am Not Alone by Francisco X. Stork
An uncle and nephew’s hiking adventure is highlighted in this early reader story that mentions what supplies are needed and what things one might experience on a hike in the woods.
Eyewitness National Parks by DK Eyewitness
Explore all 63 U.S. National Parks in this illustrated guide filled with photographs, facts, diagrams and statistics.
This sensitive but page-turning thriller features Alberto, an undocumented immigrant developing schizophrenia, who ends up becoming the suspect of a terrible crime.
Flora la Fresca & the Art of Friendship
by Veronica Chambers
Panamanian-American Flora’s best friend Clara is moving away, so the two of them embark on a mission to find Flora a new best friend in this humorous middle grade chapter book.
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Partner Spotlight: Douglas County Youth Center
Typically, OPL book clubs are open to the public and welcome new participants. One book club, however, is an exception. It meets weekly, every other month inside the Douglas County Youth Center (DCYC) correctional facility.
During OPL’s COVID-19 closure in 2020, OPL Outreach & Partnerships Manager Maggie Petersen sought ways to reach vulnerable populations with library services. Because many spaces became difficult to access, security requirements at DCYC made virtual visits an easier way to explore book club opportunities with their residents. “I wasn’t sure how interested they’d be, but I quickly found that some residents finished their books within days of receiving them!” said Petersen.
In fall 2022, DCYC Principal Dave Collins reached out to ask if OPL could transition to in-person sessions. About a month later, outreach staff members Elly Roberts and Farhana Husain joined Petersen, with 12 copies of “Tyrell” by Coe Booth in tow. Collins introduced the OPL team to DCYC Librarian Sue Helming and a curious unit of 15-18 year old boys.
“Seeing Maggie model best practices for working with incarcerated youth gave us a ton of inspiration for how to plan and deliver sessions,” said Roberts. “We designed this book club to be conversational and fun, even though we’re reading about topics like homelessness, gun violence, gangs and racism.”
Book selection is an important part of the process. “Incarcerated youth often haven’t had the chance to read stories that they relate to. Letting the boys vote on our next read gives them ownership in the process,” explained Roberts. “Teens can develop a positive relationship to reading through something as simple as discovering protagonists who they can relate to.”
The club devotes three meetings to each book title, and include a combination of reading aloud, vocabulary and plot-related games, content discussions, and a trivia game inspired by the themes and unique components of each book.
Helming noted, “Many of the kids in book club have never read a chapter book before. It is important that we… are non-judgmental and let them state their feelings in a safe environment.”
Helming reports that youth continue to ask for other books by authors they discovered through book club in DCYC’s own library, and that they’ve learned about new genres through the program. “Trying to get the kids excited about reading can be a challenge… [but it] lets them know they are not alone and that the world is a bigger place than they once imagined,” said Helming.
Other featured titles include “When I Was the Greatest” and “Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds, “Blood Brothers” by Colleen Nelson, “Just Mercy” (Young Readers Edition) by Bryan Stevenson, and “The Getaway” by Lamar Giles.
“This program has given participants a safe space to discuss tough topics and relate to their peers,” said Husain. “It’s amazing to watch DCYC residents build trust and a sense of community through their book club.”
DCYC Book Clubs are made possible by funding from the Omaha Public Library and Soener foundations.
Staff Spotlight: Lynn Sullivan
This year, Library Specialist Lynn Sullivan will celebrate 40 years of service at OPL. After 40 years, many people would be thinking about retirement, but not Sullivan.
“As long as I am active and mobile, I’d like to keep working,” said Sullivan.
To anyone who knows Sullivan, her commitment to her work comes as no surprise.
“Since I’ve known her, Lynn has been our Energizer Bunny!” said Genealogy & Local History Librarian Martha Grenzeback. “No one is more energetic and project-oriented than she is!”
Sullivan started working at Benson Branch as a library specialist in 1983. In 1988, she moved to W. Dale Clark Main Library to help with reference work, and continued to work there until the building’s closure in August 2022. She spent some time working at the downtown Interim Branch, prior to moving to the Genealogy & Local History Room at the Library Administrative Building.
Sullivan said that she never expected when she started working for OPL that she would necessarily be here 40 years later, but felt the job was a good fit for her education and skill set. Sullivan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a history minor from College of Saint Mary. She feels that the position has evolved over the years and plays to her strengths. She considers herself “lucky” that this is the only job she’s ever had.
She likes her work, and shared that she appreciates the feeling of community that comes with working in a library. “I enjoy visiting with patrons and learning about their interests and what they like to read,” said Sullivan. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that the little things are what you’ll be remembered for and what can make a change in someone’s life. Smiles matter.”
“Lynn has always been friendly, welcoming, and social with all of our patrons,” said Downtown Branch Manager Natalie Struecker. “She has a wealth of knowledge about the library and the city, and knows our collection inside and out. She’s always willing to jump in on a project or a problem and help!”
Congratulations to Sullivan on 40 years of service at OPL, and cheers to many more!
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2023 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest Winners
On April 23, the Friends of Omaha Public Library recognized 12 young people for their excellence in writing during a reception at Millard Branch. Douglas and Sarpy County students in grades 5-8 received certificates of achievement and cash prizes as part of the annual Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest. School libraries where the winning students attend received matching cash prizes. Students wrote an original fiction story featuring a character from a book they had read on their own.
Winning stories are available online at omahalibrary.org/teens.
FIFTH GRADE WINNERS
1st – Xi Lin
Fire Ridge Elementary
2nd – Violet Jackson
Trinity Classical Academy
3rd – Nathaniel Harrison
Fairview Elementary
SIXTH GRADE WINNERS
1st – Sofia Sosa
Millard Central Middle School
2nd – Irish Gabrial Gallagher
Swanson Elementary School
3rd – Lia Castro
Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School
SEVENTH GRADE WINNERS
1st – Emma Wavra
George Beadle Middle School
2nd – Jay Kruse
Bennington Middle School
3rd – Cecilia Elgert
Russell Middle School
EIGHTH GRADE WINNERS
1st – Jillian Narber
Elkhorn Middle School
2nd – Kylee McMahon
Russell Middle School
3rd – Finch Grey (Mia Bartel)
Lewis & Clark Middle School
Foundation to Celebrate with Molly Shannon &
Susan Orlean
This year’s contest had 376 total entries, representing 131 fifth graders, 114 sixth graders, 53 seventh graders, and 78 eighth graders from 68 Douglas and Sarpy County schools and 19 different school districts and homeschools. Additionally, 44 ZIP codes were represented.
Special thanks to this year’s judges: Hannah Amrollahi, Denise Arnold, Dottie Bossman, Mary Lu Larson, Sharon Leuschen, Ellen Scott, Mary Ann Sturek, and Jean Weeks.
The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest began in 2003 and is named in honor of a longtime former Friends volunteer.
For the past nine years, the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) has brought a celebrated, best-selling author to Omaha to raise funds for and awareness of Omaha Public Library. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Between the Lines fundraiser, and OPLF is pulling out all the stops with not just one author, but two.
Hear from author/comedian/actress Molly Shannon and author Susan Orlean the evening of Tuesday, September 26, at the Holland Center.
The fundraiser will feature a conversation between Shannon and Orlean about the importance of public libraries and the varied, vital roles they play in our communities. Both speakers will discuss their favorite library memories and their work as published authors – most likely with a dash of humor.
Shannon has become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents on television and the silver screen. Shannon spent six seasons as a member of the repertory company on “Saturday Night Live,” primarily known for the eclectic characters she created, such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley.
In 2011, Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS, released Shannon’s first children’s picture book, “Tilly the Trickster.” The book tells the tale of Tilly, “a mischief maker of the best kind—one who learns her lesson but never lets the reader stop having fun.”
Shannon’s best-selling memoir, “Hello, Molly!” was released by HarperCollins in April 2022. Shannon also served as honorary chair of National Library Week in 2022. Her mother, Peggy, was a school librarian.
Witty, winning, and told with tremendous energy and heart, “Hello, Molly!” sheds new and revelatory light on the life and work of one of our most talented and free-spirited performers.
OPL
Molly Shannon (photo by Corey Nickols) Susan Orlean (photo by Corey Hendrickson)
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(pictured from left to right) Jillian Narber, Emma Wavra, Xi Lin, Kylee McMahon, Irish Gabrial Gallagher, Finch Grey (Mia Bartel), Lia Castro, Cecilia Elgert, Sofia Sosa, Violet Jackson, Jay Kruse (back) and Nathaniel Harrison (front)
In her 2018 book, “The Library Book,” Orlean reopens the unsolved mystery of the most catastrophic library fire in American history, and delivers a dazzling homage to a beloved institution – our libraries.
Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading with the fascinating history of libraries (and the sometimes-eccentric characters who run them), the awardwinning journalist and New York Times best-selling author presents a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling story. With her signature wit, insight, compassion and talent for deep research, she investigates the legendary Los Angeles Public Library fire to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives, and reveals how these buildings provide much more than just books, and are needed now more than ever.
Orlean has been called “a national treasure” by The Washington Post and “a latter-day Tocqueville” by The New York Times. Her deeply moving explorations of American stories both familiar and obscure
Financial Gifts
Received Apr 1, 2022 — Mar 31, 2023
$235,000+
Ruth Sage Estate
$50,000+
Holland Foundation
The Sherwood Foundation
$30,000+
Richard Brooke Foundation
Hawks Foundation
Lozier Foundation
William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation
$20,000+
Collective For Youth
Claire M. Hubbard Foundation
Susan Sibbernsen
Sokolof Foundation
Weitz Family Foundation
$15,000+
Amy L. Scott Family Foundation
$10,000+
Cox Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation
Michael & Susan Lebens
Dan & Tina Lonergan
Mammel Family Foundation
Fred & Eve Simon Charitable
Foundation
Paul & Annette Smith
Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation
Webster Family Foundation
Roger & Kate Weitz
$5,000+
Bonnie & John Austin
Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation
Bluestem Prairie Foundation
Ann C. Burdette Irrevocable Trust
Deloitte & Touche LLP
HDR, Inc.
have earned her a reputation as one of America’s most distinctive journalistic voices. Shannon and Orlean both grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
The September 26 fundraiser will also feature the presentation of the 2023 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award. The annual award recognizes longtime service from an OPLF volunteer.
Previous honorees include Barbara BockMavis (2017), Jim Kineen (2018), Eileen Wirth (2019), Freddie Gray (2020), Dick Kelley (2021), and Carol Wang (2022).
Tickets to Between the Lines with Molly Shannon and Susan Orlean go on sale soon. For details and sponsorship opportunities, please contact the OPLF at 402.444.4589 or foundation@omahalibrary.org.
Katie Bruno
Friedland Family Foundation
Carol Gendler
Give Nebraska
Great Plains Communications
Past authors & venues for Between the Lines
2014 Margaret Atwood at Milton R. Abrahams Branch
2015 Wally Lamb at Millard Branch
2016 Tobias Wolff at Benson Branch
2017 Hope Jahren at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College (MCC)
2018 Amy Thielen at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC
2019 Angie Thomas at the Institute for the Culinary Arts at MCC
2020 Elaine Weiss virtual visit via Zoom
2021 Yaa Gyasi at Temple Israel
2022 Bryan Stevenson at Creighton University’s Harper Center
John & Merrilee Miller
Nancy Ovenden
Susan Petersen
Ann Rinne
Rotary-Suburban
The Heider Family Foundation
Jack & Stephanie Koraleski
Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation
Mutual of Omaha Companies
Pacific Life Foundation
Lewis & Winifred Pinch
Silvia Roffman
Jill Slosburg-Ackerman
Elizabeth Summers
Tenaska, Inc.
$2,000+
Anonymous Alley Poyner Macchietto
Architecture, P.C.
Baer Foundation
Berry Law Firm
Barbara Bock-Mavis
Bridges Trust
Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather
John & Terri Diesing
Joseph Drugmand
Sarah Newman
Peggy & John Heck
Heritage Omaha
Sue & Mark Hoffman
Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Richard Kelley
Karen & Jim Linder
Tulani & Othello Meadows
Meza Gardens & Design
Omaha Steaks International
West O Fitness
Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt
$1,000+
Anonymous (2)
Mary Joy Anderson
Bay Family Foundation
Richard & Carol Britten
Stephen & Anne Bruckner
GreenSlate
Harold & Clara Hoover
Theresa Jehlik
Milton & Marsha Kleinberg
Jeff Kosse
Dave & Vicki Krecek
Gary & Lucie Long
Marty Magee
Margaret Sullivan Studio
Marilyn Marsh
Edward & Carrie May
Mark & Dianne McMillan
Chris Menefee
Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners
Rochelle Mullen
Sharee & Murray Newman Fund
OPPD
John & Kathleen Ransom
Red & Jann Thomas
Justine Walker
Sarah Watson
Phil & Nancy Wolf
$500+
Anonymous (3)
Doug & Cathy Aden
Alleghany Corporation
George & Kathleen Bigelow
Sandor & Rhonda Chomos
Nancy Darst
Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor
Carol Ebdon
Rebecca Evans
Mary Ann & Daren Folchert
Jo Giles
Mike & Wanda Gottschalk
Lynn & Cindy Gray
Anna Gregerson
William & Ann Hall
Deryl & Ramona Hamann
Traci Hancock
Dr. Gina Hawley
Howard & Gloria Kaslow
Dan & Kari Kinsella
Marc & Joan Kraft
Greg & Sue Rusie
Julie Schroeder
Joshua & Emily States
Susan Vosburg
Carol Wang & Jim Phillips
$250+
Anonymous
AmazonSmile Foundation
Amy Armbruster
Lynn & Thomas Ashby
Marcia Bechtel
Bobbie Carlson
Hal & Mary Daub
Roy & Gloria Dinsdale
Eclectic Book Club
Mary Ferer
Thomas & Nancy Gallagher
Richard & Melanie Gerbeling
Kathy Gross
Lori Hedstrom
Noreen Johnson
Emily Kemp
Kiewit
Tom Liefer
Laura Marlane & Paul Richards
Moshman Family Foundation
Nebraska Writers Collective
Diana Nevins
Nithya Paul
Ken & Linda Pohlman
Norma & Cliff Pountney
Laura Schumacher
Shirley Siebler
Deborah Smith-Howell
Susan Stalnaker
Pete & Mary Lou Stehr
Sue Stroesser
Vance Taylor
Tom Trenolone
Jon Tritsch
Bill & Joan Truhlsen
David Watts
Ashley & Brad Wedeking
Honorariums & Memorials Received Jan 1 — Mar 31, 2023
In Memory of James Richard (Dick) Burrows
Sue & Mark Hoffman
In Memory of Marilyn G. “Penny” Cassling
Book & Study Club
In Memory of Barbara Davis
Teresa Calantoc
Simona Oprea
In Honor of Jack Donovan
Lisa Swalwell
In Honor of Katie Donovan
Lisa Swalwell
In Memory of Donna Fettig
Charles Barrow Jr.
Kenneth Buchele
Houghton Bradford Whitted PC, LLO
Brad Knuth
Elizabeth Mulligan
Marilyn Seidel
Pam Tramp
In Memory of Jan Semisch
Lynette & Edward Wieger
In Memory of Charlton “CJ”
Trader
Sarah Atencio-Trader
In Honor of Eileen Wirth
Eclectic Book Club
Hope Presbyterian Church
Papillion Junior Woman’s Club
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Barbara Bock-Mavis (pictured in 2017) is the namesake for the annual OPL leadership award.
Summer Holidays
All locations closed
Monday, June 19 Juneteenth
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
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Independence Day
Tuesday, July 4 Independence Day
the
Thursday, Aug 10 or
Sunday, Aug 13 Kids
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)
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 1818 8790 F St., Ste. 108 Omaha, NE 68127
Night with
Library
and teens who
goals
to
Join us at different parks and places in the Omaha metro area for storytime!
reached their summer reading
can redeem their voucher
watch a game with other super readers!