OPL Connect Newsletter Volume 30 • Issue 2 • Summer 2023

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)

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Molly Shannon (photo by Corey Nickols) Susan Orlean (photo by Corey Hendrickson)

(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

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

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