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.