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2024 Reading Challenge Ready to take on a challenge in 2024? OPL’s annual Reading Challenge is back with 12 new themes designed to help push you out of your reading comfort zone. Tackle one per month, or whatever pace you’d like throughout the year. Simply read one book that fits each of the 12 themes presented. Reading recommendations for each month’s theme will be available at omahalibrary.org. If you need additional recommendations, feel free to ask the staff at your neighborhood branch or request a Custom Reading List at omahalibrary.org/find-your-next-read. Want to swap out a challenge? Reach out to request a new challenge at readingchallenge@omahalibrary.org.
Volume 30 • Issue 4 • Winter 2023-2024
CHALLENGE CHECKLIST
2024
□ Read a book about or featuring technology & culture.
□ Read a book about or featuring social justice. □ Read a book by, about, or featuring a refugee or immigrant.
□ Read a book from OPL’s Top Shelf. □ Read a book about or featuring mythology. □ Read a book about or featuring LGBTQIA+ families.
Beginning in January 2024, visit your local branch to pick up a Reading Challenge notebook (while supplies last), which contains the challenge details as well as a place to track your reading throughout the year.
□ Read a book by, about, or featuring a person
Once completed, fill out a paper form or submit your entry online for a chance to win a gift card to a local bookstore. Everyone who turns in a paper form or submits the online form will also receive a pin for completing the challenge.
□ Read a book mentioned on The Book Drop. □ Read a book with a color in the title. □ Read a book by, about, or featuring a 20th
Be sure to share what you’re reading on social media by tagging @omahalibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Find more information at omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge.
with a disability.
century icon.
□ Read a book by, about, or featuring a veteran. □ Read a book about or featuring spirituality.
New Winter Titles Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection December 2023—February 2024. Familia by Lauren E. Rico In San Juan, a genealogy test will change the course of two women’s lives as they find each other across cultures. Two sisters are reunited, one longing to meet the other and the other insisting it is an impossible mistake. As they aim to discover the truth, other secrets about who they are unfold before them.
The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan In an older estate off of the coast of South Africa, a once thriving space is in disrepair, a home to misfits wanting to disconnect from society. Sana finds herself enthralled by the history of the place and starts wandering through a mystery of something that happened a hundred years ago to Meena who is now a spirit waiting for the secrets of her death to be uncovered.
Every Black Girl Dances by Candice Y. Johnson Hollywood sensation JC Burke is experiencing all the privileges of being famous and wealthy, but all is not as perfect as it seems. As she leaves her latest project amidst a strained relationship with her producing partner, she returns home and reconsiders the price of her success.
Ours by Phillip B. Williams An enigmatic woman named Saint has been able to create a community free from the world of slavery that is magically hidden. She has rescued people from plantations in Arkansas and taken them there to safety. Soon she encounters the vulnerability of her magic, and the possible incursion by others with their own magic, and the safety of their community is becoming its own kind of prison.
Director’s Note
Fall Recap
With fall coming to a close, I’m looking forward to cooler temperatures and snowy winter nights. Not too much snow, just the light and pretty kind, not the kind that has you spending most of your time with a shovel in your hands!
Omaha Reads
No matter what the weather has in store for us, you can rest assured that Omaha Public Library will be available 24/7 with lots of ways to get you in a holiday mood! If cooking is on your holiday to-do list, look no further than OPL’s collection with over 5,000 cookbooks to choose from. Whether you’re bringing a side dish or planning the entire meal, you’ll find the perfect recipes for your gathering. Access New York Times Cooking–a diverse recipe collection that helps home cooks of every level discover, save and organize the world’s best recipes–free from OPL’s Resource Center at omahalibrary.org/resource. On those nights when it’s just too cold to go out, visit omahalibrary.org or use the MyOPL and Libby apps to download stories to listen to or read on a cozy winter evening. Or stream over 30,000 independent and international films using Kanopy. Kanopy Kids highlights films and TV series that inspire and inform, helping children develop empathy, mindfulness, and self-esteem through entertaining and educational videos. Kanopy Kids includes developmentally appropriate, age-based ratings from Common Sense Media. You can find all of these apps on OPL’s website, so dive in and enjoy! Be sure to check out the online events calendar at omahalibrary.org/events for details on all of the programs and activities you’ll find at the library. On behalf of everyone at Omaha Public Library, we wish you all a happy and safe holiday season, and a Happy New Year!
Laura Marlane Executive Director
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Omaha Reads is a yearly event that celebrates the power of literature by bringing the community together to read and explore the themes of one book. The book is selected through a public vote and promoted through book talks, author visits, and related programs. The Omaha Reads selection for 2023 was “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. OPL held several book club discussions and a panel discussion at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where more than 150 people attended the events. Nominations for 2024 titles will take place in the winter.
Dr. Barbara Robins, Dr. Susana Geliga, Dr. Rudi Mitchell, and Dr. Elizabeth Chalecki (pictured left to right) were the panelists at the Omaha Reads panel discussion on September 24.
Two patrons show off the complimentary art prints they received at the Omaha Reads panel discussion on September 24.
Scary Stories After Dark On October 6, OPL had 45 attendees at the Scary Stories After Dark at Benson Branch. This event allowed attendees to hear original stories from five community storytellers. At the end of the event, two storytellers, Durrett Winter and Crystal Garcia, tied for 1st place (score-wise). In a tie situation, rock-paper-scissors is used to decide who gets the 1st place trophy to which Crystal was awarded.
Storytellers J.D. Rummel, Durrett Winter, and Crystal Garcia (pictured left to right) were the top three contenders during Scary Stories After Dark at Benson Branch on October 6.
Storybook Land On November 5, over 600 people attended OPL’s annual Storybook Land event at Westroads Mall. Beloved storybook characters from children’s literature came to life to offer hugs, high-fives, and plenty of photo opportunities. Participants enjoyed storytimes and visits with Elephant & Piggie, How Do Dinosaur, Llama Llama, Paddington Bear, Rainbow Fish, and OPL’s mascot Scamper. Children were given a passport to track which characters they visited, and after visiting each they were able to select a book featuring a favorite character to add to their home library.
OPL hosted Piggy, Elephant, Llama Llama, Paddington Bear, Rainbow Fish, Darth Vader, Dinosaur, OPL’s mascot Scamper, and Wonder Woman (pictured left to right) at the annual Storybook Land at Westroads Mall on November 5.
Tosca Lee Author Visit OPL hosted an author visit with Tosca Lee on November 12 at the Downtown Branch. Lee is the New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels, her most recent being “The Long March Home,” which is co-authored by New York Times bestselling author Marcus Brotherton. During her talk, Lee fielded questions from the audience about everything from her writing process and research for her books. Afterward, she signed books, chatted with patrons, and posed for photos with fans.
A patron and his young child pose for a photo with Rainbow Fish at Storybook Land on November 5.
OPL Library Specialist Chloe Arnold (left) and author Tosca Lee enjoy a photo opportunity together during the author’s visit to Downtown Branch on November 12.
Staff Spotlight: Holly Pelesky Newly-installed artwork at the Downtown Branch includes “Flourishing” by Ilaamen Pelshaw (left), “Rivers, Roads, Remains” by Lori Elliott-Bartle, Marcia Joffe-Bouska & Tom Quest (center), and “Candy Carmen Jude” by Jada Messick (right).
New Public Art Installed at Downtown Branch OPL has been working since early spring to commission and install public art by local artists in its new Downtown Branch at 1401 Jones St. A community-wide request for artists went out in April, and a committee of OPL staff, the director of Omaha Parks & Recreation, and members of the Omaha Public Art Commission narrowed down the submissions. The committee identified nine areas within the two-story structure for potential art installations, and select artists were invited to submit proposals for the spaces. Finalists completed installation of their works in September, and members of the public were invited to attend a reception showcasing the newly-installed art on Saturday, October 28. Light refreshments were served, and the six artists whose works are featured throughout the building–including Lori Elliott-Bartle, Marcia Joffe-Bouska, Jada Messick, Ilaamen Pelshaw, Tom Quest, and Weston Thomson–briefly discussed their work.
Resolve to Use OPL More When making New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget about library resources that can help you make good on your goals in 2024!
Read more
Push yourself out of your reading comfort zone by participating in the 2024 Reading Challenge, or get a group of readers together and start your own book club with OPL’s book club bags!
Get organized
Find tips and tricks for decluttering and cleaning using books in OPL’s collection. Pick up a 2024 Early Literacy Calendar at your local branch to help organize your schedule.
Learn new skills
OPL’s online resource center is full of valuable tools to help learn skills ranging from new languages to family history. Register for a free six-week online class from Gale Courses. New sessions begin December 13, January 17 and February 14.
Eat healthier
OPL offers a variety of books about healthy eating, as well as cookbooks filled with delicious and nutritious meals that can help you to improve your eating habits. Sign up for the “Certificate in Food, Nutrition, and Health” class through Gale Courses to help gain a holistic view on food and nutrition.
Save more and spend less
There’s no time like the present to reevaluate your finances and make proactive changes! Take in some books on saving money, or enroll in one of the personal finance classes on Gale Courses. Utilize OPL’s collection and online resources to save even more. There are some books, music, and movies that people want to own, but for all the rest, OPL is best!
Librarian Holly Pelesky’s journey to Omaha Public Library wasn’t a straight path. Like any great story, there were twists and turns when you’d least expect. She started life with a different career in mind. “I wanted to be a writer and I spent many hours consuming library paperbacks like “The Baby-Sitter’s Club” and “Nancy Drew,”” says Pelesky, who also laments she wasn’t allowed to read “Sweet Valley High.” “Then someone told me writers don’t make money, so I decided to be a teacher. Somehow I’ve made a life doing a bit of both!” Pelesky applied for a position at OPL around 15 years ago but didn’t receive a call back. She spent the next few years living her life. She got married, had kids and spent time working with writers through Metropolitan Community College and Nebraska Writers Collective. Even still, she always kept the library in the back of her mind. When she applied again in 2022, she secured an interview and was offered a part-time position at the now-defunct W. Dale Clark Main Library. She credits researching the library’s interview process and developing years of life experience as to what made this application experience different. After Main Library closed in fall 2022, she moved to OPL’s Genealogy and Local History Room near 84th and Center streets. In October 2022, she was offered the position of Arts and Culture Librarian. As a librarian, Pelesky is able to use many of her strengths and talents to help both patrons and OPL overall. “As a writer, I love that I get to interact with literature and hear readers’ views on it. As an educator, I love to show people how to do something they didn’t know before, or learn how to do something with them if I don’t know. I love all the ways I get to be creative at work and I love how much of a team environment this is where every individual contributes and together we make this whole humongous, important thing run and keep running,” says Pelesky. When she’s not helping patrons at the Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, Pelesky spends her time studying for a Master’s degree as well as running a non-profit press with friends. She enjoys timing how long it takes her to finish a jigsaw puzzle and singing out loud to playlists of her favorite songs. She’s also a mom to two great kids and recently added a cat named Spencer to the family. 3
Winter Break activities Kids Teens Adults R Registration required
Pre-K
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Holiday Gift Guide
All ages
Escape Rooms
Very Good Hats by Emma Straub
Bugblock by Christopher Franceschelli
Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day by Jazmyn Simon
Wonderful Seasons by Emily Winfield Martin
Flat Cat by Tara Lazar
The Scariest Kitten in the World by Kate Messner
When I Smile: A Book of Kindness by Jo Witek
The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Bakeshop by Eric Carle
Diary of a Wimpy Kid theme
Fri | Dec 22 | 1, 2 & 3 pm R Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Fri | Dec 29 | 1 & 2 pm R Saddlebrook Branch Wed | Jan 3 | 1 pm R Charles B. Washington Branch Fri | Jan 5 | 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm R W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Elementary
Wed | Dec 27 | 1, 2 & 3 pm R Millard Branch Something, Someday Once Upon by Amanda Gorman a Book & Christian Robinson by Grace Lin
A Kids Book About Enlighten Me The Lost Library Imagination by Minh Lê & by Rebecca Stead by LeVar Burton Chan Chau & Wendy Mass
Harry Potter theme
Sat | Jan 6 | 11 & 11:45 am & 12:30 pm R A.V. Sorensen Branch
Mexikid: A The Otherwoods Graphic Memoir by Justine Pucella by Pedro Martín Winans
Percy Jackson theme
Tues | Jan 9 | 4 pm R Downtown Branch
Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke
Hoops: A Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel Graphic Novel by Matt Tavares by Rex Ogle
Interactive Movies Elf
Fri | Dec 22 | 2–4 pm R Millard Branch
Super Mario Bros.
Wed | Dec 27 | 1–3 pm Charles B. Washington Branch
Teen
Fri | Dec 15 | 5:45–8:30 pm Saddlebrook Branch
Divine Rivals Warrior Girl Unearthed by by Rebecca Ross Angeline Boulley
Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou
As You Walk On By by Julian Winters
While You Were Dreaming by Alisha Rai
Fri | Dec 29 | 2–4 pm R Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch Tues | Jan 2 | 2–4 pm R Millard Branch Fri | Jan 5 | 2–3:30 pm R Downtown Branch 4
Promise Boys Star Splitter by I’m Not Supposed How to Be a In Limbo: A by Nick Brooks Matthew J. Kirby to Be in the Dark (Young) Antiracist Graphic Memoir by Riss M. Neilson by Ibram X. Kendi by Deb JJ Lee & Nic Stone
Volunteer Spotlight: Tamyra Howard & Pip When Tamyra Howard received a call from “Paws for Friends,” a non-profit pet therapy organization, she sensed an opportunity to make a difference. The call was more than just an invitation; it was an opportunity for Howard to return to her home branch. Howard became a patron of the Willa Cather Branch after becoming pregnant with her first child, 28 years ago. Willa Cather Branch was a huge part of her children’s childhood–from the Summer Reading Program every year to the fond memories of checking out books and reading as a family. Once her children became adults, she missed the routine and comfort the library provided. Volunteering to Read to a Dog provided an opportunity to return to a place full of happy memories. Without hesitation, Howard returned to OPL to be with kids and encourage reading. Five years ago, Howard adopted a golden retriever named Pip and planned to get her certified and trained for therapy work. As an elementary school teacher, Howard envisioned taking Pip to schools or hospitals. Pip took puppy classes at the Nebraska Humane Society, and from there she transitioned into therapy-focused training to then pass the required tests to start providing service. Pip’s first job as a certified therapy dog was at St. Thomas More Catholic School for Howard’s prekindergarten class. After her success in the classroom, Howard and Pip moved on to Read to a Dog at Willa Cather Branch. At the beginning of each Read to a Dog session, Howard asks the children and teens what they like to read and if they feel comfortable reading out loud. If they don’t, she offers to read to them while they pet Pip. Learning to read and reading out loud can cause anxiety, but entering a judgment-free space and petting a therapy animal can reduce those triggers in Howard’s experience. After teaching for nineteen years at St. Thomas More, Howard can now easily evaluate if the readers need encouragement or support. “There are days, like the beginning of a school year, that leave you exhausted. On the rare days when I feel too tired to volunteer, I come anyway. Because when Pip and I sit down with the kids, they do or say something that reminds me why I came.” Howard and her family are passionate about helping their community. On the first Monday of each month, they purchase food with donations from their church to make meals for the homeless at the Stephen Center. Howard and her husband also volunteer for a teen summer camp called “Go Beyond,” in which they take inner city kids to Wyoming to explore the outdoors and experience different activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking. “I think it’s fantastic to do any kind of volunteer work. Whenever you do things for others, you are not only helping them, but also yourself,” she says. “I am so grateful that libraries are still around, and volunteering at OPL is a great way to show that you still care about them.” If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer to apply.
Book Clubs for kids
Book Watchers Grades 4-5 Book Club 2nd & 4th Mondays | 4:15 pm Saddlebook Branch
bookies grades 2-3 Book Club 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 4:15 pm Saddlebook Branch
reading Club
for elementary students
1st Saturday | 1 pm Benson Branch
Washington Kids Book Club 1st & 3rd Tuesdays | 5 pm Charles B. Washington Branch
for ages 9–12
Registration is required. Learn more and sign up at omahalibrary.org/events.
2024 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-8
Young writers in grades 5-8 are invited to select a character from a book they’ve read on their own and create an original work of fiction featuring that character for the Friends of Omaha Public Library 2024 writing contest. Entries will be accepted through February 23, 2024. Visit omahalibrary.org/virginia-frankmemorial-writing-contest for complete contest requirements. 5
Willa Cather
Celebrating
The Life & Works of Willa Cather: A Conversation
Literary historian and biographer Melissa Homestead will discuss her work around Willa Cather along with author and fellow UNL professor Timothy Schaffert.
Sat | Dec 16 | 3 pm
Downtown Branch | 1401 Jones St.
ANNUAL MEETING & MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Sat | Jan 13 | 1–3 pm Millard Branch
13214 Westwood Ln. F E AT U R E D S P E A K E R Gretchen M. Garrison, author of “Detour Nebraska,” “A History Lover’s Guide to Lincoln” & more!
OPLF Annual Fundraiser Nearly 400 guests filled the Holland Performing Arts Center in downtown Omaha on Tuesday, September 26, to celebrate Omaha Public Library and the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF). Between the Lines, the annual fundraiser for Omaha Public Library, marked ten years with not one author, but two: comedian, actress, and author Molly Shannon; and author Susan Orlean. The night also celebrated the longtime service of an OPLF volunteer with the presentation of the 2023 Barbara BockMavis Leadership Award to Dan Kinsella. A former OPLF board president, Kinsella is a managing partner in Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory. He also is a managing partner of Deloitte’s Omaha office. Kinsella and his wife have four children. He credits his professional and personal life balance to variety and versatility. It includes travel, the great outdoors, and community involvement of all shapes and sizes. The fun stuff, the boring stuff, and everything in between.
Partner Spotlight: KIOS What do you get when you combine Omaha Public Library with Omaha Public Radio? A new way to connect listeners to OPL’s books, resources, events and more! “Off The Shelf” is OPL’s weekly segment on local NPR member station KIOS. The segment focuses on new and/or noteworthy books, resources, events and more at the library, and has been airing weekly since early 2023. KIOS’s David Koesters serves as the host, reporter and producer of the segment. For him, combining OPL with Omaha Public Radio was an obvious choice. “We strive to uphold the “public” by amplifying voices that also serve our community. And when it comes to service for the public good, it is hard to quantify the importance of a strong public library system,” says Koesters. 6
“Off The Shelf ‘’ allows library staff from across the system the chance to promote some of their most favorite things from OPL. This can include book talks that entice a reader to pick a particular title, or talking about a hidden gem of a free resource you can access with a library card or promoting OPL events that combine entertainment with literacy. “This partnership has been a great way to fulfill OPL’s mission of connecting people with ideas, information and innovative services,” says OPL Outreach and Partnerships Manager Maggie Petersen. “Working with KIOS has been an excellent experience in readers’ advisory for our staff as well as the fun of getting to work with the staff at KIOS who are passionate about our local community.”
Library Specialists Taylor Corbaley (left) and David Dick (top right), and Genealogy & Local History Librarian Martha Grenzeback (bottom right) visit NPR member station KIOS to record “Off The Shelf.”
Looking to the future, Koesters hopes the impact is seen not just in the airways but also at the local library branches. “We hope to share all the wonderful things the library has to offer,” says Koesters. “It goes so far beyond just books. We want to inspire people to get reacquainted with this crucial service and unlock the potential of their public library card.”
Dan Kinsella
Even after his lengthy tenure on the OPLF Board of Directors concluded, Kinsella remained active within the organization, as a member of the library foundation’s advisory council.
The fundraiser also served as the official kick-off for the public campaign for the new Central Library, opening in 2026 at 72nd and Dodge streets. Event attendees and the greater Omaha community now have the opportunity to support Central Library with donations through the OPLF. These gifts, beginning at $72, include name recognition opportunities at Central Library. Between the Lines Sponsors PRESENTING Heider Family Foundation Claire M. Hubbard Foundation
GOLD Deloitte SILVER Annette & Paul Smith
Financial Gifts
Pictured left to right above: (left) Molly Shannon & Susan Orlean; (right) Orlean, Shannon & moderator Keith Station.
Katie Bruno of the OPLF Board of Directors and Karen Linder, Heritage Omaha board member, are chairs of the Central Library campaign. The two also introduced a new Central Library video, viewable at OPLF’s website and omahacentrallibrary.org. In conversation with Keith Station from the City of Omaha, Shannon and Orlean engaged in a lively and humorous conversation about public libraries and
Baer Foundation Cline Williams & Rochelle Mullen Heritage Omaha Mutual of Omaha Tenaska
BRONZE Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture Dan & Tina Lonergan Devin Fox & Rob Block
the vital roles they play in our community. Following the 45-minute on-stage chat, both authors signed books and posed for photos with guests. Event proceeds from Between the Lines will support Omaha Public Library programs and services this year. Visit omahalibraryfoundation.org for more information on OPLF and its annual fundraising efforts, including the new Central Library.
Karen & Jim Linder Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners Omaha Steaks Tulani & Othello Meadows West O Fitness
Dave & Vicki Krecek Gary & Lucie Long Marty Magee Received Oct 1, 2022–Sept 30, 2023 Margaret Sullivan Studio Edward & Carrie May $50,000+ $2,000+ Mark & Dianne McMillan Holland Foundation Anonymous (2) Chris Menefee Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Heidi Moser $30,000+ Mary Joy Anderson Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Richard Brooke Foundation Barbara Bock-Mavis Omaha Community Foundation Collective For Youth Bridges Trust Pauline Quinn Hawks Foundation Maria Brookhouser John & Kathleen Ransom Claire M. Hubbard Foundation Katie Bruno Sarah & Seth Rotermund William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Elisa & Drew Davies Red & Jann Thomas John & Terri Diesing $20,000+ Union Pacific Max & Elizabeth Engel The Heider Family Foundation Justine Walker Mary Ann & Daren Folchert The Sherwood Foundation Phil & Nancy Wolf Devin Fox & Rob Block Susan Sibbernsen $500+ Jared & Kristine Gerber Sokolof Foundation Anonymous (3) Sarah Newman Weitz Family Foundation Doug & Cathy Aden Peggy & John Heck $10,000+ Alleghany Corporation Sue & Mark Hoffman Deloitte & Touche LLP Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Estate of Donna Hull Federation of Omaha Foundation Nancy Darst Mammel Family Foundation John & Elizabeth Lauritzen Foundation Hal & Mary Daub Barbara & Patrick McNeal Karen & Jim Linder Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin Mutual of Omaha Companies Tulani & Othello Meadows Rebecca Evans Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation Marilyn Marsh Mary Ferer Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Meza Gardens & Design Jo Giles Webster Family Foundation Morey & Quinn Wealth Partners Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Omaha Steaks Lynn & Cindy Gray $5,000+ Tricia Schmit Anna Gregerson Bonnie & John Austin Jane & Bob Slezak Vic Gutman & Roberta Wilhelm Baer Foundation West O Fitness William & Ann Hall Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt Foundation Traci Hancock Cline Williams/Rochelle Mullen Howard & Gloria Kaslow $1,000+ Reba A. & Leon G. Benschoter Charitable Dan & Kari Kinsella Anonymous Fund Marc & Joan Kraft Bay Family Foundation Bluestem Prairie Foundation John & Merrilee Miller George & Kathleen Bigelow Family of Virginia Budka Francine Miller Richard & Carol Britten Cox Jim & Bobbie Montequin Stephen & Anne Bruckner Joseph Drugmand Nancy Ovenden Leilani & Ron Coe Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Susan Petersen First National Bank Heritage Omaha Ann Rinne Friedland Family Foundation Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Greg & Sue Rusie Carol Gendler Dan & Tina Lonergan Dr. Joshua & Mrs. Emily States Great Plains Communications Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Susan Vosburg Foundation GreenSlate Development Jen Rae Hein-Wang & Family (Alan, Lewis & Winifred Pinch HDR, Inc. Orion, Lyra, Caelum, Ara & Vela) Silvia Roffman Harold & Clara Hoover Carol Wang & Jim Phillips Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Theresa Jehlik Ashley & Brad Wedeking Paul & Annette Smith Sandra Jenkins $250+ Tenaska, Inc. Richard Kelley Anonymous Eileen M. Wirth Milton & Marsha Kleinberg AmazonSmile Foundation Jeff Kosse
FRIEND OF OPLF First National Bank of Omaha Great Plains Communications GreenSlate Development HDR
Amy Armbruster Lynn & Thomas Ashby Marcia Bechtel Bobbie Carlson Susan & Bob Chenoweth Emspace Group Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Richard & Melanie Gerbeling Give Nebraska Kathy Gross David & Joan Haas Terry & Linda Haubold Lori Hedstrom Noreen Johnson Emily Kemp Kiewit Greta Landis Dan McGill Diana Nevins Nithya Paul Ryan Pelster Ken & Linda Pohlman Norma & Cliff Pountney Joseph & Mary Scholl Laura Schumacher Shirley Siebler Deborah Smith-Howell Susan Stalnaker Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Vance Taylor Jon Tritsch Chester Waters Sarah Watson David Watts
Honorariums & Memorials
Received July 1—Sept 30, 2023 In Memory of Marion Bianchi
Rita Bianchi
In Memory of Bill Bridges
Jennifer Watzke
In Memory of William David Clements
Shawn Bonge Lisa Carlson Jane King Loup Danica Patchen Cheri Reddick Rodney & Catherine Scheer
Margaret Sullivan Studio Mulhall’s Sarah & Seth Rotermund Union Pacific
Klara Schuman Connie & Lee Spiering Jill Swanson Dana Wilwerding
In Memory of Lucille Douglas
Joann Blum Judy Buono Kathryn Lea Coder Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin Leslie Douglas Delores Ebel & Gerald Rathouz Kathleen Gerber Micaela & Casey Hopkins Lynn Marchese Roberta & John Matyja Colleen & G. David Richardson Diane Trevarrow
In Honor of Mikki Frost
Kathleen Kennedy
In Memory of Mary Kate Garst
Dianne Desjardins
In Memory of Kathleen Griffith
John F. Williams
In Memory of Este Hartz
Lynette & Edward Wieger
In Memory of Bruce Kyle Kemp
Dale & Christina Broekemeier Francine Miller
In Memory of Lucy Mora
Monica Mora-Handlos & David Handlos
In Memory of Patrick Stricklett
Donald Christensen Susan Coughlin Jon & Courtney Eden Michelle Holst Shelly Kinney Kim Rhen Amanda Ruhland Karen Stricklett Joseph & Chris Vacanti Jane Yaffe
In Memory of Dr. Robert Sueper
Nancy Rips
In Memory of Charlton “CJ” Trader
Sarah Atencio-Trader
In Honor of Eileen Wirth
United Methodist Women
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Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage
8790 F St., Ste. 108 Omaha, NE 68127
PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 1818
Winter Holidays
Libraries will be closed on these holidays observed by the City of Omaha.
HOURS MON–THURS. . . . . . . . 9 am–8 pm
Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 24-25 New Year’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Day . . . Jan 15 Presidents Day . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 19
(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
February
GENEALOGY & LOCAL HISTORY ROOM 3020 S. 84th St. | 402.444.4800 MILLARD BRANCH 13214 Westwood Ln. | 402.444.4848
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Early Literacy Calendar
MILTON R. ABRAHAMS BRANCH 5111 N. 90th St. | 402.444.6284
W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH 9101 W. Dodge Rd. | 402.444.4852
Bash for book lovers
thurs | Feb 22 | 7 pm
SADDLEBROOK BRANCH 14850 Laurel Ave. | 402.444.5780 SOUTH OMAHA LIBRARY 2808 Q St. | 402.444.4850
Virtual
Pick up a complimentary 2024 OPL calendar featuring early literacy tips at your local branch, or request one at your next curbside pick-up, while supplies last!
Learn about new and exciting books from library staff, have a chance to win bookish prizes and chat virtually with fellow book lovers! Register at omahalibrary.org.
Fold3® features premier collections of original military records including the stories, photos, and personal documents of the men and women who served in the military.
Newspapers.com™ is the largest online newspaper archive consisting of 894 million+ pages of historical newspapers from 24,400+ newspapers from around the United States and beyond.
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.
Get started at omahalibrary.org/resource.