Take on a challenge in 2025! OPL’s annual Reading Challenge returns with 12 new themes for participants to tackle over the course of the upcoming year. Choose one book each month (or whatever pace you’d like) that fits the theme and pushes you to read outside your comfort zone.
Lists of suggestions for each month’s theme will be available at omahalibrary.org. Title suggestions will be geared toward adults, but readers of all ages may participate. For suggestions for younger readers, visit a local library branch or request a Custom Reading List.
Be one of the first to pick up your 2025 Reading Challenge notebook at the Reading Challenge Kick-Off Party on January 3 at the Benson Branch! Join this “book tasting” party to come and savor some literary treats. There will be various crafts and activities hosted throughout the building and light refreshments will be provided.
The Reading Challenge notebook contains the details of the challenge and a place to track reading throughout the year. Once completed, participants can either fill out a paper form or submit their entries 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. Challenge participants can share what they’re reading on social media by tagging @omahalibrary. Find more information at omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge
New Winter Titles
Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection December 2024–February 2025.
Au Revoir Now Darlint by Laura Thompson
In January 1923 Edith Thompson was executed on a charge of incitement to murder. Her letters to her lover—the primary evidence offered at her trial—are collected here for the first time, offering a glimpse into a complex woman and a spiral of tragedy.
Dirtbag Queen by Andy Corren
When Renay Mandel Corren died in 2021, her son Andy penned a heartfelt and hilarious obituary honoring his hard-living, fast-talking, larger-than-life mother. This memoir expands the obituary and its many wild characters into an unforgettable family story.
□ Read an author’s debut book.
□ Read a book with a one-word title.
□ Read a book that explores belonging or identity.
□ Read a book about or featuring books, a bookstore, or library.
□ Read a book from OPL’s Top Shelf.
□ Read a book set on a continent you want to visit.
□ Read a nonfiction or biographical graphic novel.
□ Read a book that starts with the letter O.
□ Read a book published in the 21st century.
□ Read a book about or featuring a non-human main character.
□ Read a book about celebrations.
□ Read a book in the cozy subgenre.
Bibliophobia by Sarah Chihaya
Most readers can point to a book that changed their life; Sarah Chihaya points out that doesn’t always mean changed for the better in this memoir of reading, writing and depression.
Mechanize My Hands to War by Erin K. Wagner
In future Appalachia, artificial intelligence and state violence come together with political divisions creating dire circumstances and somehow empathy and survival shine through.
You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego
An incredible private island retreat for thriller writers becomes less than paradise when the writers are propelled into a true life murder mystery after one of them turns up dead.
Find more on-order titles at omahalibrary.org.
Director’s Note
The 2025 Old Farmer’s Almanac promises a “calmer, gentler” winter for us, but given its track record recently, my personal strategy is to buy more sweaters and hope for the best! Fortunately, when it comes to planning your winter activities, you won’t have to rely on such shaky predictions. You can always count on Omaha Public Library to brighten your days and warm your spirits as we head into a lively holiday season!
We’re excited to share a variety of special programs designed to inspire and engage you, no matter the weather. If you’re feeling crafty, stop by the Genealogy and Local History Room for a holiday workshop where you can create your own vintage postcards—perfect for adding a personal touch to your holiday greetings. For families, we have something truly special—an enchanting Meet a Musician Storytime with Trevor Petersen from the Omaha Symphony, where music and storytelling come to life. Teens can find inspiration at an upcoming writing workshop on poetry, led by a member of the Nebraska Writer’s Collective.
Looking to step outside of the library for a bit? Join us out in the community for an “Out and About Reading Party,” or attend the 24th Annual Teen Poetry Bash at the Abrahams Branch. The Holiday Lights Festival at the Downtown Branch promises to be a highlight, featuring Esteban, The Green Crayon, from “The Day The Crayons Quit.”
For the fans of classic literature, OPL is hosting a Jane Austen Tea Party in celebration of the author’s 249th birthday. Jennifer Swenson will present “Communication and Personality in Pride and Prejudice,” a fascinating talk brought to you in partnership with the Nebraska Chapter of the Jane Austen Society and the Friends of OPL. Be sure to stop by as The Bookworm will also be on hand with books and holiday gifts available for purchase!
Kick off the new year by attending the Reading Challenge Kick-Off Party. If you would like to participate in a book swap, bring a book you’d like to share and then pick out a new book!
On those cold, snowy nights when it’s just too chilly to venture out, OPL is here for you online. You can explore our digital collections and borrow audiobooks or eBooks through our Libby app, perfect for cozying up with a great read or listening to an engrossing story. Our website is always open, 24/7, providing access to endless resources that will keep you entertained and engaged all winter long.
On behalf of everyone at OPL, we wish you a safe, warm, and joyful holiday season. Thank you for being part of our library community, and we look forward to seeing you at the library or online!
Fall Photo Recap
Laura Marlane Executive Director
Winners of OPL’s Stories After Dark event at the Benson Branch on Oct. 4, 2024, proudly celebrate their spooky storytelling skills after sharing tales inspired by the theme “scaredy-cat.”
Erica Manoz delves into “The War Begins in Paris” by Theodore Wheeler, OPL’s Omaha Reads title, during the first Out and About Reading Party at The RiverFront’s Lewis and Clark Landing on Sept. 12, 2024.
Jasper Rabbit from “Creepy Carrots” hops into a special storytime at Willa Cather Branch, one of several Storytime visits, where kids enjoy reading, movement and music to build early literacy skills.
Ashley Hawthrone and her three daughters browse the shelves of Poppy, OPL’s mobile library, at Highlander Community Day, Aug. 24, 2024, a joyful celebration of community, hosted by Seventy Five North in North Omaha.
At OPL’s Legends and Libraries: D&D Club, the Millard Branch transforms into a world of adventure as teens team up for a storytelling session filled with imagination and new friendships.
During OPL’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Sept. 28, 2024, a staff member assists a young artist in creating a festive craft.
A young reader gets a warm hug from beloved storybook character Pete The Cat at OPL’s Storybook Land event at Westroads Mall on Nov. 3, 2024.
Theodore Wheeler, author of the Omaha Reads book selection, “The War Begins in Paris,” connects with readers at the Downtown Branch on Oct. 27, 2024.
Surrounded by stunning art, readers relax with their books during OPL’s Out & About Reading Party at the recently reopened Joslyn Art Museum.
Highlighting diversity in storytelling, Basi Affia, founder of Sensiil Studios, Iowa and Nebraska’s first black comic book publisher, inspires with tales of his creative journey.
16 Local Artists Selected
Sixteen Omaha and Council Bluffs area artists have been selected to have their creations on permanent display at OPL’s new Central Library, currently under construction at 72nd and Dodge streets and scheduled to open in 2026. The artists were chosen from 242 local applicants in an open call for public art, coordinated by OPL and Omaha nonprofit Amplify Arts. The selected artists’ planned works for Central Library include sculpture, photography, mixed media, video and textile work.
OPL’s Executive Director Laura Marlane said each of the selected artists will bring something unique to Central Library. “The variety of mediums and perspectives will result in one of the broadest, most accessible collections of local art in Omaha,” said Marlane. “And the work is especially meaningful because of the personal connections many of the selected artists have with libraries, including utilizing the libraries to help kickstart their careers as artists. We can’t wait to help them unveil their works!”
Central Library partners have committed 1% of the total building construction costs towards an investment in public art, with the majority of that budget already allotted to local artists through this call for art. The 16 artists selected in this call are receiving project budget awards ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to develop and fabricate their new pieces. They will now work with Amplify Arts and the Central Library design team on final designs and plans for placement and installation at the Central Library. Amplify Arts provides resources to artists, organizers and cultural workers facilitated the call for art, including the selection process. “This is, by far, the biggest response we’ve ever seen to a public call for art in Omaha,” said Lauren Martin of Amplify Arts. “Local artists were excited about being part of such a beloved community institution like the library and thoughtful about the possibilities in this new, beautiful building.”
The selection process for the artists included a review and scoring process by a panel of arts professionals from across the United States. Top-ranking applications were then reviewed by a panel of representatives from various Central Library stakeholder groups, who made the final selections.
Resolve to Use OPL More
As the new year approaches, many of us set goals to improve our lives. Your local library is a valuable, often underutilized resource to support your New Year’s resolutions. When making your New Year’s goals, don’t forget about OPL!
Expand your reading
Push yourself out of your reading comfort zone by participating in the 2025 Reading Challenge, or get a group of readers together and start your own book club with OPL’s book club bags! You may also challenge yourself by reading in a new format, such as delving into a graphic novel or trying an audiobook for the first time. Reading is proven to make people happier, less stressed and more empathetic, among other benefits, so it comes as no surprise that people want to spend more time with a good book.
Learn a new language
Have you thought about learning a new language? Unlock a world of language learning with Mango Languages through OPL! Mango Languages provides an immersive, interactive platform to master over 70 languages at your own pace. With its intuitive interface and practical lessons tailored to real-life scenarios, Mango equips you with the skills needed to communicate confidently in any situation. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary; Mango immerses you in real-life conversations and cultural insights, making learning feel natural and fun.
Develop new skills
OPL’s online resource center is full of valuable tools to help learn new skills. LinkedIn Learning is especially useful for those looking to bolster business skills in leadership, productivity and project management; technical skills in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; or creative skills in graphic design, photography or digital marketing. Whether you’re looking to level up your skillset or pivot into something new, LinkedIn Learning can help you achieve your goals.
Learn about your family history
If you’re interested in exploring your ancestry, you can utilize library resources to help you do so. Visit the Genealogy & Local History Room to access historical newspapers, city directories, yearbooks and other resources. You can also access online genealogical databases like Ancestry Library Edition, great for birth, marriage and death records; Family Search, the world’s largest collection of family trees, genealogy records and resources; and Fold3, the premier collection of original military records.
Whatever 2025 has in store, there are endless ways that OPL can help you to achieve your personal and professional goals. If you have favorite ways of utilizing your local library, feel free to share a photo or post and tag @OmahaLibrary on social media.
Winter Break activities
Kids Teens R Registration required
InteractIve MovIes
Wonka (2023) R
Fri | Dec 20 | 11 am –1 pm
Charles B. Washington Branch
Fri | Dec 27 | 1:30–3:45 pm
Florence Branch
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory R
Fri | Jan 3 | 1:30–3:30 pm
Downtown Branch
actIvItIes
Boxcar Children Choose Your Own Adventure
Fri | Dec 20 | 11 am
Benson Branch
Thurs | Jan 2 | 2 pm R Millard Branch
DIY Accordion Sticker Book
Mon | Dec 23 | 2 pm R
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Thurs | Jan 2 | 11 am
Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Sat | Jan 4 | 11 am
South Omaha Library
e scape rooMs
Elephant and Piggie
Sat | Dec 21 | 11 am
South Omaha Library
Fri | Dec 27 | 1, 2 & 3 pm R
Saddlebrook Branch
Mon | Dec 30 | 1, 2 & 3 pm R
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Fri | Jan 3 | 1, 2 & 3 pm R
Millard Branch
Inheritance Games R
Sat | Dec 21 | 1 & 2 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Fri | Dec 27 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
Millard Branch
Tues | Dec 31 | 1, 2 & 3 pm
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Fri | Jan 3 | 2 pm
Florence Branch
4
Holiday Gift Guide
Told
My
Cars and Trucks Touch-and-Trace by Richard Scarry
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
Mrs. Peanuckle’s Organic Farm Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle
Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson
Light by Ruth Forman
The Met Black and White: A High Contrast Book of Art by Victoria Armstrong
Misfits: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
We Are Big Time by Hena Khan
The Epic Guide to Dragon Masters by Tracey West
Art Club by Rashad Doucet
Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas
The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
A Face is a Poem by Julie Morstad
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham
Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch
Lies
Teacher
Me: A Graphic Adaptation by James W. Loewen and Nate Powell
Teeny Tiendas: The Flower Shop/La Florería by Lourdes Heuer
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon
Round and Round the Year We Go by Carter Higgins
Built to Last by Minh Lê and Dan Santat
The Getaway List by Emma Lord
Looking for Smoke by K.A. Cobell
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams Brownstone by Samuel Teer Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson
for teens
Writer’s Workshop: Poetry
Fri | Dec 20 | 2–4 pm
A.V. Sorensen Branch
Sat | Dec 28 | 1–3 pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
Thurs | Jan 2 | 1–3 pm
Saddlebrook Branch
Songwriting/Composing Workshop
Mon | Dec 30 | 1–2 pm
Benson Branch
Registration is required. Learn more and sign up at omahalibrary.org/events.
LearningExpress Library
Find resources for elementary, middle, and high school students from LearningExpress Library. Prepare for important tests, get extra help for assignments, boost skills in core subjects, and more.
Visit omahalibrary.org/resource-center and select LearningExpress Library.
Writing Contest
Young writers in grades 5-8 are invited to submit their original works of fiction to the Friends of Omaha Public Library for the 2025 writing contest.
Contest participants are asked to select a character from a book they have read on their own and create an original work of fiction featuring that character. Entries will be accepted through Feb. 21, 2025.
The Rose Theater Joins Partnership Pass Program
OPL is excited to welcome The Rose Theater to the existing roster of partner organizations. OPL’s Partnership Pass Program allows patrons to use their OPL card to visit some of the best of what our community has to offer in terms of education, entertainment and culture.
The Rose Theater is committed to inspiring young people and their families to discover the magic of theater, to find their voices and to enrich their communities. The pass admits up to four people to a show, and one person must be an adult. Children ages two and under may sit on a lap, which will not count against the four-person limit of the pass.
Visit omahalibrary.org/partnership-passes to learn more.
Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest
FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-8 2025
Winners will be notified in the spring, and the top three winners from each grade will receive cash prizes. The school libraries of the winning students will be recognized with matching cash prizes. For contest requirements, visit omahalibrary.org/virginia-frank-memorial-writing-contest.
The contest is named in memory of longtime University of Nebraska Omaha English professor and Friends volunteer Virginia Frank.
Facilities Update
Construction on Central Library is progressing on schedule as it continues to take shape. The unitized curtain wall and shadow boxes that give the building its unique look is currently being installed, and the signature staircase that will connect all floors has been placed. The exterior of the building will be fully enclosed soon, and work will transition to building out the interior spaces — such as the children’s area, study & meeting rooms, cafe and Do Space — as well as the exterior courtyard and city garden.
OPL Launches Podcast for Spanish Speakers
Libroteca is dedicated to connecting our Spanish-speaking community with stories, ideas, and innovative services at OPL. Our goal is to celebrate books and learning, while exploring topics that reflect our shared values and interests.
Libroteca se dedica a conectar a nuestra comunidad de habla hispana con historias, ideas y servicios innovadores en la Biblioteca Pública de Omaha.
Nuestro objetivo es celebrar los libros y el aprendizaje, mientras exploramos temas que reflejan nuestros valores e intereses compartidos.
Listen at omahalibrary.org/the-book-drop.
Stream more than 30,000 independent and international films as well as documentaries and other educational entertainment through Kanopy from any computer, television, mobile device, or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast, or Roku. Your library card is your key. Every cardholder has 30 tickets per month to watch films. Visit omahalibrary.kanopy.com to get started.
Reading Party Out & About
Join OPL the second Thursday of the month to read with fellow book lovers for a silent reading party! In this nontraditional book club, there are no assigned readings – you just read what you bring! Visit omahalibrary.org for further details.
Dry Spokes
1901 Leavenworth St. Thurs | Dec 12 at 6:30 pm
UNO-Community Engagement Center
6400 S. University Drive Road North Thurs | Jan 9 at 6:30 pm
Joslyn Art Museum
2200 Dodge St. Thurs | Feb 13 at 6:30 pm
The exterior of OPL’s new Central Library is undergoing a transformation with the installation of the unitized curtain wall. The building will be fully enclosed before the end of the year.
OPLF Annual Fundraiser
Nearly 250 guests joined the Omaha Public Library Foundation and OPL on September 18 to hear from and personally meet Native American author Tommy Orange.
Between the Lines, the annual fundraiser hosted by the Foundation, welcomes a best-selling author for an in-depth conversation and book signing. Dollars raised at the event which this year totaled just under $40,000 will support library programs and services.
Creighton University’s Harper Center, which hosted “Just Mercy” author Bryan Stevenson in 2022, served as the event venue.
The evening opened with remarks from
Mary O’Donohue, board president of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, followed by presentation of the 2024 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award to Merrilee Mosier Miller. Eileen Wirth, a founding foundation board member, awarded Miller with the honor. The annual award recognizes longtime service to the Foundation.
director of the Walking in the Footsteps of Our Ancestors project at the Center for Great Plains Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe.
The two discussed Orange’s childhood, writing, and research, as well as major influences on his work as an author. Orange’s two books include �There There” and �Wandering Stars.”
Following a welcome and Native American prayer by Dr. Rudi Mitchell, Orange took the stage for a moderated conversation with Christina Faw Faw Goodson, co-
Visit omahalibraryfoundation.org for more information on OPLF and for details of next year’s fundraiser, which will also mark OPLF’s 40th anniversary.
Financial Gifts
Received Oct 1, 2023–Sept
$50,000+
John & Terri Diesing
Mary & Rodrigo Lopez
The Sherwood Foundation
Sokolof Foundation
Weitz Family Foundation
$10,000+ Anonymous Becker Family Foundation Dixon Family Foundation
Donna Fettig Estate
Joan Gibson & Donald Wurster
The Heider Family Foundation
Claire M. Hubbard Foundation
Estate of Donna Hull
Michael & Susan Lebens
Dan & Tina Lonergan
Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation
Mammel Family Foundation
Carrie & Ed May
Barbara & Patrick McNeal
Mike & Dana Meyer
Lewis & Winifred Pinch
Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation
Jill Slosburg-Ackerman
Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation
Webster Family Foundation
$5,000+
Bonnie & John Austin
Baer Foundation
Whitney & Jared Baker
Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation
Bluestem Prairie Foundation
Lorraine Chang & Eric Pearson
Julie & Scott Cobb
COX
Joseph Drugmand
Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation
Giger Foundation
Traci A Hancock
Heritage Services
Harold & Clara Hoover
Ken & Marilyn Knox
Jack & Stephanie Koraleski
Heidi Moser
Mutual of Omaha Companies
Kelsey & Tony Noecker
Pitney Bowes Foundation
Sandy & Walt Price
Silvia Roffman
Paul & Annette Smith
Elizabeth Summers Tenaska, Inc.
Red & Jann Thomas
Clay Vanderheiden
Katie Weitz
Eileen M. Wirth
$2,000+
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C.
Ibrahim Amoura-Odeh & Jean Amoura
Anonymous (3)
The Fred & Sally Bekins Foundation
Megan Belcher
Samuel M. Bierner & Joseph W. Pinson, III
Barbara Bock-Mavis
Maria Brookhouser
David H. Chait
Michael Clark
Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather
Hal & Mary Daub
Elisa & Drew Davies
Davis Erection
Tom Elser & Stephen Hug
Max & Elizabeth Engel
Valerie Enholm Estate
Jo Giles
Shannon Gilroy
John & Peggy Heck
Ann & Don Hosford
Rachel Jacobson
Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Dave & Vicki Krecek
Gary & Lucie Long
Marty Magee
Dr. Mark & Bonnie Gill-Manhart
Tulani & Othello Meadows
Shirley & Daniel Neary
Mary O’Donohue & Dakotah Smith
Nicolle Peterson
Janice Boyer & William Piepmeier
Neil Sandhoefner
Jane & Bob Slezak
Wendy Townley & Matthew Tompkins
Joan & Harold Tu
The Uninvited Book Club
Meredith & Drew Weitz
Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt
Timothy Williams
Emily & Cameron Young
$1,000+
Anonymous
Dr. James & Shirley Young Armitage
Richard & Carol Britten
Stephen & Anne Bruckner
Burlington Capital Foundation
Delores Chase
Leilani & Ron Coe
Gloria Dinsdale
Matthew Dunning
Carol Ebdon
First National Bank
Friedland Family Foundation
Carol Gendler
Joseph & Polly Goecke
Great Plains Communications
GreenSlate Development
Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp
Joel Hutchins
Theresa & Richard Jehlik
Ruth H. Keene
Milton & Marsha Kleinberg
Cindy & Gregg Lueder
Trisha Meuret
Merrilee & Merrilee Miller
Moshman Family Foundation
Rochelle Mullen
Sharee & Murray Newman Fund
Christine Noriega
John & Kathleen Ransom
Rotary-Suburban
Bill & Joan Truhlsen
Union Pacific Corp.
Chris VanKat
Justine Walker
Phil & Nancy Wolf
$500+
Doug & Cathy Aden
Anonymous (2)
Claire Baker
George & Kathleen Bigelow
Crystal & Brian Brislen
Katie Bruno Bobbie Carlson
Sandor & Rhonda Chomos
Ann O’Connor & Tim Davlin
Brian Delaney
Dundee Bank
Rebecca Evans
Joyce & Roger Fitch
Mikki Frost
Lynn & Cindy Gray
William & Ann Hall
Holly Herman
John Hruska
Grant & Kathryn Hutchins
Nancy Jacobson
Howard & Gloria Kaslow
Maria & Lynn Knudtson
Marc & Joan Kraft
Tom Liefer
Ruth MacNamara
Jim & Bobbie Montequin
Nithya Paul
Susan Petersen
Marcie & Scott Peterson
Pauline Quinn
Ann Rinne
Anne Rismiller
Emma Savory
Julie Schroeder
Mary & Leonard Sommer
Dr. Joshua & Mrs. Emily States
Union Pacific Giveplus Program
Susan Vosburg
Sarah Watson
David Watts
Dick & Sharon Zahn
Yuan Zhen
$250+
Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson
Anonymous
Martha Antonson
Lynn & Thomas Ashby
Marcia Bechtel
Ken & Annie Bird
Marvin Bittner
The Bookworm
Jeffrey Boyum
Kate Bradley
Susan Chenoweth
The Clothier’s Daughters
Christopher J. Cold Family
Harl & Kay Dalstrom
Tony & Claudia Deeb
Audrey Dobbe
Megan Durham
Mary Ferer
Nancy Gallagher
Give Nebraska David & Joan Haas
Noreen Johnson
Philip Kelley
Kiewit
Jodie Mackintosh
Mark & Dianne McMillan
Jenny Mickeliunas
Sue Morris
Diana Nevins
Rachel Nun
Polly & Frank Partsch
Norma & Cliff Pountney
Donald & Mary Lee Ranheim
Greg & Sue Rusie
Jeanne & Pat Salerno
Joseph Samson
Margaret Sandlier
Laura Schumacher
Shirley Siebler
Deborah Smith-Howell
Pete & Mary Lou Stehr
Susan Toelle
Jon Tritsch
Chester Waters
Honorariums & Memorials
Received July 1—Sept 30, 2024
In Memory of Barbara Goodrich Creighton Prep Math Department
Theresa & Richard Jehlik
Ann & Fred Olney
In Memory of Alice Klein
Jill Lustgarten
In Memory of Larry Lewellen
Borsheim’s
In Memory of Roman Noriega
Christine Noriega
In Memory of Pat Rosenquist
Book & Study Club
In Honor of Wendy Townley
Matt Tompkins
In Honor of Ezra Simon Wilson
Pam & Henry Monsky
In Memory of Maxine Zerbe
Cheri Hendrix
Photos by Chris Machian for the Omaha Public Library Foundation.
Merrilee Mosier Miller
Winter Holidays
Libraries will be closed on these holidays observed by the City of Omaha.
Christmas Eve close at 3 pm on Dec 24
Christmas Dec 25
New Year’s Eve close at 5:30 pm on Dec 31
New Year’s Jan 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 20
Presidents Day Feb 17
LOCATIONS
A.V. SORENSEN BRANCH 4808 Cass St | 402 444 5274
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
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
Pick up a complimentary 2025 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 with fellow book lovers! Register at omahalibrary.org
