ANNUAL REPORT 2017
Saddlebrook Branch hosted a hydrant party to help beat the summer heat on July 8, 2017.
Ta bl e of Con t en t s About OPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Message From the Board of Trustees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Facilities Surveys & Forums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 2017 Year in Review / Financials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Website Redesign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Zoo Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Summer Reading Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Omaha Reads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Holocaust Survivor Speakers Series. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Food For Fines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Omaha Star Digital Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Out & About Storytimes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Friends of Omaha Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Omaha Public Library Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Financial Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27
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W. Dale Clark Main Library’s Youth Services Librarian Mary Mollner led Out & About Storytime under the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge on June 28, 2017.
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About Us Mission Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our community by connecting people with ideas, information and innovative services.
Vision Omaha is a vital and vibrant city, with OPL as an essential catalyst, collaborator and connector.
Core Values English Language Learning (ELL) students selected books to read at Millard Branch on April 6, 2017.
• • • • • •
Service excellence Integrity Innovation Community engagement Equal & inclusive access Staff talent
Administration
Branch Managers
Laura Marlane – Executive Director Rachel Steiner – Assistant Director Elizabeth A. Johnson – Senior Manager of Operations Lori Arends – Business Office Manager Ben Brick – Collections Processing Manager Jody duRand – Community Engagement Manager Emily Getzschman – Marketing Manager Jason Goossen – Technology Manager Julie Humphrey – Youth Services Manager Theresa Jehlik – Strategy & Business Intelligence Manager Megan Klein-Hewett – Borrower Services Manager Amy Mather – Adult Services Manager Linda Miles – Facilities Manager Judy Shannon – Collection Development Manager
W. Dale Clark Main Library – Matt Couch Milton R. Abrahams Branch – Jennifer Jazynka Benson Branch – Karen Pietsch Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch – Sarah VanRaden Florence Branch – Micki Dietrich Millard Branch – Lois Imig Saddlebrook Branch – Lori Nelson A.V. Sorensen Branch – Deirdre Routt South Omaha Library – Marvel Maring W. Clarke Swanson Branch – Casey Kralik Charles B. Washington Branch – Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Willa Cather Branch – Evonne Edgington
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A Message from the board of Trustees Reflecting on 2017 at Omaha Public Library (OPL), one of the best words we can use to describe it is “eye-opening.” Though we often hear from OPL patrons about how they use the library and the value it adds to their lives, we rarely get the opportunity to hear what people want for the future of their library system in the way we did in 2017. Motivated by a facilities study and recommendations for how libraries will continue to meet the needs of our growing community, OPL facilitated a survey and several community forums inviting Douglas County residents to share their vision and feedback. We acquired a clear idea of facility priorities from library users and so much more. First, it was plain to see how much people in our communities love their libraries. The number of people who took the time to talk with us, write down their thoughts, or reach out to library leaders individually was astounding. Beyond that, the passion with which they spoke was a testament to their strong feelings about the library. While some shared nostalgic memories of the library’s impact on their personal growth and development, others focused on the here and now, citing how specific library programs and services meet needs in the community. We welcome the praise of Omaha’s library system and also acknowledge that not everything we heard was positive. People had questions and concerns about the future of OPL. Many have personal attachments to their branches and do not want new facilities, and others had questions about funding, security, maintenance and collections – all significant areas to consider as we create a roadmap for the future. Thank you for taking the time to help shape our perspective. OPL belongs to you and we want to ensure that we are utilizing our resources, leveraging our relationships, and having the greatest impact in service to our community. We cannot do that alone. We need strong leadership, public/private partnerships, collaborations with other organizations, talented staff and volunteers, and you to help fulfill a vision for OPL. Please continue to share your thoughts and stories with us. We welcome your feedback and are ready to listen. Connect with OPL online, in person or via email or social media.
OPL Board President Carol Wang (left) and OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane attended the Omaha Public Library Foundation annual fundraiser on September 19, 2017.
Omaha Public Library is governed by a nine-member board of trustees appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council to serve a three-year term. Monthly meetings are open to the public.
2017 Board of Trustees Carol Wang
President
Ervin Portis
Vice President
Caitlin Davis
Secretary/Treasurer
Cecelia Creighton Michele Frost Mike Kennedy Keith Lutz Adrian Suarez-Delgado Jesse Sullivan
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In response to the call for community input on prioritized
Facilities Surveys & Forums
recommendations
In August and September 2017, the OPL Board of
presented in an
Trustees sought public input on an updated Master
updated facilities
Facilities Plan completed by library consultant Himmel
plan,
314 individuals
attended facilitated forums, and more than
3,570 public
opinion surveys were collected.
& Wilson. OPL hosted a series of community conversations about the future of OPL’s facilities at select branches to gather feedback from Douglas County residents about recommendations from the updated master facilities plan. A survey was also made available at all 12 OPL locations and omahalibrary.org to help gauge the public’s opinion. Information collected indicated the most public support for a new “southwest” location, with 80 percent of participants agreeing with the recommendation, followed by varying levels of support for the remaining recommendations. This community input helped to inform the Board of Trustees in setting priorities and developing a 20-year plan to help execute their vision. Additional comments unrelated to facilities were also collected and continue to help guide and shape library offerings and services. More information about OPL’s updated facilities plan can be found at omahalibrary.org/facilities-master-plan.
Five recommendations from library consultant Himmel & Wilson: 1.
Build a new “southwest” branch in the area of 180th & Q to alleviate the traffic at Millard Branch and serve the growing westward population.
Millard Branch
2.
Replace Willa Cather Branch with a facility near 63rd & Center to serve populations west of the existing facility and overlapping populations from South Omaha Library.
Willa Cather Branch 6
3.
Replace Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch with a larger and more accessible facility.
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch
W. Dale Clark Main Library
4.
Replace W. Dale Clark Main Library and W. Clarke Swanson Branch simultaneously. Main Library would be replaced with a smaller downtown branch, while Swanson Branch would be replaced with a larger, central library somewhere along the Dodge Street corridor between 72nd and 90th streets. The central library would house administrative functions and special collections (currently housed downtown at Main Library).
5.
W. Clarke Swanson Branch
Replace Saddlebrook Branch with a larger facility for a growing population.
Saddlebrook Branch 7
OPL staff member Christine Swerczek assisted a patron at Charles B. Washington Branch on May 5,2017.
2017: Ye a r in R e v ie w REVENUE City of Omaha (General Fund & Keno) Douglas County Omaha Public Library Foundation Fines and fees collected State of Nebraska Friends of Omaha Public Library Grants and other income
$12,983,741 $1,800,000 $371,095 $300,000 $163,672 $91,674 $4,000
Curious George entertained patrons at the Wells Fargo Family Festival on December 3, 2017 at W. Dale Clark Main Library.
Total $15,714,182
EXPENDITURES Personnel $10,375,319 Books and materials $1,858,970 Facilities maintenance and security $1,650,698 Technology $900,106* Outreach and programming $206,552 Other operating expenses $205,593 Summer Reading Program $99,646 Continuing education/staff support $65,050
Total $15,361,934
*City technology fees of $405,160 are now billed directly to city departments.
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3,018,584 Library Visits | 1,911,776 Current Library Members | 301,453 Meeting Attendees | 60,667 Program Attendees | 130,283 Items Borrowed |
Website Redesign After seven years with its previous design, omahalibrary.org was due for a facelift.“We
1,689,355 Computer Sessions | 501,879 Digital Downloads | 302,818
Website Visits |
wanted a website that reflects the way people search for and receive information,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane.“This website highlights what’s new at OPL and creates a more user-friendly experience.” The updated website, introduced publicly in February 2017, enables OPL staff to highlight collections, services and events, and allows patrons to move between different parts of the website with ease. Another great benefit is that it is constantly being updated with new content, allowing website visitors to learn something new about OPL with each visit. The Library now has more freedom to make changes in response to usage patterns and feedback from library patrons and staff.
Website Features • • • • • • •
mobile-friendly social media integration shares curated parts of the collection relevant information is featured upfront visual layout fresh content is featured easily in multiple places opportunity to share OPL & patron stories
This mother-daughter duo searched OPL’s catalog to complete a library scavenger hunt on September 22, 2017, at a “Ban This Book” lock-in at W. Clarke Swanson Branch.
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Z oo Pa r t nership Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium began a partnership with Omaha and Council Bluffs public libraries to offer free zoo tickets to library patrons. “We’re thrilled to offer access to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to OPL cardholders,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “These tickets provide local families with an opportunity to enjoy one of Omaha’s most beloved attractions.” The partnership immediately yielded positive feedback from OPL patrons, including this comment posted on OPL’s Facebook page: “We just want to thank you and the Omaha Zoo for the ticket... As a low-income family, we don’t get to go to the zoo that much. This summer, we didn’t think we were going. So thank you very much! You made our threeyear-old very happy!” In May 2017, OPL distributed 2,880 zoo tickets and registered 283 individuals for new library cards during the process. More than 30 percent of the passes were distributed to individuals living in ZIP codes with an aboveaverage percentage of the population living below poverty level, providing an opportunity for low-income and at-risk youth to visit the zoo. After the initial allotment of passes had been distributed, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium agreed to continue to offer passes at libraries throughout 2017 and into 2018.
“We are happy to continue this partnership with the libraries to add value to their memberships and help further our efforts of providing our entire community with access to the Zoo and Aquarium throughout the school year.” -Dennis Pate, president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
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A family enjoyed the interactive Giraffe Encounter, with eye-to-eye viewing and an opportunity to feed the giraffes. Photo provided by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.
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Overall, more than
Summer R e a ding Progr a m
33,975 people
Building a Better World takes effort from everyone, and
participated in
Omaha and Douglas County residents were up to the
the 2017 Summer
task during summer 2017. Record-setting participation
Reading Program,
made it the most successful Summer Reading Program
logging
271,592
hours of reading. Programs attracted
(SRP) to date! Readers of all ages signed up to participate in 10 hours of reading for the opportunity to earn prizes. Participants also experienced a variety of programs at OPL’s 12 branches and “Out and About Storytimes” hosted at locations across Omaha.
39,060 attendees!
Above: (Top) Millard Branch drew a large crowd when firefighters from Omaha Fire Station #60 visited on July 7, 2017. (Bottom) After attending storytime with Clifford the Big Red Dog on June 15, 2017, these kids enjoyed reading their books at Benson Branch. Background: Wildlife Encounters visited Willa Cather Branch on June 21, 2017.
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The SRP’s “Build a Better World” theme emphasized being a valuable and productive member of our community through programs like babysitting clinics, workshops on how to be a good team member, and volunteer opportunities. There was also a focus on science and engineering skills through a variety of building, coding and science demonstrations and activities that helped make learning fun! Youth and Family Services Manager Julie Humphrey attributed the increased participation in 2017 to two things. “There was new software for registration and logging hours read. It was much simpler for families than previous years, and we received many positive comments about the change. Additionally, staff shared information about the program and how easy it was to participate.” The Richard Brooke Foundation was the presenting sponsor of the 2017 Summer Reading Program, and many other organizations helped to make SRP educational, affordable and entertaining for all.
Right: (Top) Young patrons posed after participating in the Saddlebrook Branch color run on July 26, 2017. (Bottom) OPL Young Adult Specialist Kris Cram and her son were all smiles taking a photo with Spiderman at the A.V. Sorensen Branch SRP kick-off party May 27,2017.
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Om a h a R e a ds More than
180
people attended four programs, and “The Bones of Paradise” was checked out more than
380 times
during Omaha Reads.
Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey presented the final Omaha Reads program on the historic societal structure of the Dakota people through the medium of storytelling on September 18, 2017, at Millard Branch.
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OPL celebrated its annual Omaha Reads campaign and Nebraska’s sesquicentennial with local author Jonis Agee’s “The Bones of Paradise.” The novel, set in the Nebraska Sand Hills in the years following the Massacre at Wounded Knee, tells a story filled with mystery, heartache and grit, with two women and their families at the center of it all. “It’s always a pleasure to feature a local author during Omaha Reads,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. “‘The Bones of Paradise’ provides challenging topics for discussion, and also exposes historical insights into northwestern Nebraska at the turn of the century.”
Omaha Reads is Omaha’s largest book club. This campaign promotes literacy and provides individuals in our community with a common theme to discuss. The book is selected through a public vote and promoted through book talks, author visits, and related programs during the month of September. OPL offered programs including presentations by author and University of Nebraska–Lincoln professor Joe Starita; retired Lakota studies, English and writing professor from Sinte Gleska University in South Dakota, Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey; and a book discussion and signing with author Jonis Agee.
Above: Jonis Agee, author of “The Bones of Paradise,” signed a book for a patron on September 14, 2017, at Milton R. Abrahams Branch. Below: A patron asked author Jonis Agee a question at the book discussion and signing.
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Hol oc a us t Surv i v or Spe a k ers Ser ie s OPL partnered with the Institute for Holocaust Education to present a four-week series featuring Holocaust survivors now living in the Omaha metro area.
Milton Kleinberg
Lila Lutz
Bea Karp
Kitty Williams
The series was very well-attended, and following the first event at Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch where the crowd exceeded the capacity of the space, OPL staff worked to accommodate larger crowds. Despite the space challenges, the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts from survivors was an illuminating and at times emotional experience for the more than 1,060 people who attended the four sessions. One of those people was Stacy Hoefer. She attended because she and her boyfriend had recently read a lot of nonfiction works about concentration camps and ghettos during World War II. “While what we read was horrifying, listening to someone who lived through this evil was mind-numbing,” said Hoefer. “It was especially difficult to hear the evil perpetrated against small children at the time. History cannot be forgotten.” Many in attendance shared their own memories with the survivors, while others offered kind words, flowers and hugs.
“Partnering with OPL was a fantastic opportunity and a great fit for the IHE. The organization of OPL staff and excellent marketing and publicity strategies allowed the Institute for Holocaust Education’s educational message – and the survivors’ voices – to be shared with a broad and diverse group of Omahans.” -Liz Feldstern, Executive Director of IHE
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A crowd of approximately 400 people filled W. Clarke Swanson Branch for the fourth and final Holocaust survivor testimony featuring Kitty Williams on October 19, 2017.
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Food f or f ine s From October 15-22, 2017, OPL accepted food donations to benefit the Alliance for a Better Omaha, a collaborative of Heart Ministry Center, Together, and Food Bank for the Heartland. Patrons who had accrued fines at OPL were encouraged to return long overdue items and have their fines waived for a donation of canned goods and other non-perishable foods. For each food item donated, $2 in current fines were waived. “This was an exciting opportunity for OPL to welcome patrons who had fines on their accounts back to the library,” said OPL Borrower Services Manager Megan Klein-Hewett. “It was a great way for them to reduce or eliminate fines while providing a service to our community.”
100 boxes of food 5,500 pounds = 4,583 meals Young patrons checked out books at Saddlebrook Branch on April 30, 2017.
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$8,346.33 in fines waived 1,135 patrons donated $7.35 average waived per participating patron
Digi ta l A rchi v e s “Offering access to The Omaha Star through OPL is more than an act of preservation, it is an act of community sharing,” said Omaha Public Library Foundation Executive Director Wendy Townley. In early 2015, OPL began offering Omaha World-Herald digital archives through NewsBank thanks to a generous donation by the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation to the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF), allowing OPL cardholders free access to Omaha World-Herald articles from 1878-1983. In fall 2017, another gift from the Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation and many other OPLF supporters helped to purchase digital archives of Omaha’s weekly African-American newspaper, The Omaha Star, from 1938-2011, ensuring that this valuable resource will forever be available to library patrons. As Nebraska’s largest African-American newspaper, The Omaha Star considers itself “The documentarians of African-American news in Omaha.”
“The searchable digital archives of The Omaha Star are an amazingly rich resource for OPL patrons, from the genealogist looking for an obituary, to the historian researching political activism in North Omaha, to the researcher of old buildings. This easily-accessible archive has brought the history of Omaha’s black community to life in a way that unindexed microfilm could never do,” said Martha Grenzeback, OPL genealogy and local history librarian. The Omaha Star archives are useful beyond family and historical research and can be helpful with teachers’ lesson plans, community heritage events and overall community enrichment. The Omaha Star digital archives increase OPL’s resources available for Omaha’s black community, and access to the communal history of all Omaha residents.
The Omaha Star building is located at 2216 N. 24th Street.
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Overall, more than
Ou t & A bou t S t ory t ime s
4,429 people attended 88
The benefits of storytimes are countless. Multiple studies
Out & About
children and their caretakers, and also help to develop
Storytimes around
literacy skills long before a child ever learns to read
Omaha in 2017.
independently.
have revealed that storytimes are entertaining and fun for
OPL is committed to offering storytimes at all 12 of its locations, considering them an essential community service. Storytime activities span language, social and motor skills, and expose children to new ideas, themes and concepts through the words on the pages. Youth services librarians at OPL have taken storytimes to another level in the past few years by holding many of them “out and about” in the community and welcoming children into environments that can help them learn more about the world around them and the content they are reading. Locations often include city parks, local entertainment and retail venues, and even other city departments and nonprofit organizations. OPL amps up its efforts to get “out and about” during the annual Summer Reading Program, and visits several locations in the Omaha area year round including Joslyn Art Museum, Do Space and Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Popular summer sites in 2017 included visits to Shakespeare on the Green, the Millard Airport, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Hy-Vee, and many others.
Above: (Top) Attendees played with science themed toys at the University of Nebraska at Omaha on July 27, 2017. (Bottom) A young patron showed her favorite storybook at OPPD Arboretum on July 6, 2017.
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“It’s far too easy to stay in our routines where we go to the same places and do the same things,” said W. Clarke Swanson Branch Youth Services Librarian Nancy Chmiel. “When libraries welcome families to join them for storytime outside the library, it provides the opportunity to explore new surroundings with the same ease and familiarity that they feel when they visit the library.”
Above: (Left) A young patron explored at Hy-Vee storytime on July 26, 2017. (Middle) Children played during parachute time at OPPD Arboretum on July 6, 2017. (Right) Laura Numeroff’s “Mouse” visited storytime at Pettit’s Pastry on July 20, 2017. Below: Over 250 kids and their caretakers attended storytime at the Millard Airport on June 23, 2017. Participants enjoyed storytime in a hangar, and then explored the planes.
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Be A F r iend Mission Friends of Omaha Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to raising money for the library, providing volunteers, and promoting the library to the greater community. Volunteer members raise funds with book sales at W. Clarke Swanson Branch on the first Saturday of each month and every Thursday. They also raise funds through online book sales, memberships, and donations to benefit OPL, its patrons, and the larger Omaha community. Learn more about becoming a Friend at friendsomahalibrary.org.
A patron browsed the shelves at a book sale on September 26, 2017, at W. Clarke Swanson Branch. The Friends host book sales every Thursday and on the first Saturday of the month.
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2017 Board Karen Hosier
President
Jeanne Spence
President Elect
Rose Hill
Secretary
Angie Wells
Treasurer
Trina Armstrong Carol Ebdon Mary Gallagher Jansen, MD Joe Goecke Polly Goecke Teggy Maxwell Michael J. O’Hara Euem Osmera Caroline Sedlacek Mary Ann Sturek
Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest
In 2017, the Friends
The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing contest is held each year in the spring to recognize the creative writing talent of area students. The top three winners from each grade receive a cash prize and certificate, are recognized in a ceremony at the library, and have their stories published on OPL’s website. The school libraries of each winning student are also recognized with matching cash prizes.
provided OPL
The writing contest began in 2003 and is named in honor of a longtime Friends of Omaha Public Library volunteer. Virginia Frank was a Central High School and University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) graduate. She acquired a master’s degree from Brown University and taught English literature and creative writing at UNO for many years. Her passion for students and young people inspired everyone around her, and her enthusiasm encouraged many students to explore their creative writing talents. Frank volunteered thousands of hours with the Friends of OPL to help ensure a bright future for our public libraries.
with over
8,600
hours of volunteer service and more than
$91,670.
These funds helped support important programming such as author events, the Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest, and Omaha Reads.
2017 writing contest winners were honored at a celebration reception and were rewarded for their exceptional writing talent with cash prizes on April 23,2017, at W. Dale Clark Main Library.
The Friends annual meeting, held on January 14, 2017, at UNO’s Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, welcomed the public to learn more about the organization.
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Support OPL
2017 Board Rochelle Mullen
President
Mission
Anne Branigan
The mission of the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) is to
Mark McMillan
raise funds and advocate for OPL.
Vice President Treasurer
Kathy Roum
Secretary
Dan Kinsella
Advisor
2017: Ye a r in R e v ie w REVENUE Total $886,483
EXPENDITURES Direct library contributions $371,095 Development $176,943 Administration & office expenses $63,999
Total $612,037
As of print time, OPLF’s 2017 audit was still in progress. These totals were submitted by OPLF staff. For more information, call 402.444.4589.
Eileen Wirth (right) presented the library foundation’s inaugural Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award to its namesake, Barbara Bock-Mavis, at its annual fundraiser on September 19, 2017, at Metropolitan Community College.
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Arun Agarwal Bob Berger Julie Cobb Jo Giles Traci Hancock James Kineen Tina Lonergan
Ex Officio Members
Carol Wang
OPL Trustees President
Laura Marlane
OPL Executive Director
Foundation Staff Wendy Townley
Executive Director
Sandra Lyden
Grants & Donor Relations Manager
Author Hope Jahren visited with students about her book,“Lab Girl.” Area educators, high school and college students were invited to hear from Jahren at a free event September 20, 2017, at Central High School.
Annual Fundraiser A fundraiser with author and scientist Hope Jahren on September 19, 2017, raised $62,000 for OPL programs and services. Dianne Seeman Lozier served as honorary event chair. The event also featured the presentation of the library foundation’s inaugural Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award. The award’s first recipient is also its namesake: Barbara Bock-Mavis. She was the library foundation’s first executive director, a volunteer post she held for eight years beginning in 1985.
1877 Society Formed in 2014, 1877 Society is a group of library enthusiasts and advocates in their twenties, thirties, and forties who support the work of the library foundation.
The 1877 Society hosts social and library-focused events throughout the year, as well as its annual fundraiser, Animus: Film vs. Book. In 2017, 1877 Society members and friends gathered at Aksarben Cinema to watch the 1961 film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Following the film, attendees debated which was better: the film adaptation starring Audrey Hepburn, or the 1958 novella by Truman Capote. For the first time in Animus history, the film won the debate. Proceeds from Animus were donated to OPL for adult literacy, programming and services.
Visit omahalibraryfoundation.org or call 402.444.4589 to learn more about 1877 Society and the Omaha Public Library Foundation.
1877 Society, in partnership with Dundee Book Co., hosted local author showcases in 2017. One event held at Mercury on August 23, 2017, featured authors Tosca Lee, Cat Dixon, Theodore Wheeler, Liz Kay, Lydia Kang, and Leo Biga. Below: 1877 Society members enjoyed appetizers at “Animus: Film vs Book” on October 19, 2017, at Aksarben Cinema.
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Financial Gifts January 1 – December 31, 2017
Memorial and honorarium donors are recognized in OPL’s quarterly Connect newsletter throughout the year.
Thank you, donors! Your support of the Omaha Public Library Foundation makes a difference. $50,000 & above Holland Foundation Claire M. Hubbard Foundation The Sherwood Foundation $25,000 & above Anonymous Richard Brooke Foundation Hawks Foundation Lozier Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Weitz Family Foundation $15,000 & above Anonymous Immanuel Vision Foundation Omaha Community Foundation Sokolof Foundation in memory of Richard Rosinsky $10,000 & above Dianne & Allan Lozier Maggie & Michael McMeekin The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Omaha World-Herald John & Ruth Sage Elizabeth Summers $5,000 & above Anonymous Bluestem Prairie Foundation Cox Communications NP Dodge Company/Sandy & Kate Dodge Gilbert M. & Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation Humanities Nebraska Dan & Kari Kinsella Michael & Susan Lebens Sally Mae McFarland Estate Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation Mike & Dana Meyer Mutual of Omaha Companies Pacific Life Foundation RBC Wealth Management Silvia Roffman Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation The Todd & Betiana Simon Foundation Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Tenaska, Inc. Union Pacific Foundation $2,000 & above Alvine & Associates, Inc Barbara Bock-Mavis Best Buy Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather Deloitte First National Bank
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Devin Fox, M.D. Gallagher Foundation Joan Gibson & Don Wurster Giger Foundation James & Dawn Hammel Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Richard & Helen Kelley Jim Kineen Dan & Tina Lonergan Gary & Lucie Long Rochelle Mullen Paul & Annette Smith The Soener Foundation StrategicHealthSolutions Streck, Inc. Webster Family Foundation $1,000 & above Anonymous Arun Agarwal Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Mary Joy Anderson Mogens & Cindy Bay Michael & Michelle Berlin Anne & Brian Branigan Stephen & Anne Bruckner Julie & Scott Cobb Stewart & Lisa Dale John & Terri Diesing Carol Ebdon Nancy Ford Fraser Stryker PC LLO Friedland Family Foundation Lance & Julie Fritz Carol Gendler Jo Giles John & Jean Hartwell Peggy & John Heck Scott & Cindy Heider Kate & Neil Holstein Harold & Clara Hoover Sandra Jenkins Noreen Johnson Dave & Vicki Krecek Deborah Macdonald Mark & Dianne McMillan Murray & Sharee Newman Phyllis & Bob Newman Lewis & Winifred Pinch RDG Planning & Design Dave & Anne Rismiller Kathy & Chad Roum Security National Bank Stephen & Karen Swartz Valmont Industries, Inc. Carol Wang & Jim Phillips Sarah Watson Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt Eileen M. Wirth Philip & Nancy Wolf
A young patron celebrated Halloween at $500 & above A.V. Sorensen Branch on October 25, 2017. Anonymous (2) Doug & Cathy Aden Jo Anne Amoura Theresa Jehlik Jean Amoura Howard & Gloria Kaslow Lise Anderson Katie & Justin Kemerling Lee Bachand Emily & Philip Kemp Baxter Auto Group Marc & Joan Kraft Jeb & Pat Bock Joseph & Molly Lang Monte S. Bradberry Marty Magee Dick & Carole Burrows Dr. Ed & Sally Malashock Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Roland & Jean Mariucci Maurice & Cora Conner Mid Month Book Club Kennard & Marcia Davies Stephanie McClellan Joseph Drugmand Gail McFayden Eclectic Book Club Sharon L. McGrath Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Tulani & Othello Meadows John & Janis Haggstrom John & Merrilee Miller Traci Hancock Diana Nevins Jeanette Hilton Ilka Oberst Pamala Janousek Susan Petersen Harry & Gail Koch Norma & Cliff Pountney Le Jardin Garden Club Todd Robinson Russell & Mary Ann Manners Rotary-Suburban Laura Marlane Shirley Siebler Heidi Moser Sandra Squires Sandra Price Pete & Mary Lou Stehr John & Kathleen Ransom Mark Thalken & Katie Wadas-Thalken Ann Rinne Union Pacific Giveplus Program Nancy Rips United Way of the Midlands Greg & Sue Rusie Jim & Maureen Waldron Gloria Sorensen Gary Wasdin Christine & Tony Swerczek Katie Weitz Red & Jann Thomas Meredith & Drew Weitz Stanley & Dorothy Truhlsen Judy & Gale Wickersham Bruce & Susan Vosburg Larry Zier Nicole & Ted Wheeler $100 & above Molly Wickert Anonymous (5) $250 & above Shaun Abels Anonymous Heather Akerberg AmazonSmile Foundation Colin Anderson Lynn & Thomas Ashby Marcia Anderson Jo Bartikoski Clyde & Mary Anna Anderson BCDM Architects Martha Antonson George & Kathleen Bigelow Dean Arkfeld & Peggy Reinecke Richard & Carol Britten Terry & Kris Atkins June Carlson Bonnie Austin Bobbie Carlson Mary Baumstark James & Anne Carroll Marcia Bechtel Leilani & Ron Coe Michael Beebe Mark & Teri D’Agostino Bob & Shary Berger Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor Karen Berry Mikki Frost Verda Bialac Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Jim Bishop Lynn & Cindy Gray Jennifer Black Barbie Green Lynn & Dave Blagg David Harding & Sarah Newman Kathryn Blesener Terry & Linda Haubold Marjorie Bock Dr. Kris & Mr. Gary Hoffman Rachel Bonnema Laura Honeycutt Dorothy & David Bowman Stephanie Iwan Flamme Jeffrey Boyum Chuck Jahren Marjorie & Larry Brennan
Ann Burdette Scott Burger Cecil Bykerk Jeanette Capps Kirsten Case Patrick Caulfield Tonya Cejka Kenny & Trish Champoux Lorraine Chang Susan & Bob Chenoweth Katelyn Cherney Lisa Choquette Robert & Jill Cochran Babe Cohn Susie Conlon Scott Cordell Graham Cox Alistair Cullum Harl & Kay Dalstrom Hal & Mary Daub Brian Day Tony & Claudia Deeb Melinda Dillon Mary Donovan Judith Douglas Linda & Charles Duckworth Holly Dunning Jody & Roger duRand Carl & Hannelore Ekstrom Marcie Ellis Linda Ellis Steve & Jacque Ellis Sara Epstein Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Ferer Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Tom & Janet Ferlic Ms. Mary Beth Flanagan Ivy Forrest Kelly Franck Karen Fulton Dave & Jackie Gilbertson Joan Gill Joanne Gilmore Nancy Grant
Cheryl Griffin & Chuck Lenosky Mike & Kathy Gross Bob & Rosemary Gross David Haas & Joan Lusienski Sarah Haddad Sarah Hanify Sarah Baker Hansen & Matthew Hansen Elaine Hanson Mark & Marjorie Harberg Roger & Jackie Harned Mary Jo Havlicek Christine Hay-Merchant Art & Peggy Heires Mary Helms & Ken Olson Denise Hill Matthew Hill Jeremy Hogan Ann Hosford Donna Huffman Michelle Hutton David & Ashley Ingvoldstad Carolyn Ireland Jim & Mary Jansen Marlene Jennum Jennifer & Chris Jerram Donald Johnson George & Margaret Johnson Harrison Johnson Stacy Jolley JPMorgan Chase Employee Giving Program Becki Kahn Dale & Tara Kaisershot Barbara & Adam Karpf Teresa Kay Ryan & Merritt Keiser Ralph Kellogg Casey Kralik Marie & Jack Kubat Bob & Kathy Kunkle Richard J. Kutilek Linda Lavely Cara Lazure Tom Liefer
Patricia Lontor Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Deb Love Keith Lutz Marilyn Marsh Bonnie Martin Brianne Matlock Catherine Maydew Scott McCollister John & Meg McNeal Cheryl McPherson Colette McVaney Janet Meisinger Dr. & Mrs. Paul Meissner Nancy Meyer Patricia & Nolan Mitchell Carrie Mohr Ann Moshman Gwendolyn Olney Dr. Lawrence Parrish Frank Partsch Murty Patchipulusu Peggy Payne Connie & Doug Pera Kristina Peters Emily Petersen Jane Petersen Chuck & Char Peterson Premier Day Care Services Inc. Robert & Patricia Ranney Neal & Deb Ratzlaff Lori Reckling Gail & Curt Reiter Sai Renukunta Mitzi Ritzman Douglas Roberts Stephen Robinson Debra Romberger LaDona Rowings Max & Karen Rudolph Robert & Sheila Runyon Rick & Carol Russell James & Gloria Schlichtemier Sylvia Schreiner
Julie Schroeder Caroline Sedlacek Margaret Shearer Jenni Shukert Richard & Carolyn Sieling Eve Simon Martin & Bonnie Simon Laurie Smith Camp Deborah Smith-Howell Pam & Neal Soderquist David Sommers Mark Sorensen Jeanne & Robb Spence Becky & Dan Spencer Susan Stalnaker Matthew & Vera Stefan Ann Stephens Ryan Strawhecker Nina Strickler Ashok Tankala Vance Taylor Charlotte Thiessen Betti Thomasian Austin & Dorothy Thompson Wallace Thoreson Anne & Charles Trimble Barbara Tripp Carl & Cindy Troia Bill & Joan Truhlsen Nichole & Kevin Turgeon Union Pacific Fund for Effective Government Judy Vann Mary Ann Vinton Mary Wampler Jessica Warren-Teamer & Shannon Teamer Robert & Louise Way Terry & Pat Wingate Elizabeth Winkler Woodward Family Emily Young
Two young patrons took a literal interpretation of the “Build a Better World� theme at the SRP kick-off party at Willa Cather Branch on May 27, 2017.
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L oc at ions At Charles B. Washington Branch, Youth Services Librarian Amy Wenzl read to families at a storytime on December 16, 2017.
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