OPL Fall Connect Newsletter 2017 by Omaha Public Library

Connect News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL Page

Page

Director’s Note SRP Recap

Omaha Reads events: I Am a Man

Wed | Sept 6 | 7-8 pm South Omaha Library Joe Starita, author of "I Am A Man: Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice," will discuss the importance of the landmark 1879 decision declaring Chief Standing Bear a person within the law.

Sitting Bull Family Story

Thurs | Sept 7 | 7-8 pm South Omaha Library

Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey will speak about the history of Sitting Bull's family, as told by his daughter−from prior to Euro-American contact up to and including the Massacre at Wounded Knee.

Storytelling of the Dakota

Mon | Sept 18 | 7-8 pm Millard Branch Joyzelle Gingway Godfrey will present on the historic societal structure of the Dakota people through storytelling. She will speak about the adventures of the first set of twins born in the world and give a glimpse of the family structure, food gathering, and beliefs of their tribal people.

Page

Family History Month Recommended Reads

4-5

Volume 24 • Issue 3 • Fall 2017 Page

KidSpot & TeenSpace Partner & Volunteer Spotlight

6-7

Friends of OPL OPL Foundation

Omaha Reads

The Bones of Paradise by Jonis Agee Jonis Agee Author Visit Thurs | Sept 14 | 7 pm | Abrahams Branch Join us in reading this year’s Omaha Reads selection, "The Bones of Paradise," by Jonis Agee. Each year, OPL encourages the community to nominate, vote on, and read one book as a way to promote literacy and provide a common theme for Omaha and Douglas County residents to discuss. The book selection is celebrated with an author visit, book talks, and other related programming. "The Bones of Paradise" is set in the unforgiving Nebraska Sand Hills in the years following the Massacre at Wounded Knee. The story that unfolds is filled with mystery, heartache and grit, with two women and their families at the center of it all. Agee is an award-winning author of 12 books. She lives in Omaha and teaches at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. “It’s always a pleasure to feature a local author during Omaha Reads,” said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane. "'The Bones of Paradise'

Photo by Steve Kowalski

provides challenging topics for discussion, and also exposes historical insight into northwestern Nebraska at the turn of the century.” Get involved by checking out the book at your local branch, participating in a program, and discussing the book with friends and neighbors. A complete schedule of programs is available at omahalibrary.org. Omaha Reads is supported through funding provided by the Omaha Public Library Foundation and Friends of Omaha Public Library.

Sand Hills and Sandlots:

The Amazing Story of Rushville's Modisett Ball Park

Wed | Sept 27 | 6:30–8 pm | Millard Branch The Nebraska panhandle town of Rushville loved and played baseball like most Nebraska communities. Unlike all others, it was the recipient of a beautiful ball field from the state's biggest rancher, and host to Major League Baseball school and try-out camp. Jeff Barnes tells the fascinating story of Rushville's 130 years with baseball and how past and present residents rebuilt Nebraska’s own “field of dreams” in 2014. This program is sponsored by Humanities Nebraska.

Director’s Note

Summer Reading Program Recap

Fall has always been my favorite time of year. I think it brings out the New Englander in me! I love the crisp, cool air as the evenings draw in, and the world just feels cozier. It's a great time to curl up with something wonderful to read. Of course, any time of year is a great time to read, and this past summer certainly proved no exception. Over 33,900 people participated in our Summer Reading Program—that’s a 19 percent increase over last year’s participation! As we move into fall, there will still be plenty to see and do at the library. A wide array of programs will be offered. There will be new exhibits opening in the Michael Phipps Gallery, and Hope Jahren, geobiologist and author of "Lab Girl," will speak at the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s annual fundraising event. If you’re one of the many people heading back to school, your library card will connect you with all the resources you need to succeed! Whether live homework help with professional educators on Tutor.com, or online tutorials for learning over 70 different languages using Mango Languages, OPL has something that can help you achieve your academic or personal development goals. Those who are preparing for college or an advanced degree can take advantage of Learning Express for free online practice exams for the SAT, ACT and GRE. Lifelong learners can continue their informal education with books (print, electronic or audio) on every topic imaginable, as well as online courses through Lynda.com and Gale Courses – all available free with your library card. Whatever your needs, whatever the time of year, OPL has something for you!

Laura Marlane Executive Director

Building a Better World takes effort from everyone, and Omaha and Douglas County residents were up to the task this summer! Their participation in this year’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) at OPL made it the most successful summer to date! Readers of all ages signed up to participate in the reading challenge of 10 hours of reading for the opportunity to earn prizes. Participants also experienced a variety of programs at OPL’s 12 branches, and “Out & About” at different locations across Omaha. 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 – making learning fun! Overall, more than 33,975 people participated in the annual Summer Reading Program, logging 271,592 hours of reading. Programs attracted 39,060 attendees! Many photos of SRP programs can be seen at flickr.com/omahalibrary. Youth and Family Services Manager Julie Humphrey attributed the increased participation this year to two things. “This year, the SRP committee selected 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.” OPL is grateful to the Richard Brooke Foundation for its sponsorship of the 2017 Summer Reading Program, and would like to thank all of the organizations who helped make SRP educational, affordable and entertaining for all who participated!

In Memory of Richard Peterson Jr.

Recommended Reads The King Is Always Above the People by Daniel Alarcón

April 7, 1954 - June 8, 2017 OPL lost a longtime employee on June 8. Rick Peterson had worked at W. Dale Clark Main Library for over 30 years. “Rick was devoted to his work and took great pride in it,” said Main Library Manager Matt Couch. “He also cared greatly for his co-workers. Main Library will not be the same without Rick, and we will miss him.” Peterson worked as a library aide to ensure that materials were properly cared for and shelved. He was especially skilled at finding misplaced items. Year after year, his supervisors praised his attention to detail, friendly personality, and consistency in his performance. Peterson’s reliable presence at OPL is what’s most noticeable now that it’s gone. Thank you for your service, dear friend. Rest in peace.

Family History Month October is National Family History Month and OPL has many opportunities to begin or continue researching family history. Patrons Mapping Cemeteries can use OPL’s extensive genealogy Sat | Sept 9 | 2 pm resources such as MyHeritage, Genealogists Online Ancestry.com, and the Gilbert M. Sun | Sept 17 | 2 pm and Martha H. Hitchcock Omaha Sun | Oct 15 | 2 pm World-Herald Digital Archive. Visit Sun | Nov 19 | 2 pm omahalibrary.org to learn more Genealogy Lock-in about OPL’s genealogy department Fri | Oct 6 | 6:30-9 pm and programs. Registration required. All programs will take place at Main Library.

Michael Phipps Gallery

A slyly political collection of stories about immigration, broken dreams, Los Angeles gang members, Latin American families, and other tales of high stakes journeys. Calmer, Easier, Happier Screen Time by Noël Janis-Norton The author offers techniques to help parents wean their children away from their electronic devices and get back in charge. Inheriting the War edited by Laren McClung Fifty years after the Vietnam War, this anthology of poetry and prose written by descendants of Vietnam veterans and refugees confronts war and its aftermath, revealing an affecting portrait of the effects of war and family. The Comfort Food Diaries: My Quest for the Perfect Dish to Mend a Broken Heart by Emily Nunn Nunn experiences the healing power of comfort food and offers up dozens of recipes for the wonderful meals that saved her life. Under A Pole Star by Stef Penney The stark, timeless, and beautiful setting of northern Greenland reveals that sometimes you have to travel to the furthest edge of the world in order to find your true place in it. Get a customized book list with recommended reads just for you! Request your list by visiting omahalibrary.org and selecting Custom Reading List under the Services tab.

Main Library | 215 S. 15th St. | 1st Floor Available free of charge to local artists and art groups for exhibitions throughout the year. Exhibits are displayed for approximately two months and are scheduled 12 months in advance.

September/October: Alex Jochim, Sarah Jones & Kristin Pluhacek

November/December: Rivers, Roads, Remains by Lori Elliott-Bartle, Marcia Joffe-Bouska & Tom Quest Opening reception Fri | Nov 3 | 4-6 pm These three Omaha-based artists create large, collaborative mixed-media artwork that explores place, memory and a connection to Missouri River.

Taylor Packs His Bags by Alex Jochim

Find It If You Can by Sarah Jones

Bart by Kristin Pluhacek

Opening reception Fri | Sept 1 | 4-6 pm This multimedia exhibition pushes through pop culture and tactile gestures with witty and ironic jabs. Each artist works through themes of color, gesture and intimacy with a studied focus of medium—whether ceramic, pastel or photography.

Their individual works compliment and further explore themes present in the larger work.

Hexagon Quest by Marcia Joffe-Bouska & Tom Quest

Specimen by Marcia Joffe-Bouska

Grasses #2 by Lori Elliott-Bartle

KidSpot

Partner Spotlight: Dr. Mitzi Ritzman

Costume Characters

Enjoy stories & activities with children’s book characters. Don’t forget your camera!

Biscuit

Llama Llama

Sept 8 Sept 9 Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 13 Sept 14 Sept 15 Sept 16

Nov 3 10 am . . . . Saddlebrook Nov 4 10 am . . . . . . . . Benson Nov 6 10:30 am . . . . . . . . Millard Nov 7 10 am . . . . Washington Nov 8 10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . Main Nov 9 10 am . . . . . . . . Elkhorn Nov 10 10:30 am . . . . . . Swanson

10:30 am . . . . . . . Florence 10:30 am . . . . . . . . Millard 10:30 am . . . . . Abrahams 10:30 am . South Omaha 10:30 am . . . . Willa Cather 10 am . . . . . . . . Elkhorn 10 am . . Saddlebrook 10:30 am . . . . . . Sorensen

Schedules subject to change, visit omahalibrary.org for updates.

Kids Teens Adults All ages RRegistration required

A true community partnership with reciprocal benefits to the participating organizations and the individuals and families receiving its services is often sought, but seldom achieved. Ten years ago, when former Charles B. Washington Branch Manager John Bernardi identified Humanities Nebraska’s PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME® as a potential solution to addressing North Omaha’s literacy development, he also recognized that the program fulfilled a need with older children, but left a gap with younger kids. PRIME TIME is a six week shared reading experience for families with children ages 6-10. Attendees eat a meal together, followed by story-sharing, interactive reading with a group leader, and fun comprehension activities. The program helps families to discover great stories and books together. Yet, many families with children in the program’s age range have younger siblings, and Washington Branch did not have the structure or staff available to work with the younger children. This is where Dr. Mitzi Ritzman, Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), came into the picture. Ritzman is involved with UNO’s Service Learning Academy, which aims to bridge the campus with the community through its students. Initial conversations between Bernardi and Ritzman exposed the opportunity for graduate students in speech-language pathology to work with children ages birth to 5 years, along with their caregivers. “Students often enter this opportunity with a detailed plan, but it turns into a conversation,” said Ritzman. “The depth of learning for our students is well beyond what they could achieve in a simulation. It helps them to realize who they are as a person and who they want to be as a professional.” This community collaboration is still going strong. Though staff and students have transitioned over the years, and the program has evolved based on communication between the library and UNO, the partnership has resulted in a great outcome for the community. “I’m exceptionally proud of the longevity and legacy of this partnership. It’s gratifying to do this work and be able to tell our story in a different way,” said Ritzman. OPL staff is also grateful for what Dr. Ritzman and her students do for OPL’s North Omaha patrons. PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME® Saturdays | Sept 30-Nov 4 9:30-11:30 am Washington Branch | 2868 Ames Ave. There is no charge for PRIME TIME activities. Interested families are encouraged to register by contacting the branch at 402.444.4849. For more information visit omahalibrary.org.

TeenSpace Leigh Bardugo Author Visit Mon | Oct 2 | 6 pm

(doors open at 5:30)

Millard Branch 13214 Westwood Ln. OPL and The Bookworm welcome Leigh Bardugo on her Midnight Tales Tour! Bardugo will be in conversation with Omaha native Rainbow Rowell, discussing Bardugo’s newest book, "The Language of Thorns," a collection of short stories she describes as “filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice and love.” Costumes from the Grishaverse encouraged! A prize will be awarded for best costume. The Bookworm will have books available for purchase. Book signing preference is given to attendees with a copy of "The Language of Thorns." Other titles will be signed if time permits.

Banned Books Week

Volunteer Spotlight Marin Harrington fondly recalls spending hours at Omaha Public Library’s Willa Cather Branch as a child. “I grew up reading at this library,” said Harrington. The library solidified her love of reading, which still entices her at age 18. At age 10, it gave her a sense of independence, as her mother allowed her to wander the library’s stacks to select her next literary conquests, which she checked out with her own library card. It even spawned her former obsession with "Twilight," an “important part” of her life at the time she selected the novel as a prize for completing her Summer Reading Program (SRP) goals. When Harrington sought volunteer opportunities to meet community service requirements as a student at Duchesne Academy, her mother asked Willa Cather Branch staff if they needed any volunteers, and they did. Volunteering for two hours weekly helped Harrington quickly meet her school requirements, but she enjoyed the work and chose to continue her shift for another three years! “Reading is so important to my life, so I decided I could take two hours out of my week to help,” said Harrington. Though usually found shelving books, Harrington has also donned full-body costumes for character visits, stuffed hundreds of SRP prize bags, and helped with other tasks essential to the library’s operation.

Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers — in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Ban this Book! Lock-in

Fri | Sept 22 | 6-8 pm | Swanson Branch

This lock-in is for pairs of 4-6th grade students and their favorite grown-up (parent, grandparent, adult sibling, etc.). Built around the book "Ban This Book" by Alan Gratz (released August 29, 2017), the night will include food, fun and conversation about the book. If we are lucky, the author will join us via Skype! Registration required. The first 20 pairs to sign up will get a free copy of the book to read and share. All students must bring an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a 4-6th grader.

“It’s a nice break from real life sometimes,” said Harrington. “When I was in high school, some days were so busy, but I would go to the library and shelve books for a couple hours and it would get my mind away from everything.” Harrington’s time as an OPL volunteer ended in August as she moved to Iowa to attend college. “Marin has always been mature beyond her years with a positive personality to match. I have no doubt that she will achieve whatever she sets out to do,” said Lori Pitman, youth services librarian at Willa Cather Branch. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org for an application and more information.

10 Most Challenged Books of 2016

Out of 323 challenges recorded by the Office for Intellectual Freedom

1) This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki 2) Drama by Raina Telgemeier 3) George by Alex Gino 4) I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings 5) Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan 6) Looking for Alaska by John Green 7) Big Hard Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction 8) Make Something Up: Stories You Can’t Unread by Chuck Palahniuk 9) Little Bill (series) by Bill Cosby 10) Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Celebrate Teen Read Week, a national youth literacy initiative that encourages teens to be regular library users and readers. Visit omahalibrary.org for the full schedule of events. For more information about Teen Read Week, visit ala.org/teenread, or get involved in the conversation through social media using #TRW17.

Be a FRIEND! Libraries cannot be built or maintained by tax dollars alone. To ensure the continued excellence and growth of OPL, become a Friend today!

Staff Spotlight Luella Buse was hired as a children’s

librarian at OPL on July 30, 1992. She worked at the Millard Branch for 2 ½ years before moving to Abrahams Branch for 18 years. From there, she moved to Sorensen Branch, before retiring on June 3 after nearly 25 years of service.

Buse graduated from Briar Cliff University with a bachelor’s degree in speech therapy and music. Following college, she worked at the public library in Fremont, Neb., and realized that she really enjoyed it. She acquired her master’s degree in library science from the University of Missouri. She was drawn to children’s services because of her love for children’s books. “They’re so funny and fun. I like reading to kids and sharing literature, especially with kids who don’t necessarily get exposed to books at home,” said Buse.

Please complete the form and mail it to: FRIENDS of Omaha Public Library PO Box 6032, Omaha, NE 68106 Questions? Email us at omahalibraryfriends@gmail.com

Book Sales

W. Clarke Swanson Branch | 9101 W. Dodge Rd. Weekly Sales Monthly Sales Thursdays | 10 am - 3 pm 1st Saturday | 10 am - 3 pm

In her retirement, Buse plans to work on her house and do some traveling. She also plans to take on a few more piano students. OPL is grateful for Luella’s service and wishes her well in the next chapter of her life.

Mary Henriksen Summers are busy for public library staff. Kids on summer break often look for things to do at the library, and librarians work to make sure there’s something for everyone. Adult Services Librarian Mary Henriksen decided that this year was the time to make some summer plans for herself! Henriksen retired after nearly 21 years of service to OPL on July 1. Henriksen began working for OPL in July 1996 as a young adult librarian at Washington and Florence branches. She worked at Sorensen and Abrahams branches in the same role. After working in youth services for 17 years, Henriksen transferred to Swanson Branch to work with adults. “I enjoyed being a young adult librarian,” said Henriksen. “I liked being part of a team that helped to create and shape young adult programming, and also welcomed the challenge of learning adult services and collections.” Henriksen was always interested in becoming a librarian, but studied social work in college. It wasn’t until graduate school that she decided to pursue librarianship at Emporia State University. The combination of her library and social science education proved useful. “We serve all walks of life at OPL. Being able to recognize some of the problems that people might be experiencing helped me to better serve them.” Henriksen says she will miss coworkers and patrons, but is looking forward to spending more time with family in her retirement. We wish her all the best and are grateful for her service!

Join us for a special evening

Honorary Event Chair Dianne Lozier

LiteratureHope&Jahren Science with

Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and a presentation followed by a Q&A and book signing

• Sept 19 • 6 :30-8:30 pm Tues Metropolitan Community College • Fort Omaha Campus

Institute for the Culinary Arts (Bldg 22) • 32nd & Sorensen Pkwy

$100

each

• Patron ticket

features a private 5:30 PM author reception & valet parking

$60

each

• General admission

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Omaha Public Library Foundation at foundation@omahalibrary.org or 402.444.4589. For more details visit omahalibraryfoundation.org. Event proceeds will support Omaha Public Library programs and services.

Financial Gifts Received July 21, 2016 – July 21, 2017 $100,000+

Virginia Schmid Trust

$50,000+

Claire M. Hubbard Foundation The Sherwood Foundation

$20,000+

Anonymous Richard Brooke Foundation Lozier Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Weitz Family Foundation

$2,000+

Alvine & Associates, Inc Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation Barbara Bock-Mavis Cline Williams Deloitte & Touche LLP Devin Fox, M.D. Giger Foundation Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Gary & Lucie Long Rochelle Mullen Lewis & Winifred Pinch RBC Foundation Paul & Annette Smith StrategicHealthSolutions Streck, Inc.

$1,000+

Arun Agarwal Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Foundation Mogens & Cindy Bay Hawks Foundation Benson Neighborhood Association Immanuel Vision Foundation Berger & O'Toole, CPAs Omaha World-Herald (Bob & Shary Berger) Sokolof Foundation in memory of Stephen & Anne Bruckner Richard Rosinsky Burlington Capital Foundation $5,000+ John & Terri Diesing Anonymous Sandy & Kate Dodge Bluestem Prairie Foundation Nancy Ford Cox Communications Friedland Family Foundation Gilbert M. & Martha H. Hitchcock Lance & Julie Fritz Foundation Carol Gendler Holland Foundation Deryl & Ramona Hamann Humanities Nebraska Peggy & John Heck Michael & Susan Lebens Kate & Neil Holstein Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp Maggie & Michael McMeekin Sandra Jenkins Mike & Dana Meyer Jim Kineen Mutual of Omaha Companies Dan & Kari Kinsella NP Dodge Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Pacific Life Foundation Dan & Tina Lonergan Amy L. Scott Family Foundation Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation Mark & Dianne McMillan Phyllis & Bob Newman The Todd & Betiana Simon Foundation Peggy Payne Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation RDG Planning & Design Tenaska Silvia Roffman Union Pacific Foundation John & Ruth Sage

$10,000+

D. David & Martha Slosburg Stephen & Karen Swartz Van Timberlake Valmont Industries, Inc. Carol Wang & Jim Phillips Webster Family Foundation Meredith & Drew Weitz Philip & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous (2) Doug & Cathy Aden Jean & Mohammad Amoura-Odeh Lise Anderson Lynn & Thomas Ashby George & Kathleen Bigelow Anne Branigan Dick & Carole Burrows Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Julie & Scott Cobb Maurice & Cora Conner Mark & Teri D'Agostino Stewart & Lisa Dale Nancy Darst Hal & Mary Daub Joseph Drugmand Carol Ebdon First National Bank Jo Giles Mike & Wanda Gottschalk John & Janis Haggstrom Lynn Harland John & Jean Hartwell Dave & Vicki Krecek Le Jardin Garden Club Russell & Mary Ann Manners Physicians Mutual Insurance Co Sandra Price John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Nancy Rips Greg & Sue Rusie Shirley Siebler Christine & Tony Swerczek Telugu Samiti of Nebraska Red & Jann Thomas United Way of the Midlands Bruce & Susan Vosburg Molly Wickert

$250+

Anonymous (2) Trent Allen Jo Anne Amoura Richard & Carol Britten Bobbie Carlson Sydney Cate Lou & Ellie Clure Leilani & Ron Coe Tim Davlin & Ann O'Connor Eclectic Book Club Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Lynn & Cindy Gray Terry & Linda Haubold Harold & Clara Hoover Jamie Hsu Stephanie Iwan Flamme Emily & Philip Kemp Marty Magee Roland & Jean Mariucci Stephanie McClellan Sharon L. McGrath Mid Month Book Club John & Merrilee Miller Ilka Oberst Norma & Cliff Pountney Mary Anne & Bruce Ramge Rotary Club of Omaha--North Rotary-Suburban Saddlebrook Elementary School PTA Mary Ann & Gilbert Sherman The Soener Foundation Gloria Sorensen Susan Stalnaker Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Elizabeth Summers Union Pacific Giveplus Program Jim & Maureen Waldron Judy & Gale Wickersham Eileen M. Wirth

Honorariums & Memorials Received April 22 – July 21, 2017 In Memory of Olive Musil Blazek Giger Foundation

In Memory of Jacqueline Fatherree

Philip & Elvira Beckenhauer Kamaria Bruner Larry & Mary Edmonds Kenn & Shari Garder James & Carol Patterson Laura Gorynski Omaha Swiss Club Nancy Rips Eleanor Thorson & William Bardon

In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Nick Lehman Laura Gorynski

In Memory of Richard Mather Nancy Rips

In Memory of Rick Peterson Denise Bessette

In Memory of Annette Kay Pitzer Dewayne Greim

In Memory of Joann Rosenbaum JoAnn Baker Sue Brunke Stephen & Donna Ellis Steve & Jacque Ellis Marcie Ellis Linda Ellis Myrna Esluer Dave & Jackie Gilbertson Tony Gilbertson Patti & Tom Langdon Ruth Mullin Kathleen O'Neill Steve O'Neill Marilyn Pyle Margaret Schomer Vicki Werth

HOURS & LOCATIONS

215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102

W. DALE CLARK MAIN LIBRARY

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage

215 S. 15th St. / 402.444.4800 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6 PM

PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 1818

MILTON R. ABRAHAMS BRANCH

5111 N. 90th St. / 402.444.6284 ______________________________________ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 9 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6 PM

BENSON BRANCH

6015 Binney St. / 402.444.4846 ______________________________________ _______ TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 8 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED

BESS JOHNSON ELKHORN BRANCH

2100 Reading Plz. / 402.289.4367 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 8 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED

Food for Fines Week Oct 15 - 22

Library card holders can exchange canned goods and other non-perishable foods for library overdue fines. Benefitting Hunger Collaborative of Omaha

FLORENCE BRANCH

2920 Bondesson St. / 402.444.5299 ______________________________________ _______ TU & WE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM TH, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED

MILLARD BRANCH

13214 Westwood Ln. / 402.444.4848 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 9 PM FR, SA & SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM

SADDLEBROOK BRANCH

14850 Laurel Ave. / 402.884.7473 ______________________________________ _______ TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 8 PM FR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 5 PM SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 4 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED

A.V. SORENSEN BRANCH

4808 Cass St. / 402.444.5274 ______________________________________ TU & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM WE, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED

SOUTH OMAHA LIBRARY

2808 Q St. / 402.444.4850 (call for hours during MCC quarter breaks) ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . 7:30 AM - 9 PM FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED

Culinary Conference

W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH

Sat | Nov 4 | 11 am - 3 pm | Main Library

9101 W. Dodge Rd. / 402.444.4852 ______________________________________ _________ TU, WE & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 8 PM FR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AM - 6 PM SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED

CHARLES B. WASHINGTON BRANCH

2868 Ames Ave. / 402.444.4849 ______________________________________ _______ MO, TU & WE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 8 PM TH, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 AM - 6 PM SU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CLOSED

WILLA CATHER BRANCH

1905 S. 44th St. / 402.444.4851 ______________________________________ _______ TU & TH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 8 PM WE, FR & SA . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 AM - 6 PM SU & MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED 24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 Hours subject to change. or omahalibrary.org

Holocaust survivor speaker series Thursdays | Sept 28- Oct 19 6:30-7:30 pm Various Locations Opportunities to hear survivors speak are becoming increasingly rare. The Institute for Holocaust Education and OPL partner to offer a series of talks led by Holocaust survivors. Each session will feature a different speaker. Find complete schedule at omahalibrary.org.

Sweets & Confections

According to "The Food Timeline’s" website (foodtimeline.org), "food historians propose the first sweets were consumed as a sort of medical treatment for digestive troubles." Today’s sweets and confections cure a lot more than just digestive problems and include more than peppermints. Sweets and confections come in a variety of textures and flavors. Caramel, marshmallows, chocolates, licorice and more! Join us at the seventh annual Culinary Conference as we talk with purveyors about their sweet delights. Come hungry to try an array of wonderful sweet samples.

OPL Facilities Forums Attend a facilitated conversation to provide your input about the five priorities recommended by library consultants Himmel & Wilson regarding OPL’s future facilities. Visit omahalibrary.org to review the plan and its recommendations.

Mon | Aug 28 | 6-8 pm | Swanson Wed | Sept 6 | 6-8 pm | Washington Mon | Sept 11 | 6-8 pm | Millard

Wed | Sept 13 | 6-8 pm | Elkhorn Thurs | Sept 14 | 6-8 pm | South Omaha