OPL Winter Connect Newsletter 2018

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

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Page

Director’s Note Fall Recap

Holiday Hours Dec 24 - All locations close at 3 pm Dec 25 - All locations closed Dec 31 - All locations close at 6 pm

(Main Library open until 8 pm for fireworks)

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Volume 25 • Issue 4 • Winter 2018-19

Pages

New Year, New Business Partner Spotlight

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KidSpot & TeenSpace Staff Spotlight

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Friends of OPL OPL Foundation

Holiday Happenings The holidays can leave you feeling like you’re being pulled in a million different directions.

Don’t forget to take some time to slow down and enjoy the best the season has to offer.

Omaha Public Library (OPL) can help with fun, free, pre-planned programs and activities for all ages to enjoy, including music, crafts, open houses, and even visits with Santa!

Don’t forget to check out holiday cookbooks, reading, music, movies and more. Visit Consumer Reports for free through omahalibrary.org to find the best deals using their Holiday Central guide.

Visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org for more information and complete schedule of programs.

Jan 1 - All locations closed

Holiday Gift Guide Pre-K The Snowy Nap

by Jan Brett 8 Little Planets

by Chris Ferrie Niblet & Ralph

by Zachariah OHora Construction Site on Christmas Night

by Sherri Duskey Rinker

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Read?

by Jane Yolen

Elementary

Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas

by Dav Pilkey The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal

by Nick Seluk Baby Monkey, Private Eye

by Brian Selznick

Magnus Chase: 9 From the Nine Worlds

by Rick Riordan Dry

by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters

by Andrea Beaty

Teens

Dactyl Hill Squad

by Daniel José Older

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

by Kiersten White

Children of Blood and Bone

by Tomi Adeyemi

Bridge of Clay

by Markus Zusak

Director’s Note

Charles B. Washington Branch will host a Kwanzaa program to have a community discussion around the history of the holiday.

I used to rely on “The Old Farmer’s Almanac” for planning outdoor events and getting a sense of what the next season would bring, but after its failure to predict the bitter cold of last winter, my plan this year is to buy more sweaters and hope for the best.

Fortunately, not all winter plans rely on the weather, and no matter what the season brings weather-wise, you can always count on Omaha Public Library to warm your spirits and help you get ready for the holidays!

The New Year will bring some amazing new business programs.

Learn about start-up business basics, create a business plan for your new endeavor, develop a budget, and learn about the effective use of marketing and social media in building your business.

When it’s just too cold to go out, visit us online or use the MyOPL and Libby apps to download stories to listen to or read on a cozy winter evening. For more information about any of these programs or services, visit omahalibrary.org or ask the staff at your neighborhood branch.

Throughout December, OPL has crafts for all ages at many branch locations, including a light-up holiday card card-making event for teens. Adults can learn how to make travel tin toys to help keep kids entertained on long road trips, crochet and create a holiday masterpiece, or build gingerbread houses! Santa will visit several OPL locations for storytimes and pictures—so don’t forget to bring your camera! Join us for music at South Omaha Library, where the Omaha South Magnet High School’s Chamber Choir will perform.

Milton R. Abrahams Branch will welcome kids wearing their favorite holiday robes for a Hogwarts Holiday Lock-in.

On behalf of everyone at OPL, we hope your holiday season is safe, warm and happy!

Fall Recap

During this event, individuals with diverse life experiences acted as human books and were ‘checked out’ for conversations. This event provided an opportunity to share stories, ask questions and challenge biases through open and honest dialogue.

Omaha Reads

Laura Marlane Executive Director

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas was the 2018 selection for Omaha Reads, Omaha Reads Table Talk with Inclusive Communities panel OPL’s annual campaign that encourages everyone in the community to read and discuss the same book. OPL worked with a variety of community partners to provide opportunities for people to Omaha Reads After Hours for young professionals gather and talk about the book’s challenging themes in a respectful environment. The book’s storyline follows 16-year-old Starr Carter, who is balancing her life in the impoverished black neighborhood where she lives with her life as a student in an upper-crust prep school. This delicate balance is upended when she becomes the sole witness to her childhood friend’s shooting death by a police officer. OPL is grateful for its Omaha Reads partners: Paul B. Allen IV, Beacon Story Lab, College of Saint Mary, Dundee Book Co., Girls Inc., Raquel Henderson, Inclusive Communities, Leo Louis II, Tulani Grundy Meadows, Jade Rogers, Ashlei Spivey, The Highlander and 75 North, The Union for Contemporary Art, and Felicia Webster. “The Hate U Give” was checked out approximately 900 times during the Omaha Reads campaign.

Culinary Conference

Human Library

“We are so thankful to OPL and its patrons for their amazing support in our efforts to help our fellow Omahans who are experiencing hunger,” said Craig Howell, director of Alliance for a Better Omaha.

OPL and AIGA Nebraska partnered to present The Human Library on October 17.

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OPL hosted its 8th annual Read It & Eat Culinary Conference on November 3. The event explored dairy foods and dairy alternatives. Participants enjoyed sampling a variety of cheeses and ice creams, Food demonstration with Chad Lebo, Cure Cooking watching food demonstrations, and listening to panel discussions with local dairy and dairyalternate aficionados. Those in attendance also had the opportunity to peruse the restaurants of Omaha’s past through a display of historic menus. More than 115 people attended the event.

Food for Fines During OPL’s Food for Fines week, Oct. 14-21, 589 patrons donated 3,378 lbs of food, which will provide 2,815 meals for Alliance for a Better Omaha! Thanks to all who participated and waived a collective $3,995.93 in late fees from their OPL accounts!

Each item donated erased $2 in fines.

Food donations are accepted by Food Bank for the Heartland, Heart Ministry Center and Together year-round.

Human Library “book” Ang. B.

Partner Spotlight

New Winter Titles You Can’t Go Wrong Doing Right

by Robert J. Brown

New Year’s is a time when many people plan to make positive changes in their lives—and for some, that may mean pursuing their dreams of starting a new business. For the past four years, OPL has partnered with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support those looking to develop their businesses or business ideas with a series of “New Year, New Business” workshops in January and February.

The series features weekly workshops at different OPL locations, covering a variety of business subjects. Sessions are taught by local experts brought in through SBA partners SCORE and the Nebraska Business Development Center.

“We really designed it to be a one-stop series for starting a small business,” said Elizabeth Yearwood, economic development specialist/administrative officer of SBA’s Nebraska district office. “Whether you have a dream and need to know how to get started, or if you’ve already got a business and want to learn ways to improve it, there’s something for everyone.”

Going into the fifth year of the series, OPL’s Business Librarian Nick Engert is looking forward to leaning into the subjects that people have found most valuable in the past and introducing new courses and resources to the series. Changes in 2019 include a session specifically on Facebook for Business and another about other social media platforms; as well as the incorporation of one of OPL’s newest databases, Gale Small Business Builder, into the Create a Business Plan session, which will make the workshop more interactive for participants.

Engert and Yearwood both said that their favorite part of the series is interacting with the attendees, whether they come for one workshop or the whole series.

“Ideally folks come away with answers to their questions,” said Yearwood. “They have the opportunity to connect with all kinds of free business resources and it’s a great networking opportunity for folks to meet and exchange information and know they aren’t alone in their endeavor, because it can be really overwhelming.”

Robert Brown’s memoir takes readers behind the scenes of pivotal moments from the 20th century, where the lessons he learned at his grandmother’s knee helped him shape America as we know it today.

Talk to Me

by John Kenney Network TV anchor Ted Grayson’s profanitylaced tirade is caught on camera, destroying his reputation and career, and leaving him without a script for the first time in years.

Joy Enough

by Sarah McColl Sifting gingerly through memories of her late mother, McColl has penned an indelible tribute to the joy and pain of loving well.

Blood Echo

by Christopher Rice Something sinister is evolving in Altamira, California, and the fate of Charlotte Rowe’s hometown hangs in the balance. With everyone she cares about in danger, Charlotte has no choice but to bring her powers home.

Start-Up Business Basics

Facebook for Business

Create a Business Plan

Guerilla Marketing

Building a Budget for Your Business

Social Media for Business

Pricing Goods and Services

Federal Contracting

Jan 3 | Abrahams Branch | 402.444.6284 Jan 10 | South Omaha Library | 402.444.4850 Jan 17 | Benson Branch | 402.444.4846

Jan 24 | Washington Branch | 402.444.4849

Jan 31 | Millard Branch | 402.444.4848 Feb 7 | Sorensen Branch | 402.444.5274 Feb 14 | Swanson Branch | 402.444.4852 Feb 21 | Elkhorn Branch | 402.289.4367

Register for these events online at omahalibrary.org or by calling the hosting branch.

Once Upon a River

by Diane Setterfield This is a richly imagined, powerful novel about how we explain the world to ourselves, ourselves to others, and the meaning of our lives in a universe that remains impenetrably mysterious.

Request your own customized book list at omahalibrary.org by selecting Custom Reading List under the Services tab.

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KidSpot

Early Literacy Calendar

2o19 y Early Literac Calendar

Pick up a complimentary calendar featuring early literacy tips at your local branch today.

omahalibrary.org

Winter Break Activities  Kids

 Teens

 Adults

 All ages

R Registration required

Not a Box Challenge  Box Wed Not | Deca26 | 2 Challenge pm Wed | Dec 26 | 2 �� South Omaha Library

Visits Storytime Celebrate music with the Omaha Symphony!

Attendees will act out the story of Cinderella through ballet and movement alongside an Omaha Symphony artist. This special workshop will explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, talking and reading.

Recommended for children ages 3-7, but children of all ages are welcome. Registration may be required. Contact the hosting location or visit omahalibrary.org for more information.

Jan 3 Jan 9 Jan 14 Jan 25

2 pm. . . . . . . . . . . . .

10:30 am. . . . . . . . .

10:30 am. . . . . . . . .

9:30 & 10:30 am. . .

Abrahams Willa Cather Millard Saddlebrook

Clifford Visits Storytime Enjoy stories & activities with Clifford.

Don’t forget your camera!

Jan 25 10:30 am. . . . . . Swanson Jan 26 10:30 am. . . . . . Sorensen Jan 28 10:30 am. . . . . . Millard Jan 29 10:30 am. . . . . . South Omaha Jan 30 10:30 am. . . . . . Willa Cather Jan 31 10 am . . . . . . . . Elkhorn Feb 1 9:30 am . . . . . . Saddlebrook Feb 2 10:15 am. . . . . . Benson Schedules subject to change; visit omahalibrary.org for updates.

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Cookies & Books  Touchscreen Gloves  Escape Room Thurs for Grades  Fri | Dec 28 & Jan 4 | 2 pm | Jan 3 |2-6 5:30R pm Fri | Dec 28 | 1-4 �� Abrahams Branch South Omaha Library South Omaha Library | 2808 Q St. Thurs & Fri | Jan 3 & 4 | 1-4 �� Superfight Tournament  LEGO Club  Food & Fun  Millard Branch | 13214 Westwood Ln. ThursSuperfi | Dec 27 | 1 pm Sat | Dec 29 | 11 am Fri | Jan 4 | 1 pm ght Tournament  Sorensen Branch Abrahams Branch Main Library Thurs | Dec 27 | 1 �� Cookies & Books Tournament  Mon | Dec 31 | 1 pm Tetris A.V. Sorensen Branch | 4808 Cass St. Dr. Oxygen Science Show  Fri | Dec 28 & Jan 2 �� South Omaha Library Fri 4| |Jan 4 | 1 pm Thurs | Dec 27 | 2 pm Milton R. Abrahams Branch | 5111 N. 90th St. Dr. Oxygen Science Show  Sorensen Branch Abrahams Branch Minute to Win It  Thurs | Dec 27 | 2 �� Sat | Dec 29 | 2 pm S.T.E.A.M. in the Dark R TeenMilton Hangout: GamingBranch  R. Abrahams | 5111 N. 90th St. Tween Hangout: South Omaha Library Fri | Jan 4 | 2 pm Thurs | Dec 27 | 3 pm Minute to Win It  South Omaha Library Hangout:  Tag  SouthTeen Omaha Library GamingRobot Sat | Dec 29 | 2 �� Thurs Fri | Jan 4 ||2Dec pm 27 | 3 �� Thurs | Jan 3 | 1South pm Omaha Library Crocheting R | 2808 Q St. SouthBranch Omaha Library | 2808 Q St. Florence Sorensen Branch Sat | Jan 5 | Noon Sat |Movie Jan 5 | 2Day: pm Incredibles Cinderella with  Millard Branch 2  Workshop LEGO Club Millard R & Abrahams the Omaha Symphony R31 | Fit Club  Fri | Dec 28 | 1 �� Mon | Dec 1 �� Thurs | Jan 3 | 2 pm Sat Jan Q5St.| 2 pm A.V. Sorensen Branch2 | 4808 Cass St. Movie Day: Incredibles South Omaha Library ||2808 Abrahams Branch Sorensen Branch Fri | Dec 28 | 1 pm Sorensen Branch Papio NRD Owls  Chess Club R Thurs | Jan 3 | 2 pm Sat | Jan 5 | 3 pm Escape Room R South Omaha Library Millard Branch Fri | Dec 28 | 1 pm Thurs & Fri | Jan 3 & 4 | 1 pm Bots & Blocks  Go Club R Millard Branch Thurs | Jan 3 | 5 pm Sat | Jan 5 | 3 pm Sorensen Branch Millard Branch

Meet Author Nick Bruel Wed | Jan 30 | 4:30 pm | Main Library OPL welcomes Nick Bruel, the author best known for the “Bad Kitty” series, to celebrate the release of his newest title, “Kitten Trouble.” Bruel will be available to greet fans and sign books, followed by a “Bad Kitty” storytime. The Bookworm will be on hand for attendees to purchase books, while supplies last. No reservations or tickets are required.

Signing line is on a first-come basis and will conclude promptly at 6 pm.

Bruel is the author and illustrator of New York Times bestseller “Boing!” and the “Bad Kitty” books, among others. During his down time, he collects PEZ dispensers and grows tomatoes in the backyard. He lives in Tarrytown, New York, with his wife Carina and their lovely cat Esmerelda.

Speech & Debate Club Series

TeenSpace Grades 6-12

Introductory Showcase Jan 5 | 11 AM Led by high school students from Brownell Talbot, this series will focus on researching a topic, writing a speech script using library resources, memorizing that script, receiving feedback, and then performing the speech from memory in front of an audience.

Thursdays at 4:30 PM January 10, 17, 24 & 31 Millard Branch | 13214 Westwood Ln. | 402.444.4848

This program is designed for middle school and high school students. Registration is omahalibrary.org required and space is limited. Register at omahalibrary.org or by calling 402.444.4848.

Virginia Frank Memorial 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 2019 Virginia Frank Memorial 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 March 1, 2019. Winners will be notified in the spring and honored at a celebration at W. Dale Clark Main Library on April 28, 2019.

The top three winners from each grade will receive cash prizes: $100 for first place, $75 for second, and $50 for third. The school libraries of the winning students will be recognized with matching cash prizes.

The contest is named in memory of longtime University of Nebraska Omaha English professor and Friends volunteer Virginia Frank.

For contest requirements, visit omahalibrary.org/virginia-frankmemorial-writing-contest.

Staff Spotlight Rose Ann Fennessy-Murphy is the kind of person that makes trips to the local library anywhere she vacations. When her family moved to Omaha from Fort Dodge, Iowa, she walked to Benson Branch from her childhood home or got rides there from her father.

“I’ve always liked to read and I would shirk any other task I was supposed to do when I was young,” said Fennessy-Murphy. “It was a dire punishment if I wasn’t able to go to the library.”

In 1995, Fennessy-Murphy was convinced to apply for a part-time position as a library aide by a librarian at W. Dale Clark Main Library. “I loved libraries and spent a lot of time in them, so when I considered the idea that they would pay me actual money to work in one I said, ‘Sign me up,’” said Fennessy-Murphy.

In 1997, Fennessy-Murphy took the exam to become a library specialist and was hired by OPL full time. Over the last 23 years, she has worked at various OPL branches. After taking a one-year leave of absence to live in London, she returned to Omaha and took a position at Millard Branch, where she has worked for the past 12 years maintaining the adult fiction collection. She also connects patrons with books that they’re interested in reading.

“I have a feeling for the books,” said FennessyMurphy. “I know what they want. They want to be taken out and read, and if they’re not being read, they want to be moved around to some place where someone will notice them.”

Few people could do her job better, according to Lois Imig, former Millard Branch manager.

“Rose is a walking encyclopedia of book information. She remembers everything she’s read,” said Imig.

Two things Fennessy-Murphy is adamant about are that nobody should ever apologize for their reading tastes and that everyone she helps should leave the library with at least two or three books, in case they don’t enjoy the first one they try. “Life’s too short, so that’s why I like them to leave with several options,” said Fennessy-Murphy.

After a lengthy library career, Fennessy-Murphy calls herself one of the old-timers, but she “still can’t get over the fact that they pay me to work here.”

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Volunteer Spotlight: Natalie Gerhart In the two years that Natalie Gerhart has lived in Omaha, she’s become a faithful volunteer at OPL, where she volunteers for a couple hours every Wednesday at W. Dale Clark Main Library.

Gerhart moved to Omaha to teach at Creighton University, where she is an assistant professor of information systems in the Heider College of Business.

Gerhart began volunteering at the Denton Public Library while she was a graduate student at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. While working to obtain her doctorate degree, she assisted patrons with technology-related needs.

Whether helping someone print from a library computer or teaching classes on Excel and PowerPoint, Gerhart enjoyed feeling that she added value to the library so much that she opted to continue volunteering at her local library when she became an Omaha resident in 2016.

When OPL’s book club coordinator April Underwood first received Gerhart’s resume, she remembers being impressed. “I thought she was totally overqualified and that it was so awesome that she wanted to volunteer with us,” said Underwood.

Gerhart’s business acumen has proven useful in assisting Underwood with maintaining and optimizing OPL’s book club bags. In any given week, that may entail running reports on book club bag usage, preparing book club bags for borrowers, or making instruction sheets for staff and volunteers who assist with book club materials.

“She contributes so much to our unit; the work that she does helps things run smoother, faster and easier,” said Underwood. To Gerhart, volunteering is just another way for her to use her skills to contribute to the public good. She doesn’t belong to any book clubs herself, but she uses the library increasingly to check out digital materials like audiobooks, which she likes to listen to while she drives.

“I’d much rather volunteer somewhere where I’m helping other people with similar interests to me,” said Gerhart, adding, “There are lots of things to do and it’s a great way to get more intimate with the library and all of the services it has to offer.”

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer for more information.

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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!

YES! I want to be a Friend of the Library

Join online with a credit card at FriendsOmahaLibrary.org, under “Get Involved” or send a check with this form to the address below.

I/We want to join in support of Omaha Public Library.

Use my tax-deductible membership to enrich life in the libraries.

Short Story

$25

Classic

$250

Novel

$50

Epic

$500

Bestseller

$100

Other

$

My contribution will be matched by my employer. I have enclosed the completed matching form provided by my employer.

I am interested in volunteering with the Friends of OPL.

Name Address City

State

Phone

ZIP

Email

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 Thursdays | 10 am - 3 pm

Monthly Sales 1st Saturday | 10 am - 3 pm

Friends of Omaha Public Library Friends memberships and renewals for 2019 will be available. All funds raised directly contribute to the quality of Omaha Public Library and its impact on our community.

free + open to the public

Annual Meeting

+ Membership Kick-off Sat | Jan 12 | 1-3 pm University of Nebraska Omaha

Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center 6001 Dodge St.

Featured Speaker: Jeff Koterba Award-winning and nationally-syndicated cartoonist for the Omaha World-Herald

Annual Fundraiser For the fifth consecutive year, the Omaha Public Library Foundation hosted its annual fundraiser featuring a celebrated, national author.

Between the Lines with Amy Thielen took place on September 26 at the Institute for the Culinary Arts on the Metro Community College Fort Omaha Campus. Clayton Chapman, chef and owner of The Grey Plume, served as honorary event chair. Event proceeds support OPL programs and services.

Thank you Head Chef

Mike & Susan Lebens Omaha Steaks Tenaska

Financial Gifts Received Oct 19, 2017 – Oct 19, 2018

$2,000+

Rochelle Mullen & James P. Kineen

Carol Gendler Jo Giles Peggy & John Heck Scott & Cindy Heider Kate & Neil Holstein Harold & Clara Hoover Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp Noreen Johnson $50,000+ Dave & Vicki Krecek Holland Foundation Leo A Daly Claire M. Hubbard Foundation Karen & Jim Linder McGowan Family Foundation Deborah Macdonald The Sherwood Foundation Mark & Dianne McMillan $25,000+ Mike & Dana Meyer Anonymous Jim & Bobbie Montequin Richard Brooke Foundation Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Hawks Foundation Phyllis & Bob Newman William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Olsson Associates Weitz Family Foundation Lewis & Winifred Pinch $15,000+ RDG Planning & Design Anonymous Kathy & Chad Roum Lozier Foundation Nola & David Schettler Omaha Community Foundation Security National Bank Amy L. Scott Family Foundation Streck, Inc. Sokolof Foundation in memory of Jon & Alka Swanson Richard Rosinsky Stephen & Karen Swartz Carol Wang & Jim Phillips $10,000+ $1,000+ UNO/UNMC The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Anonymous Valmont John & Ruth Sage Sarah Watson Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation Arun Agarwal Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Philip & Nancy Wolf $5,000+ Mary Joy Anderson $500+ Bluestem Prairie Foundation Mogens & Cindy Bay Anonymous (2) Cox Communications BCDM Architects Doug & Cathy Aden Devin Fox, M.D. Michael & Michelle Berlin Jo Anne Amoura Humanities Nebraska Anne & Brian Branigan Jean Amoura Michael & Susan Lebens Stephen & Anne Bruckner Lynn & Thomas Ashby Maggie & Michael McMeekin BVH Architecture Lee Bachand Metro Omaha Medical Society Julie & Scott Cobb Foundation Baxter Auto Group Stewart & Lisa Dale Mutual of Omaha Companies George & Kathleen Bigelow John & Terri Diesing Omaha Steaks International Jeffrey Boyum DLR Group Pacific Life Foundation Richard & Carol Britten Dollar General Literacy Foundation RBC Wealth Management Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Carol Ebdon Silvia Roffman Maurice & Cora Conner First National Bank Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Nancy Darst Fraser Stryker PC LLO Elizabeth Summers Kennard & Marcia Davies Friedland Family Foundation Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation DMSi Lance & Julie Fritz Tenaska, Inc. Joseph Drugmand Aflac Baer Foundation Best Buy Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather Deloitte & Touche LLP Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Gallagher Foundation Joan Gibson & Don Wurster James & Dawn Hammel Sandra Jenkins Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Richard & Helen Kelley Jim Kineen Dan & Kari Kinsella Dan & Tina Lonergan Gary & Lucie Long Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Morrissey Engineering Rochelle Mullen The Soener Foundation Paul & Annette Smith Webster Family Foundation

Chef de Partie

Cline Williams Deloitte Amy Haddad & Steve Martin Dan & Tina Lonergan Morrissey Engineering

Aflac

Commis Chef

The fundraiser also featured the presentation of the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s Barbara BockMavis Leadership Award to James P. Kineen, a longtime library foundation board member.

Previous authors featured at the annual fundraiser included Margaret Atwood (2014), Wally Lamb (2015), Tobias Wolff (2016), and Hope Jahren (2017).

Sous Chef

Author Amy Thielen

to our generous sponsors

BCDM Architects Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture Anne & Brian Branigan BVH Architecture Scott & Julie Cobb DLR Group LEO A DALY Fraser Stryker Karen & Jim Linder

Eclectic Book Club Steve & Cathy Gilbert Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Traci Hancock John & Jean Hartwell Harry & Gail Koch Roland & Jean Mariucci Sheri Oakes Frank Partsch Sandra Price John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Nancy Rips Sylvia Schreiner Susan Stalnaker Christine & Tony Swerczek Stanley & Dorothy Truhlsen United Way of the Midlands Bruce & Susan Vosburg Molly Wickert Eileen M. Wirth

$250+

Anonymous Alvine & Associates, Inc AmazonSmile Foundation Martha Antonson Marcia Bechtel Benevity Community Impact Fund Marjorie & Larry Brennan Bobbie Carlson James & Anne Carroll Lou & Ellie Clure Leilani & Ron Coe Mikki Frost Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Lynn & Cindy Gray David Harding & Sarah Newman Terry & Linda Haubold Dr. Kris & Mr. Gary Hoffman Laura Honeycutt ilumin Theresa Jehlik Barbara & Adam Karpf Emily & Philip Kemp Marc & Joan Kraft Marty Magee Stephanie McClellan Sharon L. McGrath

Mike & Dana Meyer Olsson Associates RDG Planning & Design The Reader Nola & David Schettler Security National Bank Paul & Annette Smith Streck UNO/UNMC Valmont

John & Meg McNeal John & Merrilee Miller Susan Petersen Norma & Cliff Pountney Robert & Patricia Ranney Rotary Club of Omaha--North Saddlebrook Elementary School PTA Rotary-Suburban Shirley Siebler Gloria Sorensen Jeanne & Robb Spence Sandra Squires Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Jonell Tempero Mark Thalken & Katie Wadas-Thalken Union Pacific Fund for Effective Government Judy Vann Jim & Maureen Waldron Gary Wasdin

Honorariums & Memorials Received July 21, 2018 — October 19, 2018 In Memory of Aunt Sandy Lauren Floersch

In Memory of Lois Blake Joseph & Judith Engelbert Cheryl Estes Allan & Barbara Longacre Iola & Loren Mullins Peggy Shapland

In Memory of Mary Brandt Gloria Sorensen

In Honor of Noemi Gilbert Steve & Cathy Gilbert

In Honor of Al & Beverly Thomsen C. Bruce Hamilton

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HOURS & LOCATIONS

W. DALE CLARK MAIN LIBRARY

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

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage

215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102

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

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

W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH

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

Jane Austen Tea

Sat | Dec 8 | 2-4 pm | Main Library

All are welcome at OPL for a delightful afternoon tea honoring Jane Austen’s 243rd birthday. Festivities will include light English fare, tea, and a talk by Dr. Sheryl Craig titled, “Jane Austen and the Plight of Women,” which is also the title of Craig’s forthcoming book about Austen and the Women’s Rights Movement in Georgian England. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite teacups. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Omaha Public Library and the Nebraska Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America. The Bookworm will have books and holiday gift items available for purchase. Registration is required and space is limited. Register at omahalibrary.org, or contact Amy Mather at amather@omahalibrary.org or 402.444.3399.

Michael Phipps Gallery Main Library | 215 S. 15th St. | 1st Floor

Top Shelf OPL staff shared some of their favorite books published in 2018 and explained why these titles made it to the top of their list.

Visit topshelf.omahalibrary.org to explore these titles and find your next favorite read! Use filters to search by categories or keywords, or browse the covers to discover something new.

Available free of charge to local artists and art groups for exhibitions throughout the year. Exhibits are displayed for one or two months, and scheduled 12 months in advance through an open application process.

January—“On Hire” Opening reception: Fri | Jan 4 | 4-6 pm Each year, A ​ mplify Arts (formerly Omaha Creative Institute) brings together 25 Omahaarea artists for eight weeks to share skills, evaluate work, and build communities of peers.

To mark the completion of the most recent cycle, “On Hire” will look at chance as a point of departure to assess the generative qualities of experimentation, failure and self-reflection.

Included works will reexamine, reformat and recontextualize creative risks through the editing process to open space for thoughtful discussion, observation and evaluation.