Summer Connect Newsletter from Omaha Public Library 2020

Due to changing circumstances in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, information included in this publication may have changed since its print date. Please visit omahalibrary.org or call 402-444-4800 for the most current information.

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

Volume 27 • Issue 2 • Summer 2020

June 1–July 31, 2020 Presented by the Richard Brooke Foundation OPL invites you to Imagine Your Story this summer during the annual Summer Reading Program! Learn, create, explore, and have fun reading all summer long.

Summer is the best time to read for fun and earn great prizes while you’re at it. All ages are invited to participate.

Kids’ & Teens’ program

Kids’ & Teens’ Prize Pack

Get a prize pack by reading or listening for 10 hours. Log time each week for additional chances to win drawing prizes, including gift cards.

Free &

open to

All ages

Adults’ Program

Read or listen for 10 hours to receive your choice of a clear stadium bag, water bottle, or pencil case; voucher for a book from the Friends of Omaha Public Library book sale; and entry into a drawing for gift cards.

OPL will have free activities and programs throughout the summer to keep the entire family engaged, entertained and motivated to reach their reading goals. In an effort to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, all programs will be offered virtually this year.

Visit omahalibrary.org to register and for the most current information.

Thank you to our sponsors!

OPL thanks all organizations who help make summer reading programming and prizes possible.

• Book • Coupon sheet • Choice of a clear stadium bag, water bottle, or pencil case • Storm Chasers voucher

(scheduled for an 8/5 or 8/9 game)

Presenting sponsor Richard Brooke Foundation

Additional support from Omaha Public Library Foundation Friends of Omaha Public Library

Premier sponsors

Cox Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Mutual of Omaha Sokolof Foundation in memory of Richard Rosinsky Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

In-kind sponsors

• Entry into a drawing for gift cards Prizes will be available while supplies last. Details about prize collection will be available at omahalibrary.org.

Friends of OPL, Goldfish Swim School, Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha Children’s Museum, Omaha Storm Chasers, Papio Fun Park, PizzaWest, SONIC Drive-In, Swimtastic, That Pottery Place, The Bookworm, The Rose Theater

Details are subject to change.

Visit omahalibrary.org to learn more & register.

Director’s Note

Spring Recap

Spring presented all of us with some unprecedented challenges this year. In midMarch, all OPL locations closed to the public– as did most libraries across the country and around the world – to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Since that time, staff have telecommuted or worked on projects in the branches as we all adjust to the “new normal.”

We’ve sought ways to bolster OPL’s existing online services and create new ones for you to utilize while at home, too.

OPL planned an exciting spring for its patrons filled with special storytimes, National Library Week programs, and even an author visit. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus threat, these activities did not take place. In the interest of residents’ health and well-being, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert closed public libraries and community centers beginning March 16. In order to help prevent the spread of the virus, OPL requested that patrons not return materials during the closure, pushing back due dates and suspending fines and fees.

As I write this, the library’s summer plans are still unclear. My hope is to reopen as soon as it’s safe to do so, and to help everyone get out and take advantage of all the wonderful experiences our community has to offer. Though we can’t be sure exactly how it will unfold, there will be an annual Summer Reading Program, and library staff will offer ways to stay excited and engaged in reading all summer long!

Many resources are available through OPL’s website, and all you need to access them is your library card! Residents of Omaha or Douglas County who don’t have a library card may apply online and get a digital card immediately. An eCard allows you to access to eBooks and downloadable audiobooks through OverDrive’s Libby app. Search for your favorite authors or browse available titles to check something out today!

Take advantage of all of OPL’s digital resources online. Staff invite you to check out new content on OPL’s YouTube channel, including storytimes and great tips for parents and caregivers to help develop reading skills in your children. Explore the different activities and techniques for improving your reading experience together.

If you have questions or need help with any of OPL’s resources, visit omahalibrary.org or OPL’s social media sites for the most current information. If you’d like to connect directly with staff at OPL, reach out via AskOPL at ask.omahalibrary.org or 402-444-4800. From all of us at OPL, thank you for your continued support and understanding. We wish you well and will continue to serve our community in the best way we can during these challenging times!

Laura Marlane Executive Director

Library employees quickly transitioned from public-facing employees to looking for the best ways to serve patrons online. While working on projects in branches and from their homes, staff promoted the use of OPL’s digital resources: eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and music, and online learning platforms for all ages. They worked to create content for individuals who found themselves in new roles, such as telecommuters, homeschooling parents and students, and caretakers. Some of this unique content included book talks, book lists featuring eBooks in OPL’s collection, tips for helping children get ready to read, and online storytimes with children’s favorite librarians.

In the midst of a health crisis, our community was still able to check in on library pets, watch incubating eggs hatch, get questions answered, participate in the annual reading challenge, and vote for the book they would like everyone to read as part of Omaha Reads this fall. Staff also continued to prepare for Summer Reading Program, though it was uncertain if or how it would take place.

Though libraries were closed for an undetermined amount of time, library staff did not let that stop them from forging ahead and looking for new ways to reach people when and how they needed it. OPL understands that returning to “normal” will take time and invites you to continue communicating with us about how we can help make that transition easier.

Introducing New Board Member Michael Alley Michael Alley was appointed to the OPL board of trustees

by Mayor Jean Stothert for a three-year term beginning March 17, 2020. Alley, one of the founding principals of Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture (APMA), has more than three decades of experience in the design and construction industry. His award-winning portfolio includes various urban redevelopment endeavors, higher education buildings, research facilities, performing arts venues, and residential projects of all sizes and scope. A passionate advocate for thoughtful development in Omaha, Alley has played an integral role in some of the city’s most impactful revitalization projects, including rethinking north downtown (where APMA’s offices reside) and the rejuvenation of North Omaha, where APMA has led dozens of projects in its 30-year history.

OPL 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. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 5 pm at different library locations unless otherwise noted.

New Summer Reads

Online Services for Youth & Caregivers

The Death of Vivek Oji

by Akwaeke Emezi This novel of family and friendship challenges expectations with a dramatic story of loss and transcendence that will move every reader.

Parents and families everywhere are adjusting to a new reality which introduces questions about how to balance work and family time, keep kids entertained and learning, and continue to keep loved ones healthy and safe. It’s a challenging time to navigate, and staff at OPL have compiled free online resources that will keep the whole family occupied with books to read or listen to, digital learning opportunities, and ways to keep moving at home. Visit omahalibrary.org/educators-homeschooling for more information.

When the World Feels Like a Scary Place: Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids

by Abigail Gerwitz Parents and caregivers want to protect children from everything bad in the world, but it simply is not possible. Gerwitz’s book helps with solutions to talk about these things, and shows how to raise engaged and confident children.

How You Say It: Why You Talk the Way You Do – And What It Says About You

by Katherine D. Kinzler How we speak can be a social divide or something that brings us together.

Mexican Gothic

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia This is a darkly enchanting reimagining of a Gothic fantasy in which a spirited young woman discovers the haunting secrets of a beautiful old mansion in 1950s Mexico.

The Happily Ever After: A Memoir of an Unlikely Romance Novelist

by Avi Steinberg This is the story of a journalist who became a romance writer and the twists and turns she encountered along the way.

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

eBooks & Downloads

Enjoy eBooks and downloads on a computer, tablet or mobile device. A variety of titles are available. They’re easy to use, there are no late fees, and they can be found across several platforms such as Libby by OverDrive, TumbleBooks, AudioBookCloud, TeenBookCloud, JLG Digital for Students, and Project Gutenberg.

Online Storytime

Join OPL for virtual storytime! Subscribe to OPL’s YouTube channel and select the storytime playlist to hear youth services librarians read stories, sing songs, and more.

Along with the fun of reading, singing and dancing, there is a lot of intentional skill building incorporated into every storytime presented. Storytime is also a time to help kids prepare for the future steps of attending school and learning to read. Some virtual storytimes are bilingual, available in English and Spanish.

STEAM Story Connections

STEAM Story Connections videos feature a review of a TumbleBook; a simple experiment, craft or activity related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art or Math (STEAM); and suggestions or demonstrations of how to build literacy and language arts skills. Activities use common household items and modifications are suggested to help viewers complete the project with the items they have in their homes.

Helping Your Child be Ready-to-Read: Quick Tips for Practice at Home

The Every Child Ready to Read method is used to help develop literacy skills in kids from birth to five years of age. Learn simple, easy-to-use activities that can be practiced at home to help continue building literacy skills.

Chapter Book Read-Aloud

Listen to books for elementary aged children, read one chapter at a time. All books presented are available as eBooks through omahalibrary.org.

Online Learning

OPL offers a variety of resources to help students, including LearningExpress, Mango Languages, Explora for Elementary Students, and more. Search for “Homework Help” at omahalibrary.org for a complete list of online learning tools for students.

2020 Virginia Frank Memorial

Writing Contest Create your own original fiction a character a book youFriends have read The Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest began in 2003featuring and is named in honor offrom a longtime former volunteer. on your own. Deadline for entries: February 28, 2020. Click here for contest rules.

This spring, the Friends of Omaha Public Library recognized 12 young people for their excellence in writing. Though there was no formal award ceremony this year, youth in grades 5-8 were awarded with certificates of achievement and cash prizes as part of the annual Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest. School libraries where the winning students attend also received matching cash prizes.

Students were asked to write an original fiction story featuring a character from a book they had read on their own. Winning stories can be read online at omahalibrary.org/teens.

Fifth grade winners

Sixth grade winners

Seventh grade winners

1st – Harper Keber

1st – Jenna Pospisil

Trinity Classical Academy

2nd – Blake Kurzenberger 2nd – Jacob Strufing

West Bay Elementary School Beveridge Magnet Middle School 2nd – Hudson Fowler

3rd – Nora Wessel

Gifford Park Elementary School

Hillside Elementary School

3rd – Sophie Quarles

Peter Kiewit Middle School

1st – Faith Johnson

George Russell Middle School Elkhorn Valley View Middle School

3rd – Lynley Janovich

George Beadle Middle School

Eighth grade winners

1st – Josephine McPhaull

Andersen Middle School

2nd – Emma Rhode

Millard North Middle School

3rd – Ingrid Florea

George Russell Middle School

Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Todd Growing up in rural Iowa, Cindy Todd always enjoyed her school library, which was serviced by the Woodbury County Bookmobile. Todd’s mother encouraged her to read throughout her childhood, taking her and her siblings to the bookmobile each time it visited in the summers.

stays as long as it takes on days when there are a lot of items to reshelve.

When Todd moved to Omaha, she said, “Omaha Public Library was a lifeline.” OPL’s locations around town made the books she loved to read convenient to access.

Just like OPL helped to welcome Todd to Omaha, Todd now welcomes new OPL staff to the branch, like Youth Services Specialist Aura Sewell, who transferred to Swanson Branch from Milton R. Abrahams Branch in October 2019. “Cindy introduced herself and immediately made me feel at home, which made adjusting to my new work environment easier,” said Sewell.

Todd began volunteering at W. Clarke Swanson Branch in 2015 and can usually be found shelving materials there. She often

While libraries are closed, Todd keeps reading thanks to the Libby app, which she has recently learned to love. “You can

In Memory: William “Bill” Morin

July 23, 1964 – April 6, 2020

OPL lost one of their own on April 6, when Senior Clerk Bill Morin unexpectedly passed away. Morin began his career with OPL in February 2008 as a clerk at Millard Branch. He was promoted to senior clerk in 2013 and transferred to Charles B. Washington Branch, then moved to Milton R. Abrahams Branch in 2017.

Though Morin was a private person, his ability to see the humor in challenging situations, desire to advocate for his team, and his quiet leadership are some of the qualities that his colleagues will remember most about him.

Benson Branch Manager Jennifer Jazynka worked with Morin

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! Learn more at friendsomahalibrary.org.

go anywhere in the world through a library book, and I think that is really important, especially right now.”

Todd highly recommends volunteering at OPL. Volunteers get to assist with daily library functions, and “you really get to know the staff,” she said, which makes volunteering an even more rewarding experience.

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

at Abrahams Branch and appreciated his dedication. “He made schedules, collected stats, oversaw fiscal tasks, and managed the circulation desk and crew of clerks,” said Jazynka, “but his most defining role and contribution was the strong soft skills and leadership he brought to his team.”

One of those team members, Chris Cahill, a clerk at Millard Branch, echoed this sentiment. “Bill was a mentor to me. He championed my work and helped me grow and flourish at the library. He gave me insight for dealing with some of the trickier situations that came up, even after we didn’t work in the same branch. I loved working with Bill and being around him.”

Several other coworkers expressed that Morin was open-minded, intelligent, encouraging, honest, and self-sacrificing. He was also touted as being incredibly loyal, even-keeled, and patient. He made people feel important and as though what they had to say mattered, and he helped them look at their circumstances in a different light.

Regardless of how his coworkers described him, there’s one thing they can all agree upon: He will be missed.

In Light of COVID-19, OPLF Launches Special Campaign for Digital Materials In recent months, our community has witnessed firsthand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in ways big and small. Our daily routines and usual stops were no longer decisions made lightly, or even at the last minute. School days were defined in ways we never imagined.

Grocery lists were trimmed to the bare essentials. Recreation and relaxation developed entirely new meanings.

On March 16, OPL’s 12 neighborhood branches closed to the public until further notice, and more than 700,000 physical items on the shelves sat untouched. Library programs for youth and adults were canceled. The community created within our library walls went dormant.

Circulation of physical items stopped immediately. Print items were no longer checked out or returned.

However, the use of OPL’s approximately 52,000 digital materials (eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, and videos, all available through OverDrive) saw a marked increase during the closure. It’s important to note that these 52,000 digital materials – just 7% of OPL’s total collection of 750,000 items – were initially the only items available to the nearly 555,000 residents of Douglas County while its 12 branches were closed.

OPL has always sought public and private funding to develop its collection, both print and digital. The pandemic and its impact on library services shone a spotlight on the critical need for more eBooks and downloadable audiobooks for OPL patrons – regardless of the circumstances. To help meet this need, the Omaha Public Library Foundation launched a special fundraising campaign. Collections for Our Community: A COVID-19 Response aims to raise dollars for digital materials. Please consider making an online donation today in support of this special fundraising project for OPL at omahalibraryfoundation.org/donate. A gift of any size will have a significant impact in the services OPL provides patrons of all ages, in the best of times and the worst of times.

For more information, contact foundation@omahalibrary.org. Thank you for your past support of OPL and the Foundation. Our work raising dollars has never been more important.

Financial Gifts Received April 13, 2019 – April 13, 2020 $50,000+

Holland Foundation The Sherwood Foundation

$30,000+

Anonymous Richard Brooke Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation

$20,000+

Collective for Youth Hawks Foundation Lozier Dianne & Allan Lozier The Adah & Leon Millard Foundation Omaha Community Foundation Sokolof Foundation in Memory of Richard Rosinsky

$2,000+

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Baer Foundation Devin Fox, M.D. Gallagher Foundation James & Dawn Hammel Harold & Clara Hoover Humanities Nebraska Richard & Helen Kelley Jim Kineen Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Maggie & Michael McMeekin Greg & Lori McMillan Dave & Anne Rismiller The Soener Foundation Streck, Inc. Elizabeth Summers Whole Foods Market Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt

$1,000+

Anonymous (2) Mary Joy Anderson $10,000+ Mogens & Cindy Bay Claire M. Hubbard Foundation BCDM Architects Dan & Tina Lonergan Michael & Michelle Berlin Paul & Annette Smith Barbara Bock-Mavis Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Anne & Brian Branigan Webster Family Foundation Stephen & Anne Bruckner Weitz Family Foundation BVH Architecture Eileen M. Wirth Julie & Scott Cobb Estate of Leonard Yelinek John & Terri Diesing Joseph Drugmand $5,000+ First National Bank Benson Neighborhood Association Friedland Family Foundation Bluestem Prairie Foundation Lance & Julie Fritz Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Carol Gendler Foundation Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Cox Sue Grishaber Deloitte & Touche LLP Deryl & Ramona Hamann Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Jennifer Hamann Lori Hedstrom Traci Hancock Special Donor-Advised Fund of the John & Jean Hartwell Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Peggy & John Heck Michael & Susan Lebens The Heider Family Foundation Metro Omaha Medical Society Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp Foundation Noreen Johnson Mutual of Omaha Companies Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Omaha Steaks International Jeff Kosse Silvia Roffman Dave & Vicki Krecek Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation Bob & Kathy Kunkle Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Estate of Evelyn Lang Tenaska, Inc. Gary & Lucie Long Union Pacific Foundation Gail McFayden Wally & Barbara Weitz

Metropolitan Community College Dave Moline Morrissey Engineering Heidi Moser Rochelle Mullen Nebraska Arts Council Phyllis & Bob Newman Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Olsson Lewis & Winifred Pinch Sandra Price RDG Planning & Design Kathy & Chad Roum Ruth Sage Barbara & Ronald Schaefer Laurie Smith Camp Carol Wang & Jim Phillips Sarah Watson Phil & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous Doug & Cathy Aden Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Jo Anne Amoura Jean Amoura George & Kathleen Bigelow Richard & Carol Britten Dick & Carole Burrows Casey’s General Store Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Robert & Jill Cochran Maurice & Cora Conner Nancy Darst Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor DMSi Mary & Thomas Evans Mary Ann & Daren Folchert Giger Foundation The Gilbert Family Jo Giles Lynn & Cindy Gray Mike & Kathy Gross Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Hartman Dwain Horn Memorial Fund Theresa Jehlik Jim Lewis Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Heather Lundine Roland & Jean Mariucci William McNiece John & Merrilee Miller Jim & Bobbie Montequin Shirley & Daniel Neary Frank Partsch Susan Petersen

Norma & Cliff Pountney John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Rotary-Suburban Saddlebrook Elementary School PTA Nola & David Schettler Susan Shell Emily States Christine & Tony Swerczek Red & Jann Thomas Anh Tran Bruce & Susan Vosburg Molly Wickert Estate of Helen Wittmann

$250+

Anonymous (2) Trent & Emily Allen Jane Alseth AmazonSmile Foundation Clyde & Mary Anna Anderson Martha Antonson Lynn & Thomas Ashby Benevity Community Impact Fund The Bookworm Marjorie & Larry Brennan Katie Bruno Bobbie Carlson James & Anne Carroll Lou & Ellie Clure Mark & Teri D’Agostino Harl & Kay Dalstrom Tony & Claudia Deeb Stephanie Diers Sandy & Kate Dodge Carol Ebdon Eclectic Book Club Andrew Evans Julie Faller Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Thomas & Nancy Gallagher John & Janis Haggstrom David Harding & Sarah Newman Terry & Linda Haubold Linda & Dick Johnson Howard & Gloria Kaslow Emily Kemp Erwin & Elaine Klabunde Marc & Joan Kraft Linda Lavely Marty Magee James & Patricia Manion Ann Moshman Diana Nevins Sheri Oakes O’Daniel Honda

Omaha Schools Foundation Rick & Carol Russell Julie Schroeder Shirley Siebler Jane Slezak Jeanne & Robb Spence Susan Stalnaker Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Bill & Joan Truhlsen Nichole & Kevin Turgeon Union Pacific Fund for Effective Government Judy Vann Ted & Nicole Wheeler Judy & Gale Wickersham Emily Young

Honorariums & Memorials Received

January 17 — April 13, 2020 In Honor of Wayne Ablott

Terry Theis

In Honor of Therese Bigelow Jane Alseth

In Memory of Cleo Ann Croson Ted & Nicole Wheeler

In Honor of Tom Dayton Jean Lewandowski

In Memory of Joyce K. Egan

The Children of Charles & Zenobia Vana Jane & David Werner

In Memory of Gangu G. Hingorani The Mindbenders Book Club

In Honor of Adrian Gómez Meza

Linda Wedberg-Kraft & Robert Kraft

In Honor of Roseann Moring Barbara Soderlin

In Honor of OPL’s Interlibrary Loan Librarians William Carmichael

In Memory of Janice Siragusa Elizabeth Figueroa Dr. Mark Manhart & Ms. Bonnie Gill Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Quigley Tom & Linda Swanson Paula Wallace

These are normal library operating hours.

At the time of print, all OPL locations remained closed. Visit omahalibrary.org or call 402-444-4800 for current hours.

215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage

PAID

HOURS & LOCATIONS

Omaha, NE Permit No. 1818

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

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

When you receive a notification that your items are ready, call to schedule a time for pick up. See omahalibrary.org for complete details.

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. / 402.444.5780 ______________________________________ _______ 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

OPL Podcast The Book Drop is a weekly podcast from Omaha Public Library that explores topics related to our community, libraries and the joy of reading. Listen in as a team of OPL staff offers up reading suggestions, chats with guests, and occasionally geeks out about books, information and pop culture.

Listen at omahalibrary.org/the-book-drop.

24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 or omahalibrary.org

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

Exhibitions are selected for the year from call-for-artist applications in the early fall.

July / August: Sheila Talbitzer & Travis Apel Sheila Talbitzer and Travis Apel bring a timely and striking combination to the Phipps Gallery. Talbitzer mixes photography, textile art, and medical imagery to explore themes of bodily integrity and personal autonomy. Apel’s sculpture focuses on environmental concerns, mixing natural materials with post-consumer plastics, rubber, and debris.

If this exhibition cannot take place at its scheduled time, it will be featured at a later date.

“Last One” by Travis Apel

“Bête Noire-5”

by Sheila Talbitzer

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