OPL Winter Newsletter Volume 26 Issue 4 by Omaha Public Library

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

Holiday Hours Dec 24 - All locations close at 3 pm Dec 25 - All locations closed Dec 31 - All locations close at 6 pm Jan 1 - All locations closed

Volume 26 • Issue 4 • Winter 2019-2020

Holiday Happenings ‘Tis the season for stories at Omaha Public Library (OPL)! Visit your local branch to find books, music, movies and more to help you get set for the holidays. Whether you enjoy Christmas classics, solstice stories, Hanukkah history, or something else entirely, OPL has volumes of books on whatever seasonal celebration you observe. Cozy up with a winter romance or find a holiday survival handbook… there’s something for everyone! Don’t forget about cookbooks! Check out “Festive Holiday Recipes” by Addie Gundry, or “The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Cover the rest of your bases (décor, gifts and more) with “Holiday Hacks” by Keith Bradford.

Morning with Santa at Saddlebrook Branch

Put together your holiday playlist by downloading four free songs per week from Freegal or checking out sing-along-worthy CDs. Binge watch your favorite films by taking advantage of OPL’s extensive DVD collection. Find “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “It’s A Wonderful Life,” or even a Hallmark holiday binge box with multiple movies in one set!

Making gingerbread houses at South Omaha Library

OPL also offers plenty of fun, pre-planned and free activities for everyone to enjoy. Take time to relax and savor the season by attending a holiday extravaganza or snowy storytime; or make memories at the Family De-Stress Fest or Noon Year’s Eve Party. Find a full schedule of events and more information about OPL’s holiday offerings at omahalibrary.org.

2020 Reading Challenge OPL challenged the community to read more adventurously in 2019 by introducing its first ever Reading Challenge. Participants were given 12 challenges to complete for a chance to win a literary-themed prize. The 2020 Reading Challenge will offer even more books to explore and opportunities to find a new favorite book or genre! New in 2020, participants may pick up their very own Reading Challenge notebook (while supplies last) at their local branch. These small, portable notebooks will include details of the challenge, as well as reading suggestions and space for participants to add personal notes or book reviews. A sheet in the back of the notebook is available to track the titles read for each challenge and can be torn out and submitted to an OPL staff member starting April 1, 2020, for another chance to win a drawing for a literarythemed prize. Those who complete the challenge will receive a pinback button when they turn in their form. Blogs and book lists will be available online with suggestions for each challenge. Title recommendations will be geared toward adults, but readers of all ages may participate. Visit your local branch or request a custom reading list at omahalibrary.org to get ideas for younger readers. As participants work their way through the challenge, OPL encourages them to post what they’re reading on social media and tagging @omahalibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. For those who’d still like to participate in the 2019 challenge, submissions are due by December 31, 2019. Learn more at omahalibrary.org/2019-reading-challenge.

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Director’s Note It feels like 2019 flew by and the sweltering summer heat of a few months ago is now just a sweet memory. If this winter is anything like last year, it will be the perfect time to stock up on your favorite books, music and movies so that you’ll have something fun to do when it’s just too cold to venture outside. If you run out of reading materials during a snowpocalypse, omahalibrary.org is a fantastic option for digital books, magazines and downloadable music to keep you entertained without leaving your home. OPL will also offer many exciting events and programs this holiday season and throughout the winter months. Find fun activities for all ages on OPL’s website or by visiting your local branch. For example, burgeoning genealogists will have an opportunity to learn about using MyHeritage to help build a family tree. There are book clubs for all ages, and holiday parties with crafts, music and stories, too! Listen and learn with jazz guitarist and music historian George Walker. Attend the annual Jane Austen Tea, or prepare to be impressed by young talent at the 19th annual Teen Poetry Bash. Join us for storytimes with Don Freeman’s beloved “Corduroy” in January and February. With so much happening at OPL, there is definitely something for everyone! Visit omahalibrary.org for details on all of the programs and activities available. On behalf of everyone at Omaha Public Library, we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

Laura Marlane Executive Director

Fall Recap Omaha Reads

“This Blessed Earth” by Ted Genoways was the 2019 selection for Omaha Reads, OPL’s annual campaign that encourages the community to read and discuss the same book. OPL presented a variety of opportunities for people to talk and learn more about some of the topics addressed in the book.

Matthew Hansen and Ted Genoways at The Durham Museum on October 13.

The book follows the Hammond family as they navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern farming, exploring how one family struggles to preserve a fifthgeneration family operation in the face of shifting trade policies, encroaching pipelines, climate change and more. “Our book club always reads the Omaha Reads selection,” said Carol Gwilt, member of the Under the Dundee Sun Genoways signs a copy of his book and poses for a picture with one participant. Book Club at A.V. Sorensen Branch. “We had a wonderful discussion of this book as many of our members had grown up on farms. They could relate to it in so many ways. I found it very informative on current farming practices from choosing seed to understanding global markets. It is an excellent read and very understandable!”

Food for Fines

During OPL’s Food for Fines week, Oct. 6-13, 589 patrons donated 2,927 pounds of food, which will provide 2,439 meals for Together and its partner organizations! OPL waived a collective $4,261.87 in fees from OPL accounts for 635 people – an average of $6.71 per person. Thank you to everyone who participated in this annual Each item donated erased $2 in fines. campaign. “We are always so appreciative of Omaha Public Library and its support of feeding the hungry through Food for Fines,” said Craig Howell, community partnerships manager for Together Omaha.

Genealogy Lock-In

OPL and volunteers from the Greater Omaha Genealogical Society welcomed 85 participants to its 11th annual genealogy lock-in on Oct. 25. Staff and volunteers were available to help those in attendance tackle their family research questions and to share more about the wealth of resources available at OPL year-round.

A lock-in participant doing family research

“I came because I wanted to get an idea of the scope of things you can find at OPL,” said Mary Beth Lindsay, who attended the lock-in with her husband. Historian and “edutainer” Darrel Draper also presented “Daniel Freeman: America’s First Homesteader,” portraying “Old Number One” in full costume, presenting a Chautauquastyle, humorous and historically factual account of America’s first homesteader and the impact of the Homestead Act in settling the West.

Darrel Draper as Daniel Freeman

Culinary Conference

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The 9th annual Read It & Eat Culinary Conference took place on Nov. 2, and focused on the zero waste food movement and local organizations rescuing and donating perishable foods to feed our community. Participants were able to sample a variety of bites, listen to panel discussions, and hear from “Cooking with Scraps” author Lindsay-Jean Hard. More than 85 people attended this event at W. Dale Clark Main Library.

Food demonstration with No More Empty Pots

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New Winter Reads

New Year, New You

The Durham n October 13.

Whether or not one makes actual New Year’s resolutions, there are some goals that tend to rise to the top of the list for many people. They aren’t necessarily easy to achieve, but fortunately, OPL can help! Consider how you can use your library to tackle common quests for change. • Diet or lose weight: OPL offers a variety of books about the why and how of healthy eating, as well as cookbooks filled with delicious and nutritious meals. Try the books before buying them to make sure the recipes are right for you and your needs. • Exercise more: Walk to your neighborhood library, if possible! Three OPL locations share space with city community centers (Florence, Saddlebrook and Sorensen), so take advantage of everything they have to offer (including an Exercise and Read Book Club at Florence Branch) when visiting the library. You may also check out passes for Heartland B-cycle at all 12 OPL branches, making it easy to explore Omaha on two wheels!

picture with participant.

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• Save more and spend less: Think about how much money you spend on books, movies, music, and subscriptions; and then think about how much you could save by borrowing those items from OPL rather than purchasing them. We know there are some stories people want to own, but for all the rest, OPL is best! • Learn a new skill or hobby: OPL’s online resource center is full of valuable tools to help learn skills ranging from auto repair to the Arabic language. Take up family history research or register for Gale Courses on technology, computers or business skills. If you can’t find an online resource to polish your new skills, odds are good that you will find a book on it at OPL.

d $2 in fines.

• Read more: Reading is proven to make people happier, less-stressed and more empathetic, among other benefits, so it comes as no surprise that people want to spend more time with a good book. OPL has print books, eBooks, audiobooks (digital and CD), Playaways, magazines, newspapers and so much more, and staff are always happy to recommend your next great read if you can even request a custom reading list based on your preferences at omahalibrary.org.

mily research

Michael Phipps Gallery Main Library | 1st Floor

Available free of charge to local artists and art groups for exhibitions throughout the year. Exhibitions are displayed for approximately two months and are scheduled each fall for the following year.

Jan/Feb: Exhibition featuring Rachel Cunningham & Emma Westbrook

“Melencolia 97” by Emma Westbrook

Opening reception:

Empty Pots

Fri | Jan 3 | 5-6 pm (Artists’ discussion at 5 pm) Rachel Cunningham paints natural cloudscapes into colorful patterns she calls “impossible weather.” Emma Westbrook mixes the look and printing techniques of Renaissance books with digital imagery and new perspectives. “DuskTilDawn” by Rachel Cunningham

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Nebraska During the New Deal: The Federal Writers’ Project in the Cornhusker State by Marilyn Irvin Holt The Federal Writers’ Project in Nebraska produced not only a state guide to Nebraska, but also town guides, a volume on African Americans in Nebraska, and an ethnic study of Italians in Omaha. Counterpoint: A Memoir of Bach and Mourning by Philip Kennicott Kennicott recounts his efforts to master one of Bach’s greatest masterpieces, and to fight through the grief of losing his mother by coming to terms with his memories of a difficult, complicated childhood. Half the Sugar, All the Love: 100 Easy, Low-Sugar Recipes for Every Meal of the Day by Jennifer Tyler Lee & Anisha Patel, MD, MSPH This family-focused cookbook features recipes for reducedsugar versions of favorite foods. It also includes information on where sugar hides, sugar myths and an action plan for sugar reduction.

There’s no end to the ways OPL can help you to have the best year yet in 2020. Visit today and see for yourself!

niel Freeman

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave Inspired by the real events of the Vardø storm and 1621 witch trials, this is a story of love, evil and obsession set at the edge of civilization.

Run Me to Earth by Paul Yoon This beautiful, aching novel about three kids orphaned in 1960s Laos tells how their destinies are entwined across decades. Request your own customized book list at omahalibrary.org and select Custom Reading List under the Services tab. 3 11/21/2019 3:58:09 PM

Holiday Gift Guide Pre-K

KidSpot

Librarian Karen Berry Receives 2019 Mad Hatter Award ska Library Ass

Corduroy Visits Storytime

Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch Youth Services Librarian Karen Berry Award Win almost left ner K ar e n B e rr y the Nebraska Library Association (NLA)’s 2019 Conference early on October 3. However, coworkers and fellow members of the NLA’s School, Children’s & Young People’s Section persuaded Berry to stop by their meeting, where she was surprised to receive the group’s 2019 Mad Hatter Award.

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

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems

Mad Hatter

Jan 31 10:30 am. . . . . . . . Florence 6:30 pm. . . . . . . . . . . Main Feb 3 10:30 am. . . . . . . Abrahams Feb 4 10:30 am. . . . . . . . . . Millard Feb 5 10 am. . . . . . . . . Elkhorn Feb 6 10:15 am. . . . . . . . . Benson Feb 7 9:30 am. . . . . Saddlebrook Feb 8 10:30 am. . . . . Saddlebrook

Good Night, Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

Elementary

Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

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

Guts by Raina Telgemeier

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We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines & Kids

2019 Ne br

A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo

“I sat there and bawled,” Berry said. “Tears

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs by America’s Test Kitchen

Teens

omahalibrary.org

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell

Winter Break Activities

American Royals by Katharine McGee Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks by Jason Reynolds

 Kids

 Teens

Escape Room  R Challenge Sat Not | Deca21Box | 1 pm Wed | Dec 26 Florence Branch | 2 ��

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

 Adults

 All ages

Family Storytime 

R Registration required

Escape Room  R

Escape for| Dec Grades  Fri | Dec 27 | 10:30 am Room Sat 28 | 12-6 pm R Main Library

South Omaha Library | 2808 Q St.

Fri | Dec 28 | 1-4 �� Branch Florence Thurs & Fri | Jan 3 & 4 | 1-4 ��

Cookies & Books 

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

Tween Hangout:

Read to a Dog R Christmas: Story & Craft  Tues | Dec 31 | 10:30 am to Win It  Branch pm TuesTeen | DecHangout: 24 | 10:30 am Saddlebrook GamingFri | Dec 27 | 2 Minute Sat | Dec 29 | 2 �� Millard Branch Saddlebrook Branch Thurs | Dec 27 | 3 �� Tues | Dec 31 | 11 am R South Omaha Library | 2808 Q St.

South Omaha | 2808 Q St. Toy Story 4: Craft & Movie  Florence Branch Papio NRD Owls Library  Fri | Dec 27 | 2 pm Fri | Dec 27 | 10:30 am Movie Day: Incredibles 2  Branch LEGO Club  Read to a Dog R Abrahams Florence Branch Fri | Jan 3 | 2 pm

Fri | Dec 28 | 1 ��

A.V. Sorensen Branch | 4808 Cass St.

Mon | Dec 31 | 1 ��

Millard Branch

South Omaha Library | 2808 Q St.

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TeenSpace

were running down my face and my first comment was, I don’t deserve this.”

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Berry’s current and former coworkers, who nominated her for the honor, beg to differ. Complimenting her patience, compassion, eternally positive attitude and prowess at bringing OPL’s mascot Scamper to life, her nominators made a strong case that Berry’s contributions to OPL were award-worthy. “Not only does Karen bring endless energy to her storytimes, but she brings an endless heart for every person that visits the library,” wrote Sarah Hotz, senior manager of branch services, in her nomination. “She strives to help them find what they are looking for, whether through a pile of new books or through connecting with them as a person who really cares about their own stories and lives.”

Teens in grades 8-12 are invited to perform original works of poetry in slam-poetry style or read aloud to be eligible for cash prizes up to $100. Registration is required at omahalibrary.org.

Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest

Congratulations, Karen!

Speech & Debate Workshop Series Thurs | Jan 23 & 30 and Feb 6 & 13 4:30-6 pm | Millard Branch High school student coaches from Brownell Talbot School will work with middle and high school students to build their speech foundations and enhance their public speaking skills. Students will learn how to research a topic, write and edit a script, memorize the script, perform the speech in front of an audience, and receive feedback. Registration required.

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Young writers in grades 5-8 are invited to submit their original works of fiction to the Friends of Omaha Public Library for the 2020 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 February 28, 2020. Winners will be notified in the spring and honored at a celebration at W. Dale Clark Main Library on April 26, 2020. 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.

Volunteer Spotlight: Mackenzie Reidy When she arrives for her volunteer shifts at Saddlebrook Branch on Wednesday evenings, staff are always excited to see Mackenzie Reidy. The seventh grader, who attends Beveridge Magnet Middle School, began volunteering at the branch in April and has become an energetic addition to the team. “Mackenzie has become a highly dependable volunteer in the few months she has been here,” said Alan Greunke, youth services specialist at Saddlebrook Branch. “She is always willing and enthusiastic to try any new project.” Winter_connect_2019.indd 5

Each week, Reidy volunteers helping to shelve books and completing other tasks that need to be done. Outside of shelving picture and juvenile fiction books, Reidy helps clean and organize around the branch, and sometimes helps decorate. She also enjoys getting to know the staff members she works alongside and meeting the patrons who visit while she’s volunteering. “Every day I volunteer is a different experience,” said Reidy. “It’s really cool how you can learn so much about and from other people here.” To anyone considering volunteering at any of OPL’s 12 locations, Reidy encourages them to reach out to staff and ask if they need help with anything. Volunteering works well for her because scheduling is flexible and she’s able to come in when she’s not in school or at other extracurricular activities like Quizbowl or rehearsals for the school play. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at OPL, visit your neighborhood branch or omahalibrary.org/volunteer for more information. 5 11/21/2019 3:58:42 PM

In Memory: Joseph M. Goecke

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.

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

Annual Meeting / Membership Kick-off

Sat | Jan 11 | 1-3 pm | University of Nebraska Omaha Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center | 6001 Dodge St.

Hear from guest speaker Omaha World-Herald columnist Erin Grace. Friends memberships and renewals for 2020 will be available at the meeting. All funds raised directly contribute to the quality of Omaha Public Library and its impact on our community. This event is free and open to the public.

Oct 21, 1937 – Sept 10, 2019 Joseph “Joe” Goecke was a longtime volunteer with the Friends of Omaha Public Library, along with his wife, Polly. Joe was originally recruited by Polly in 2006 to help start online book sales to supplement the traditional Friends book sales held every Thursday and first Saturdays at W. Clarke Swanson Branch. He created a robust and successful internet book sale business and continued his volunteer service with the Friends in various roles until his passing. Shortly before his death, Joe and Polly were interviewed by Omaha Magazine for a feature article about outstanding community volunteers. Joe emphasized his desire to help make money to support the library in ways that the city can’t, while also putting books in the hands of people who want them, rather than in recycling bins or dumpsters. Though Joe was especially proud of one book that sold for $2,800, there’s no way of putting a number on the dollars he helped to raise or the hours donated in pursuit of a strong library system. “Libraries are vital,” Joe said in a previous interview. “Walk around and see what is going on and who is using them. People need libraries.” “Joe’s sharp-mind and quick-wit were his trademarks at Swanson Branch, and he was always ready with a smile,” said Friends Board President Jeanne Spence. “He was a tireless champion for our libraries and their ability to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Anonymo Richard B Lozier Omaha C William & Sokolof F Rosinsk

Joe made a difference, too, and he will be greatly missed.

applied for the position he currently holds: OPL’s senior services subject librarian. While he does not have a background in gerontology, positive past experiences working with older patrons led him to apply for the position.

Jacob Lee began working at OPL nearly nine years ago, serving in several positions throughout his tenure. He began as a cataloging aide in the Collection Processing department, then moved into the role of interlibrary loan clerk. While pursuing his master’s degree online, he was hired as a cataloguer at Bellevue University’s Freeman/ Lozier Library and continued to work for OPL as a floating aide who split time among the system’s 12 branches.

One of the things Lee enjoys most about his job is “getting to introduce our older adult patrons to what the library might have to offer them, especially in our databases.” He finds himself frequently promoting resources like Consumer Reports and Gale Courses as well as services like the Homebound Program, which allows patrons whose physical impairments prevent them from visiting the library to request books by phone and receive/return them via the U.S. Postal Service free of charge.

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Oct 15

$50,000

Staff Spotlight: Jacob Lee

After completing his Master of Library and Information Science degree in 2017, Lee

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Whether he’s acquainting patrons with newfound services, helping them submit job applications, or tackling whatever other tasks

he encounters at Millard Branch, Lee says he has “always wanted to help people, which was a big part of what kept me working in libraries.” OPL’s adult services manager Amy Mather says Lee excels in his role. “[He] has done an amazing job of providing patrons with essential information. He is thoughtful in his approach in caring for patron needs and his attention to detail and thoroughness of each request is exceptional.” Moving forward, Lee hopes to increase his outreach to older adults and learn more about what they want and need from OPL. His goal is to take each need into consideration and work to build a database of resources that he can direct patrons to for their individual needs, at OPL or elsewhere in the Omaha community.

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$15,000

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$10,000

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$5,000+

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Annual Fundraiser

Thank you to our sponsors! Presenting Sponsor: Lozier Publisher: Claire M. Hubbard Foundation, Dan & Tina Lonergan, Paul & Annette Smith

For the sixth consecutive year, the Omaha Public Library Foundation hosted its annual fundraiser featuring the celebrated bestselling author of “The Hate U Give,” Angie Thomas, who delivered a passionate, entertaining, and educational presentation about the origins of hip-hop music and its roots in storytelling. Presented by Lozier, the sold-out event, “Between the Lines,” welcomed more than 280 guests on October 1, at the Institute for the Culinary Arts on the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus.

Executive Editor: Deloitte, Mike & Susan Lebens, Omaha Steaks, Tenaska Author Angie Thomas

The fundraiser also featured the presentation of the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award to Dr. Eileen Wirth, a founding library foundation member. Previous authors featured at the annual fundraiser include Margaret Atwood (2014), Wally Lamb (2015), Tobias Wolff (2016), Hope Jahren (2017) and and Amy Thielen (2018). The 2020 author and event date will be announced soon. For more information, contact the Omaha Public Library Foundation: omahalibraryfoundation.org or (402) 444-4589.

Financial Gifts Received

Oct 15, 2018 – Oct 15, 2019

$50,000+

Dixon Family Foundation Holland Foundation The Sherwood Foundation

$20,000+

Anonymous Richard Brooke Foundation Lozier Omaha Community Foundation William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Sokolof Foundation in Memory of Richard Rosinsky

$15,000+

Hawks Foundation

$10,000+

Benson Plant Rescue Collective For Youth Claire M. Hubbard Foundation Dan & Tina Lonergan Paul & Annette Smith Webster Family Foundation Weitz Family Foundation

$5,000+

Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Batchelder Foundation Benson Neighborhood Association Bluestem Prairie Foundation Cox Deloitte & Touche LLP Dundee-Memorial Park Association Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Dwain Horn Memorial Fund Michael & Susan Lebens Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Foundation Mutual of Omaha Companies Omaha Steaks International Silvia Roffman Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation The Soener Foundation Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Tenaska, Inc. Union Pacific Foundation Wally & Barbara Weitz

$2,000+

Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Baer Foundation First National Bank James & Dawn Hammel

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Harold & Clara Hoover Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp Humanities Nebraska Richard & Helen Kelley Jim Kineen Dan & Kari Kinsella Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Maggie & Michael McMeekin Greg & Lori McMillan Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation RBC Foundation Dave & Anne Rismiller Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Streck, Inc. Elizabeth Summers Whole Foods Market

$1,000+

Anonymous Mary Joy Anderson Mogens & Cindy Bay BCDM Architects Berger, Elliott & Pritchard CPAs Michael & Michelle Berlin Barbara Bock-Mavis Anne & Brian Branigan Stephen & Anne Bruckner BVH Architecture Julie & Scott Cobb John & Terri Diesing Joseph Drugmand Friedland Family Foundation Lance & Julie Fritz Carol Gendler Sue Grishaber Traci Hancock Peggy & John Heck The Heider Family Foundation Sandra Jenkins Noreen Johnson Dave & Vicki Krecek Estate of Evelyn Lang Mark & Dianne McMillan Metropolitan Community College Morrissey Engineering Heidi Moser Rochelle Mullen Shirley & Daniel Neary Nebraska Arts Council Phyllis & Bob Newman Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Olsson Associates Lewis & Winifred Pinch RDG Planning & Design Kathy & Chad Roum John & Ruth Sage Barbara & Ronald Schaefer Red & Jann Thomas

Carol Wang & Jim Phillips Sarah Watson Wayne State College Molly Wickert Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt Philip & Nancy Wolf

$500+

Anonymous (2) Doug & Cathy Aden Jean Amoura Jo Anne Amoura George & Kathleen Bigelow Dick & Carole Burrows Casey’s General Store Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Robert & Jill Cochran Leilani & Ron Coe Maurice & Cora Conner Mark & Teri D’Agostino Stewart & Lisa Dale Nancy Darst Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor DMSi Mary & Thomas Evans Mary Ann & Daren Folchert Marian G. Gehrk Estate Jo Giles Theresa Jehlik Harry & Gail Koch Jim Lewis Mary & Rodrigo Lopez Heather Lundine Roland & Jean Mariucci Laura Marlane & Paul Richards Gail McFayden William McNiece Jim & Bobbie Montequin Frank Partsch Susan Petersen Norma & Cliff Pountney Sandra Price John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Rotary Club of Omaha--North Rotary-Suburban Greg & Sue Rusie Nola & David Schettler Susan Shell Gloria Sorensen Susan Stalnaker Stanley & Dorothy Truhlsen Bruce & Susan Vosburg David Watts Eileen M. Wirth Estate of Helen Wittmann

Dr. Eileen Wirth

$250+

Contributing Editor: Amy Haddad & Steve Martin Writer: Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, BCDM Architects, Brian & Anne Branigan, BVH Architecture, Scott & Julie Cobb, Sean Craig & Traci Hancock, First National Bank of Omaha, Hanscom Park Studio, Mutual of Omaha, Morrissey Engineering, Olsson, RDG Planning & Design, Visions Custom Framing

Anonymous (2) Alamo Drafthouse Cinema AmazonSmile Foundation Martha Antonson Lynn & Thomas Ashby Brooke Ayoub Benevity Community Impact Fund The Bookworm Richard & Carol Britten Bobbie Carlson James & Anne Carroll Lou & Ellie Clure Harl & Kay Dalstrom Stephanie Diers Sandy & Kate Dodge Linda & Charles Duckworth Eclectic Book Club Carol Ebdon Andrew Evans Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Lynn & Cindy Gray Mike & Kathy Gross John & Janis Haggstrom David Harding & Sarah Newman Carolyn Ireland Jennifer & Chris Jerram Howard & Gloria Kaslow Katie & Justin Kemerling Emily Kemp Erwin & Elaine Klabunde Devi Kotaru Marc & Joan Kraft Linda Lavely Marty Magee James & Patricia Manion Marilyn Marsh Sharon L. McGrath John & Merrilee Miller Diana Nevins Sheri Oakes Omaha Schools Foundation Rick & Carol Russell Saddlebrook Elementary School PTA Jeanne & Robb Spence Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Ryan Strawhecker Vance Taylor Anh Tran Nichole & Kevin Turgeon Judy Vann Jim & Maureen Waldron Judy & Gale Wickersham Lynette & Edward Wieger John F. Williams

Honorariums & Memorials

Received July 13 — Oct 15, 2019 In Memory of Lois Blake Judy Bellizzi

In Memory of Dorothy Diers Fran Brannen Elaine Diers Stephanie Diers Marilyn & Kenneth Dustin Patrick & Jeanne Hupp Susan Shell Kathleen Spohr

In Memory of Lee Fettig J. Terry MacNamara

In Honor of Noemi Gilbert Steve & Cathy Gilbert

In Memory of Joe Goecke Linda & Charles Duckworth

In Memory of Brenda Kay Miller Christian & Kristin Behmer Dyer Law Stephanie Eells Leonard & Beverly Falk William McNiece Keith Miller Larry & Deanna Reed

In Memory of April Underwood Nancy Chmiel Myrna Esluer Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh Stanley & Gail Hille Millard Branch Staff Gloria Sorensen Gary Wasdin Sarah Watson Under the Dundee Sun Book Club

In Honor of Eileen Wirth Nancy Chmiel Carol Ebdon Mary Haven

In Memory of Kathleen McGowen Wirth John & Merrilee Miller

In Memory of Helen Wittmann Anton & Dorothy Beck Kathryn Brenner James & Alice Dam Barbara & Ronald Schaefer Ann Van Hoff Julie Wittmann Rachel Wittmann William Wittmann Jane Wittmann-Snellings Estate of Helen Wittmann

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HOURS & LOCATIONS

W. DALE CLARK MAIN LIBRARY

215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102

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

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. / 402.444.5780 ______________________________________ _______ 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 24-hour renewal of materials: 402.444.4100 Hours subject to change or omahalibrary.org

Jane Austen Tea

Sat | Dec 14 | 2-4 pm | Main Library

All are welcome for a delightful afternoon tea honoring Jane Austen’s 244th birthday. Festivities will include light English fare and a presentation by Viki Barie on “The Ordinary and Extraordinary Life of Jane Austen.” Regency attire is optional. 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 by contacting Amy Mather at amather@omahalibrary.org or 402.444.3399.

Top Shelf OPL staff shared some of their favorite books published in 2019 and explained why these titles made it to the top of their lists.

Information & advice on consumer products that enables consumers to make better purchasing decisions. Use your OPL card to get started.

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. Winter_connect_2019.indd 8

11/21/2019 3:59:10 PM