Connect News from Omaha Public Library • OPL Foundation • Friends of OPL
2022 Reading Challenge READING CHALLENGE
Omaha Public Library (OPL) invites readers to take on a challenge! In 2022, the annual Reading Challenge will be back with 12 themes for participants to tackle once per month, or at whatever pace they’d like throughout the year. As in years past, participants are encouraged to read one book for each of the 12 themes presented to help push them out of their reading comfort zone. Lists of suggestions for each month’s theme will be available at omahalibrary.org, as well as blog posts with even more ideas. Title suggestions will be geared toward adults, but readers of all ages may participate. For suggestions for younger readers, visit a local library branch or request a Custom Reading List. Beginning in January 2022, participants may visit their local branch to pick up their very own Reading Challenge notebook (while supplies last), which contains the details of the challenge and a place to track reading throughout the year. Once completed, participants can either fill out a paper form or submit their entries online for a chance to win a gift card to a local bookstore. Everyone who turns in a paper form or submits the online form will also receive a pin for completing.
Volume 28 • Issue 4 • Winter 2021-2022
Challenge participants can share what they’re reading on social media by tagging @omahalibrary on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Find more information at omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge.
2022
2021 Top Shelf For the past four years, OPL staff have compiled their favorite titles published in the previous year. The 2021 Top Shelf brings even more great books for OPL patrons to explore! Each year, these lists include selections for children, teens and adults across a variety of subjects. Take a look at a few of the 2021 Top Shelf titles. Questland by Carrie Vaughn If you like fantasy with a quest plotline, give this “Westworld” meets “Jurassic Park” adventure a try. Recommended by Chelsea Forker, clerk at Milton R. Abrahams Branch
January: Read a comic book/g raphic novel written/ illustrated by a woman February: Read a book abo ut sports March: Read a book from OP L’s 2021 Top Shelf April: Read a book about neu rodiversity May: Read a book by an Asi an American or Pacific Islander author June: Read a book about or featuring water July: Read a book about tra vel August: Read a book by a Mid western author September: Read a microhist ory October: Read a book menti oned on The Book Drop November: Read a book pub lished or set in the decade you were born December: Read a collection of short stories or essays
We Move Together by Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire and Eduardo Trejos This is a beautiful picture book showing the different ways that people navigate through the places and spaces around them. This book helps kids and adults alike begin conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building.
Recommended by Jenna Garcia, executive secretary at OPL
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean Fans of the movie “The Princess Diaries” or “What a Girl Wants” will love this story of a Japanese American teenager, Izumi Tanaka, who discovers her father is the crown prince of Japan.
Izzy travels to Japan and tries to become the daughter her father would want; but a handsome bodyguard, a traditional world of riches and royalty, and vindictive cousins seemingly thwart her dreams of a new life. Will Izumi embrace her new royal life or walk away from it? Recommended by Rebecca Bland, youth services librarian at Saddlebrook Branch
My Year Abroad by Chang-rae Lee With his incredible writing, Lee brings this new classic coming-of-age story to life. He illustrates what it is like to live in a new culture and come to terms with betrayals and lies.
Recommended by Rose Fennessy-Murphy, library specialist at Milton R. Abrahams Branch
Top Shelf titles for 2021 and 2017-2020 may be viewed at topshelf.omahalibrary.org.
Director’s Note According to the 2022 “The Old Farmer’s Almanac,” (which is considered 80 percent accurate over its 230-year history), this winter will be “a season of shivers,” as we may experience bone-chilling below average temperatures. “This coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years,” said Janice Stillman, editor of “The Old Farmer’s Almanac.”
person, there’s plenty to choose from at omahalibrary.org, which is open 24/7! Find plenty of digital books, magazines, and downloadable music to help keep you entertained.
You may also use mobile apps for easy and convenient access to OPL’s collections. The MyOPL app connects you directly to OPL’s online catalog. Read reviews from other patrons, place holds on the titles you want and pick them up at the OPL branch most convenient for you, or create a bookshelf of As I recall some of the hot, triple-digit days the titles you want to read in the future. If of this past summer, I almost welcome the you enjoy eBooks, Libby by OverDrive is the winter… Almost! Regardless, I advise erring app you need! Browse all digital titles in OPL’s on the side of caution and stocking up on your collection, or just items that are currently favorite books, music and movies so you have available. Narrow your search by genre to something fun to do when it’s just too cold to help you find your next favorite read. The venture outside. Flipster app provides access to dozens of If you find yourself stuck inside and haven’t magazines. Explore the world with Condé had a chance to make it to a library in Nast Traveler, stay up to date on the news
Fall Recap Timothy Schaffert Author Visit OPL hosted a virtual author visit with Timothy Schaffert on August 5. Schaffert is the author of six novels, his most recent being “The Perfume Thief.” Schaffert read from his newest book and fielded questions from the audience about everything Author Timothy Schaffert and OPL Adult Services Manager from his writing process and Amy Mather record a mini episode of The Book Drop podcast in research for his book, to who he advance of Schaffert’s virtual author visit on August 5. would cast in a film based on the book and what he’s working on next. More than 40 people attended this event. A video of the conversation is available at youtube.com/OmahaPublicLibrary.
Book Bash
with TIME magazine, or check out some great recipes in Taste of Home. Subscribe to your favorites and receive an email when the newest issues are available. On behalf of all of us at OPL, we wish you a happy, healthy and warm holiday season, and the promise of a bright New Year!
Laura Marlane Executive Director
Omaha Reads
Amber Ruffin
Each year, OPL encourages the community to vote for and read one book as a way to promote literacy and inspire discussion among Omaha and Douglas County residents. The Lacey Lamar selection is celebrated with book talks and other related programming. The Omaha Reads selection for 2021 was “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism,” by authors Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar. The New York Times bestseller tackles modern-day racism with a balance of levity and gravity. The authors are sisters and both originally from Omaha. OPL offered several programs in September, including a virtual visit with the authors, book discussions, and a closing reflection. The book was checked out 1,142 times, and more than 115 people attended the online events. A video of the author visit may be viewed at youtube.com/OmahaPublicLibrary.
Strategic Planning Forums & Surveys
OPL’s Readers and Writers Librarian Erin Duerr introduces the fall Virtual Book Bash on August 12.
Over 90 people attended OPL’s fall Virtual Book Bash on August 12. This event provided attendees with the opportunity to hear about new and exciting books from library staff, as well as the chance to chat virtually with other book lovers and win bookish prizes. This is the third time OPL has offered this event and it continues to grow in popularity. A video of the event can be found at youtube.com/OmahaPublicLibrary.
2
Five public forums and a facilitated discussion with the OPL board of trustees, Foundation board, and Friends board took place in October as part of OPL’s strategic planning process. Community members and OPL staff were invited to speak about the services and programs currently offered by OPL that they most appreciate, as well as what they’d like to see in the future. Comments collected from these events and surveys that were available online and in OPL branch locations will help to inform priorities for OPL over the next three to five years. A draft of a new strategic plan will be presented to OPL’s trustees in March 2022.
Partner Spotlight: Omaha Permaculture OPL began a new partnership with Omaha Permaculture (OP) in spring 2021, kicking off a project to revitalize the Charles B. Washington Branch landscaping. OP is an environmental nonprofit that maintains unwanted, vacant land to elevate the property’s utility and value for the surrounding neighborhood. It focuses on creating healthy ecosystems through urban agriculture related economic development. Although OP’s mission focuses on urban agriculture, it also specializes in utilizing native plants to create sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscaping. Although clearly not vacant, the Washington Branch landscaping had taken a downturn in recent years due to a broken sprinkler system and blights that wiped out most of the trees on the property. Branch Manager Amy Wenzl reached out to Gus Von Roenn, OP founder and executive director, about a partnership. Together, they agreed that OPL and the Omaha Public Library Foundation would find donors to purchase plants, and OP would create a design, manage the planting, and perform annual maintenance of the beds moving forward, with the help of library volunteers. Jessica Community members help finish fall planting Wooley, OP’s urban ecology program at Washington Branch on October 16. coordinator, soon took over the project and has worked closely with Wenzl ever since. “This new native landscape will serve as vital space for pollinators and spark conversation about the beauty and importance of native plants,” said Wooley. Wenzl hopes the new landscaping will add vibrancy and color to the block, inviting community members to explore natural resources outside the building, and educational and community resources inside. A majority of the beds were planted in September, culminating in a family-friendly event on October 16, where community members were invited to help finish fall planting and prep the beds for mulch and winter care, while enjoying stories, songs, and activities for little ones. Additional plants will be purchased in the spring to fill in the last few beds. Library patrons and staff appreciate the enhancements. Library Specialist Kimara Snipe commented, “It’s such an improvement already! I can’t wait to see it finished.”
Resolve to use OPL more in 2022 When making New Year’s resolutions for 2022, don’t forget about OPL! There are so many resources at the library that can help you make good on some of your goals. Here are a few examples of how OPL can help to make 2022 your best year yet!
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. Explore staff favorites from 2021 on OPL’s Top Shelf, push yourself out of your reading comfort zone by participating in the 2022 Reading Challenge, or get a group of readers together and start your own book club with OPL’s book club bags!
Get organized
Learn new skills
Eat healthier
Save more and spend less
Find tips and tricks for decluttering and cleaning using books about organizing in OPL’s collection. If a calendar would help you organize your schedule, request a 2022 Early Literacy Calendar the next time you stop by a library or schedule a curbside pick-up appointment. OPL’s online resource center is full of valuable tools to help learn skills ranging from new languages to family history. Register for a free six-week online class from Gale Courses. New sessions begin December 15, January 12 and February 9. There are also plenty of books that can help you to learn something new. OPL offers a variety of books about healthy eating, as well as cookbooks filled with delicious and nutritious meals that can help you to improve your eating habits. You can also sign up for the “Certificate in Food, Nutrition, and Health” class through Gale Courses to help gain a holistic view on food and nutrition. If you haven’t done so already, there’s no time like the present to evaluate your finances and make proactive changes! Focus on your finances by taking in some books on saving money or enroll in one of the personal finance classes on Gale Courses. Utilize OPL’s collection and online resources to save even more. There are some stories, movies and subscriptions that people want to own, but for all the rest, OPL is best! Whatever 2022 has in store, there are endless ways that OPL can help you to achieve your personal and professional goals. Don’t forget—staff are available to answer questions via AskOPL online chat or over the phone at (402) 444-4800. If you have favorite ways of utilizing your local library, feel free to share a photo or post and tag @OmahaLibrary on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
3
Pre-K
Holiday Gift Guide
Mrs. Peanuckle’s Hiking Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle
I Sang You Down from the Stars by Tasha Spillett-Sumner
Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor
KidSpot I Survived: Lauren Tarshis Virtual Author Visit Thurs | Dec 16 | 6-7 pm
The Crayons’ Book of Feelings by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
The Tree in Me The Very Hungry by Corinna Luyken Caterpillar’s First Winter by Eric Carle
OPL will host Lauren Tarshis, author of the popular “I Survived” series for kids, for a presentation and Q&A session. Tarshis will speak about her struggles with reading when she was a child, as well as the way she researches the historical periods in which she sets her books. OPL will raffle 10 copies of books signed by the author to all attendees. This program is geared for students in grades 3-5, but all ages are welcome to attend. Registration is required at omahalibrary.org.
Elementary
Early Literacy Calendar The Smart Cookie by Jory John and Pete Oswald
Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty
Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Peña
Pick up a complimentary 2022 OPL calendar featuring early literacy tips at your local branch or request one at your next curbside pick-up (while supplies last).
TeenSpace Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness by Ben Clanton
Speak Up by Miranda Paul
Does Earth Feel? by Marc Majewski
Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest
Teen
Young writers in grades 5-8 are invited to submit their original works of fiction to the Friends of Omaha Public Library for the 2022 writing contest. Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Gilded by Marissa Meyer
Winners will be notified in the spring. 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. You’ll Be the Death Call Us What of Me We Carry by Karen M. McManus by Amanda Gorman
4
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
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 25, 2022.
For contest requirements, visit omahalibrary.org/ virginia-frank-memorial-writing-contest. The contest is named in memory of longtime University of Nebraska Omaha English professor and Friends volunteer Virginia Frank.
Staff Spotlight: Terry Wingate
Staff Spotlight: John Carlotto
“What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” At some point (or even multiple points) in their lives, most people will ask themselves this question. Terry Wingate found herself pondering it while working in performance improvement at Methodist Hospital in the early 2000s. While this was meaningful work, Wingate felt that there might be something else that she’d find more fulfilling professionally. She’d already had a successful career in retail prior to her pivot to healthcare, and once again felt ready for a change.
John Carlotto has been a librarian for nearly 20 years. He joined OPL in 2009 after spending six years as a reference and instruction librarian at Bellevue University. When arriving at OPL, he was struck by how different public libraries are from academic libraries. Carlotto was used to people asking for information about how to use the library, and often helped students working on their MBA to find business resources. At OPL, he quickly learned that he could be asked about anything and everything.
Wingate realized that she always enjoyed books and reading, and started looking into becoming a librarian. Eventually, she applied to the library science program at the University of Missouri – Columbia, and was admitted. She received scholarship funds from her employer, and with her boss’s blessing, began working on her master’s degree in 2004. Wingate was hired as a library specialist at Millard Branch in 2007, and a few months after completing her degree in 2009, was promoted to the learning and statistics manager position at W. Dale Clark Main Library. In this role, Wingate was responsible for new employee orientation, collecting and reporting library statistics, library and board accreditation, and continuing education for staff, among many other things. One of her greatest achievements was creating and implementing a formal onboarding system so that all new OPL employees would have a consistent experience. Strategy and Business Intelligence Manager Theresa Jehlik credits Wingate’s previous work experiences for her success at OPL. “That wealth of work experiences, love of learning, and varied life experiences allow her to synthesize and extrapolate data and information from various viewpoints for the library’s benefit,” said Jehlik. “I’ll miss her wide-ranging ability to analyze data from a very detailed level to looking at projections and trends to create a vision of what could be.” Wingate retired from OPL on October 1. The decision came when she once again asked herself what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. She realized that her priorities had changed and she wanted to focus her time and energy on loved ones and some of her hobbies such as traveling, quilting, gardening, and spoiling her Golden Retriever, River Finn. Though she looks forward to retirement, Wingate said she will miss the people the most. “We have a fantastic staff,” said Wingate. “It has been a joy and honor to work with fabulous people who have made careers at OPL. I’ve loved every minute of it.” On behalf of OPL staff and patrons, we are grateful for Wingate’s service and wish her well in retirement.
Perhaps the questions that delighted him most in his time at OPL were those related to music. Music is Carlotto’s passion and has been since he first picked up a saxophone in the fifth grade as a student in Millard Public Schools. Upon graduating high school, Carlotto enlisted in the U.S. Army, and after completing basic training, auditioned for the Army band and attended a six month music course at the Naval School of Music. He completed his enlistment in Monterey, California. Following his military service, Carlotto pursued his education in music, completing a bachelor’s degree in musical performance: saxophone at Hastings College, and a master’s degree in the same area of study at the University of Northern Colorado. Carlotto toured and performed with several bands over the years, and when he was ready to “settle down,” he pursued a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While working at OPL, Carlotto was responsible for collection and reference work, and also for curating and developing subject information related to technology and community resources. He worked at W. Clarke Swanson Branch, W. Dale Clark Main Library, Milton R. Abrahams Branch, and Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch. Carlotto retired from OPL on November 24. Though he is very much looking forward to retirement filled with good music and good friends, he said he will miss the people he’s worked with the most. “It’s been a blast,” said Carlotto, and he expects that he will continue to see some of his former colleagues at his gigs. “John has been a pleasure to work with over the years,” said Elkhorn Branch Manager Casey Kralik. “He is always courteous and willing to help staff and patrons, and takes such delight when anyone asks him about music or his band. He is a great guy and will be missed.” On behalf of OPL patrons and staff, we are grateful to Carlotto for his service to the community and we wish him many happy years doing what he loves.
Annual Fundraiser
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.
Annual Meeting & Membership Kick-off Sat | Jan 22 | 1-3 pm | Millard Branch | 13214 Westwood Ln. Join the Friends of OPL for their annual meeting and membership kick-off. Following a brief business meeting, those in attendance will hear from guest speaker Lydia Kang. Kang is an author of young adult fiction, adult fiction and nonfiction, and poetry. She graduated from Columbia University and New York University School of Medicine. She is a practicing physician who has gained a reputation for helping fellow writers achieve medical accuracy in fiction. She lives in Omaha with her husband and three children. Kang’s most recent book, “Patient Zero,” was released in November. Friends memberships and renewals for 2022 will be also available at the meeting. This event is free and open to the public. All funds raised directly contribute to the quality of OPL and its impact on the community.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF) returned to an in-person format for its 2021 fundraiser, Between the Lines with Yaa Gyasi. The event, held October 5, at Temple Israel, safely welcomed 120 guests to celebrate OPL and the OPLF. The evening fundraiser Yaa Gyasi signs a copy of her book for a fundraiser attendee. featured a patron party, remarks by author Yaa Gyasi, and a book signing. “During this trying time, we have learned how to count on each other, to reach out to one another, and the importance of community support,” said Jo Giles, OPLF board president and event emcee. “OPL learned these lessons especially well last year, as our outstanding library staff managed to serve our Douglas County community from a distance, with the passion and care they are so well known for.”
Purchase library swag at your local branch to show your support.
Volunteer Spotlight: Darlene Whitney One day while shopping at the Friends of OPL book sale, Darlene Whitney noticed a flyer asking for volunteers. Whitney loves books and reading and thought, “Why not?” Fifteen years later, Whitney now coordinates the Friends book sales and has helped to transform how sales are conducted along the way. Whitney describes herself as a problem solver. “I like being presented with challenges and figuring out how to fix them,” said Whitney. When Whitney first started volunteering, book sales took place quarterly, and books were often stored in boxes in the hallway. Not only was this a safety hazard, but it also made it impossible to move and access the books in a practical way. Whitney approached the Friends’ board president and 6
asked if the board would consider weekly book sales to try and move inventory and make their spaces safety compliant. Some board members were concerned it would be too much work and that Whitney would get burnt out, but she was given approval for a weekly book sale trial period. Not only were the sales successful financially, but they actually made the work easier for Whitney and other book sale volunteers. Now, book sales are held every Thursday and on the first Saturday of the month. Unless Whitney is traveling, you will find her volunteering every Tuesday and Thursday, and during the Saturday sales, averaging 1620 hours per week of volunteer time. She has no idea how many hours she’s volunteered altogether, but mentioned that she received recognition for volunteering over 1,000
hours in her first year. She intended to cut back some after that, but hasn’t managed to accomplish that quite yet. Whitney enjoys being among the books and getting to know them, and loves the team of people she gets to work with, including other volunteers and library staff. “They really are wonderful, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” OPL directly benefits from Friends of OPL book sales. OPL staff is grateful to all of the Friends volunteers who work to advocate and raise funds for OPL’s programs and services. Learn more about the Friends of OPL at friendsomahalibrary.org.
Giles added, “At the OPLF we were reminded of the generosity of our donors and friends. We gather here today humbled by the outpouring of your financial support. And we are privileged to have done exactly this kind of work – meeting the needs of OPL and its patrons – for more than 35 years.” Dick Kelley, a founding member of the OPLF board of directors and former member of the OPL board of trustees, received the 2021 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award. An investment advisor and Omaha native, Kelley has also served on the boards of organizations such as the Westside Foundation, Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Memorial Foundation, and Mammel Family Foundation. Kelley and his late wife, Dick Kelley Helen, have been champions of education and literacy throughout their 60 years of marriage. Helen passed away in 2020. To recognize Kelley’s decades of service, the OPLF made a $500 donation to OPL, to purchase children’s books in memory of Helen Kelley. “Dick has been such an asset to our beloved library foundation,” said OPLF supporter Eileen Wirth, who presented Kelley the award. “He has assisted with fundraising, connected donors and members of the community to OPL. And he has been such a vocal and supportive advocate of the work of the OPLF. Few carry the lifelong passion of public libraries and the OPLF like Dick Kelley.”
Financial Gifts Received Oct 1, 2020 – Sept 30, 2021
$1,000+
Anonymous (3) Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, P.C. Special Donor-Advised Fund of $100,000+ Mary Joy Anderson the Jewish Federation of Omaha Claire M. Hubbard Foundation Bay Family Foundation Foundation The Sherwood Foundation Benevity Community Impact Fund Kelley Family Foundation Blair Freeman $50,000+ John & Elizabeth Lauritzen Stephen & Anne Bruckner Holland Foundation Foundation Katie Bruno $30,000+ Michael & Susan Lebens Leilani & Ron Coe Mike & Nancy McCarthy Anonymous Deloitte Mutual of Omaha Companies Peter Kiewit Foundation Dollar General Literacy Silvia Roffman William & Ruth Scott Family Foundation Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation First National Bank Foundation $20,000+ Friedland Family Foundation Jill Slosburg-Ackerman Collective For Youth Great Plains Communications Paul & Annette Smith Lozier Foundation David Harding & Sarah Newman Sokolof Foundation in Memory of The Soener Foundation Peggy & John Heck Elizabeth Summers Richard Rosinsky Harold & Clara Hoover Tenaska, Inc. $15,000+ Edward Hotz & Trish Nipp Eileen M. Wirth Noreen Johnson Anonymous $2,000+ Jack & Stephanie Koraleski Richard Brooke Foundation 100 Women Who Care Dave & Vicki Krecek The Heider Family Foundation Barbara Bock-Mavis Karen & Jim Linder Pacific Life Foundation Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Gary & Lucie Long Amy L. Scott Family Foundation Oldfather Marilyn Marsh Webster Family Foundation John & Terri Diesing Mark & Dianne McMillan $10,000+ Joseph Drugmand Tulani & Othello Meadows Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Devin Fox, M.D. Dave & Jessica Moline Foundation Carol Gendler Morey & Quinn Friendship Program Heritage Services Heidi Moser Michael & Deana Liddy Humanities Nebraska Mulhall’s Dan & Tina Lonergan Richard Kelley Rochelle Mullen Mammel Family Foundation Jim Kineen Sharee & Murray Newman Fund Gilbert C. Swanson Foundation Allan & Ann Mactier Charitable Phyllis & Bob Newman Weitz Family Foundation Foundation RBC Foundation $5,000+ Steve Martin & Amy Haddad Ruth Sage Clifton B. & Anne Stuart Maggie & Michael McMeekin David & Nola Schettler Batchelder Foundation Nebraska Arts Council Jane & Robert Slezak Bluestem Prairie Foundation Lewis & Winifred Pinch West O Fitness Cox Business Sandra Price Phil & Nancy Wolf Jerry & Jill Feilmeier Red & Jann Thomas $500+ Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation Dennis & Patricia Wiederholt Doug & Cathy Aden Jean Amoura Lynn & Thomas Ashby
The award recognizes longtime service from an OPLF volunteer. Previous honorees include Barbara Bock-Mavis (2017), Jim Kineen (2018), Eileen Wirth (2019), and Freddie Gray (2020). Attendees enjoyed a conversation between Gyasi and Giles, which focused on writing and storytelling, followed by questions from the audience.
Yaa Gyasi and Jo Giles discuss Gyasi’s work.
Gyasi is the author of the highly acclaimed debut novel “Homegoing” and a recipient of the National Book Foundation’s 2016 “5 Under 35” Award. Gyasi was born in Ghana and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she held a Dean’s Graduate Research Fellowship. Her second novel, “Transcendent Kingdom,” was published in September 2020. She lives in New York City. Event proceeds from Between the Lines with Yaa Gyasi will support OPL programs and services. Stayed tuned for details on the 2022 fundraiser. Learn more about how to support the Omaha Public Library Foundation at omahalibraryfoundation.org or (402) 444-4589. George & Kathleen Bigelow Richard & Carol Britten J. Richard Burrows Patricia Carlson Roberta Carlson Sandor & Rhonda Chomos Julie & Scott Cobb Robert & Jill Cochran Maurice & Cora Conner Nancy Darst Tim Davlin & Ann O’Connor Roy & Gloria Dinsdale DMSi Carol Ebdon Eventbrite, Inc. Mike & Wanda Gottschalk Lynn & Cindy Gray Howard & Gloria Kaslow Bob & Kathy Kunkle Roland & Jean Mariucci Ann & Gordon Moshman Shirley & Daniel Neary Sarah Newman Jane Petersen Susan Petersen John & Kathleen Ransom Ann Rinne Rotary-Suburban Susan Stalnaker Emily & Joshua States Susan Vosburg Anna Wastell Sarah Watson David Watts
$250+
Anonymous Zac Baer Marcia Bechtel Jim & Gail Binderup Evelyn Bingel Jeffrey Boyum Thad & Sharon Call James & Anne Carroll Lou & Ellie Clure Mark & Teri D’Agostino Stewart & Lisa Dale
Nils Erickson Mary Ann & Daren Folchert Thomas & Nancy Gallagher Ronald & Linda Hospodka Stephanie Iwan Flamme Robert Kearney Emily Kemp Erwin & Elaine Klabunde Marc & Joan Kraft Jane Kugler & Doug Vonderfecht Tom Liefer Marty Magee James & Patricia Manion Edward & Carrie May John & Merrilee Miller Diana Nevins Sheri Oakes Ilka Oberst Bo & Beth Ochsner Aja & Ryan Pelster Norma & Cliff Pountney Shirley Siebler Gloria Sorensen Pete & Mary Lou Stehr Jonell Tempero Anh Tran Jim & Maureen Waldron Kay Weinstein
Honorariums & Memorials Received July 1 — Sept 30, 2021
In Memory of Bonnie Hannum
Jill & Dan Solberg Lynette & Edward Wieger
In Honor of Michelle Hoffman Gloria Sorensen
In Honor of Dick Kelley Phil & Nancy Wolf
In Memory of Crystal Matz Verda Bialac Evelyn Bingel Elaine Heath Riccardo & Mary Marchio Estate of Crystal Gail Matz
In Memory of Tom Ostrom Denise Ostrom
In Memory of Dr. Samar Ray Sarbani Chakraborty Debasis Dalapati Mr. & Mrs. Joe Fisher John & Kay Lynn Goldner Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hubacher Jeanette Lhotak Paul & Sheila Pino Chitrita Roy Chester Waters Ralph & Claudia Yribar
In Honor of Tom Russell Gloria Sorensen
In Memory of Patrick Thompson Maria Michaelis
In Memory of Bob Whelton In Memory of Arthur James Ronald & Linda Hospodka Sara Penke Adams Olivia Thomas In Memory of Margaret J. In Memory of Daniel Allen “Peg” Ziegler David E. Eastep Olsson - Admin Team
In Honor of Beth DankertBabb
Kelly & Kathleen Anderson PEO Chapter PE Estate of Margaret J. Ziegler
Friendship Program
In Memory of Bill Hall Gloria Sorensen
7
215 S. 15th St. Omaha, NE 68102
Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage
PAID Omaha, NE Permit No. 1818
HOURS & LOCATIONS MONDAY – THURSDAY
9am – 7pm
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
9am – 5pm
SUNDAY 1 – 5pm (Main, Millard & Abrahams only) A.V. SORENSEN BRANCH 4808 Cass St. | 402.444.5274 BENSON BRANCH 6015 Binney St. | 402.444.4846 BESS JOHNSON ELKHORN BRANCH 2100 Reading Plz. | 402.289.4367 CHARLES B. WASHINGTON BRANCH 2868 Ames Ave. | 402.444.4849 FLORENCE BRANCH 2920 Bondesson St. | 402.444.5299 MILLARD BRANCH 13214 Westwood Ln. | 402.444.4848 MILTON R. ABRAHAMS BRANCH 5111 N. 90th St. | 402.444.6284 SADDLEBROOK BRANCH 14850 Laurel Ave. | 402.444.5780 SOUTH OMAHA LIBRARY 2808 Q St. | 402.444.4850 W. CLARKE SWANSON BRANCH 9101 W. Dodge Rd. | 402.444.4852 W. DALE CLARK MAIN LIBRARY 215 S. 15th St. | 402.444.4800 WILLA CATHER BRANCH 1905 S. 44th St. | 402.444.4851
Library Holidays
Libraries will be closed on these holidays observed by the City of Omaha.
Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 24-25 Martin Luther King Jr. Day . . . Jan 17 New Year’s . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 31-Jan 1 Presidents Day . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb 21
New Winter Titles Enjoy these titles being added to OPL’s collection between December 1, 2021 February 28, 2022. Let’s Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World by Danielle Friedman Prior to the 1960s, women were not encouraged to exert themselves for their health. Since then, women have harnessed exercise as a path to mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Explore the evolution of exercise culture for women. True Crime Story by Joseph Knox A missing person investigation comes together through transcripts and documents maintained by the story’s narrator, “Joseph Knox.” The twists, withheld information and
side investigations will please true crime fans. The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa In this bestselling novel from Japan, follow the journey of Rintaro Natsuki, high school student and bookstore owner, as he encounters a talking cat that urges him to save the lonely books in the world. The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price When did you last do something that was really fun? Price presents a case for finding
true fun, not just self-indulgent activities, but ones that are restorative and full of joy, which can lead to a better, more fulfilling life. Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals by Laurie Zaleski The author’s mother had a dream of running an animal rescue and then died before making it a reality. Zeleski resolved to make the dream her own. Request your own Custom Reading List at omahalibrary.org by selecting Find Your Next Read under the Services tab.