Annual Report

2011Annual Report

2 2011 AnnuAl RepoRt

Mission Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our community by connecting people with ideas, information and innovative services.

VisionOmaha is a vital and vibrant city, with OPL as an essential catalyst, collaborator and connector.

Core Values• Service excellence • Integrity • Innovation • Community engagement • Equal and inclusive access • Staff talent

Libraries change lives. Libraries serve as dynamic, vibrant community hubs where creativity and ideas are born and nurtured, and where individuals can connect with ideas and information. As community needs evolve, libraries respond to ensure that everyone has the resources needed to navigate our ever-changing world.

2011 was a tremendous year at omaha public library with the launch of a new vision and strategy focusing on local partnerships. While we continue to serve in traditional ways, we have also strengthened our emphasis on collaboration with businesses, organizations and agencies. Together, we work towards the common goal of making Omaha a great city in which to live, work and play.

Our strength and success come from ongoing public and private support that enables our libraries and staff to provide services ranging from literacy education to job search assistance. The everyday stories we share within this report are a testament to our commitment to you. Thank you for helping to make OPL a truly valuable asset to Douglas County and Omaha residents.

Omaha Public Library Foundation Friends of Omaha Public Library Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees

3


A scene from Welcome to the Library

5

Welcome to the LibraryReaching out to diverse audiences

Immigrants to the United States with little or no English-speaking skills may have difficulty understanding what a free lending library is, let alone how to use one. Omaha Public Library created a seven-minute video to explain the basics of a library in seven languages: Somali, Swahili, Burmese, Sudanese-Nuer, Arabic, Karen and Spanish.

Available at omahalibrary.org, on YouTube and for checkout, “Welcome to the Library” is designed to help people understand the benefits that libraries offer—assistance with language and literacy skills, computer classes, Internet access, and job search and résumé tips.

The video premiered at a celebration event hosted at South Omaha Library. Participants enjoyed ethnic foods, entertainment and crafts. Most importantly, they learned that opl welcomes people from all backgrounds and invites them to open their world by using the many resources available to them.

The International Center for the Heartland, Lutheran Family Services, the Nebraska Library Commission, Omaha Public Schools and Library staff partnered together in this crucial step toward reaching non-English speaking members in our community.

OPL welcomes people from all backgrounds and invites them to open their world.


es! Nostrectuus.Bon perobsedicam ina, confit L. Udacrit L. Vereo tusquo ince consuam fica vivium intero, omne ad cuterionsul verbi inte invendium quonius furore, nicupio rectast rei pernihico verum hebat, cut L. Do, ut vivilis, nonsule ssenimi liquod conim ponotium Rommoves! Scienihica veridius, conius, se nostrae estiervicae pripteatora es C. C. Scienatum arit, nost? Habesti linver


panel discussion on homelessness

3

Finding a VoiceWhat is it like to be a homeless person? Why are people homeless? What are homeless people doing in the Library?

Homeless library patrons use the Library in the same way as everyone else – to find resources and jobs, talk with friends and check Facebook on the computers. They are no different in that respect, and yet the words sometimes associated with them are discouraging.

In order to help dispel stereotypes, encourage tolerance and put a face to homelessness, OPL in collaboration with University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health Interprofessional Service Learning Academy and the Siena/Francis House, hosted the “Finding a Voice” exhibit by artists Chris Leet and Jeremiah Neal in the Michael Phipps Gallery at the W. Dale Clark Main Library. Both men were formerly homeless and found sobriety and independence through art. they hoped that by sharing their stories, other homeless people would be empowered to find their voice and start new journeys.

During an opening reception and discussion panel, more than 150 individuals were asked to share one word that came to mind when they thought of homelessness. They were asked to share another word to the same question as they left that evening. Much like the transformation represented in the art by Leet and Neal, there was a shift in perspectives of the audience members from a tone of hopelessness to inspiration.

Hopelessness to Inspiration—be empowered to find their voice and start new journeys.

7

Finding a VoiceWhat is it like to be a homeless person? Why are people homeless? What are homeless people doing in the Library?

Homeless library patrons make use of the Library in the same way we all do—to find resources and jobs, locate something new to read, talk with friends and check Facebook on the computers. These patrons are no different in that respect, and yet the words sometimes associated with them can be discouraging.

In order to help dispel stereotypes, encourage tolerance and put a face to homelessness, OPL collaborated with UNMC College of Public Health’s Service Learning Academy and the Siena/Francis House to host the “Finding a Voice” exhibit. Works by artists Chris Leet and Jeremiah Neal were displayed in the Michael Phipps Gallery at W. Dale Clark Main Library. Both men were formerly homeless and found sobriety and independence through art. The artists hoped that by sharing their stories, other homeless people would be empowered to find their voices and start new journeys.

During an opening reception and discussion panel, more than 150 individuals were asked to share one word that came to mind when they thought of homelessness. As they left that evening, the same question was repeated. Much like the transformation represented in the art by Leet and Neal, there was a shift in audience members’ perspectives from a tone of hopelessness to that of inspiration.

Hopelessness to inspiration—Empowerment to find their voices and start new journeys.

2011 AnnuAl RepoRt

NorthSide Ballers 2011 championship team

8

Village Basketball Alliance NorthSide Ballers overcoming obstacles

As the final seconds ticked down during the last game of the regular basketball season, the NorthSide Ballers team from Charles B. Washington Branch was already looking ahead. Though they did not win a single game throughout the 2011 debut season of the Village Basketball Alliance, they were hopeful that they could achieve more going forward.

“You’ve got to stay positive,” said Alonzo Adams, team coach and library specialist at Charles B. Washington Branch. “This is a learning experience. There’s bitter and sweet to this game and to life.”

Adams’ sentiments were echoed by team member Nuppy Flowers. “Playing basketball keeps me off the streets and away from bad influences. I don’t care if we don’t win as long as we are having fun.”

That’s not to say that victory wasn’t sweet when the NorthSide Ballers made a magnificent comeback and emerged as the league champions during the second season.

“They worked hard for it. I’m proud of them,” said Adams. “This is a constructive outlet for youth to exert energy and frustration,” said Adams. “The Library is one of the only places they can do that for free.”

“The NorthSide Ballers are a great example of OPL’s role as a center of community engagement and activity,” said OPL Executive Director Gary Wasdin. “Today’s libraries are community anchors and provide more than books.”

“This is a constructive outlet for youth to exert energy and frustration.” - Alonzo Adams

9

Miss Ashley & Miss Nancy of Saddlebrook Branch at Out & About Storytime with patrons Charlie and Sophie

2011 AnnuAl RepoRt10

Summer Reading ProgramHelping to beat the summer slump

“Summer wouldn’t feel the same without the Library’s reading program,” said Krista Conley. She takes her two children, Charlie and Sophie, to Saddlebrook Branch each year to participate in the programs and fun. “They have reminded me of all the great prizes that they earned… We love it.”

Summer Reading Program is a core program of public libraries around the country. It offers events, exciting incentives, and so much more. Study after study demonstrates that kids who read during the summer perform better in school in both the short term and long term. It’s a cure for the “summer slump”—the brain drain that happens with limited intellectual stimulation for two months out of the year. The unique combination of entertaining programs and events with reading and literacy activities is a great reminder that reading is fun!

“The summer really boosted Charlie’s reading skills. His associations with reading and the Library could not be more positive,” Conley said.

In 2011, SRP had more than 23,800 participants—an increase of 36 percent over 2010.

“Summer wouldn’t feel the same without the Library’s reading program.”

- Krista Conley

11


Justin Bainbridge searching for books in the new collection

High Interest Low VocabularyWhat kind of books should a 22-year-old man read?

Most young people in their 20s can read whatever they like, but for Justin, finding books to read at the Library was not very easy.

Justin and his family have been patrons at Millard Branch since he was a child, participating in Summer Reading Program and volunteering with the youth services staff. Like most kids, Justin’s interests changed as he grew older, but he couldn’t read at the level suggested for his age. Justin has Down syndrome and reads at a kindergarten to first grade level.

“It’s not appropriate for someone his age to be reading ducky and piggy books,” said Kim Bainbridge, Justin’s mother. “We could find books that he might enjoy, but Justin can’t find them on his own using the Dewey Decimal System.”

Kim envisioned a section of books at the Library for “high interest low vocabulary” readers, where people with various reading challenges (not just intellectual disabilities) could find books they want to read without having to search for something age-appropriate in the children’s section.

Working together with OPL staff, Kim and Justin provided feedback and helped develop the collection which is now available at all 12 branches.

It didn’t take long before Kim heard from other parents who were excited about the new selections available to their children. “Many parents had given up,” said Kim. “Now we just need to let them know what is available and continue to increase the number of books.”

“Many parents had given up. Now we just need to let them know what is available and continue to increase the number of books.” - Kim Bainbridge

13


Items borrowed | 3,148,969

Library visits | 2,401,214

Website visits | 1,460,140

Library members | 233,510

Computer sessions | 921,224

Digital downloads | 55,528

Service

kids, teens & adults participated in Summer Reading Program

adults attended a community, civic or business meeting in one of our meeting rooms

individuals attended a computer class, storytime, or other fun & educational program

23,812

44,512

151,407

2011 At A Glance

City of Omaha (General Fund and Keno)

Douglas County supplement

Omaha Public Library Foundation

Fines and fees collected

Grants and other incomeGrants and other income

Friends of Omaha Public Library

State of Nebraska

Personnel

Books and materials

Facilities maintenance and security

Other operating expenses

TechnologyTechnology

Outreach and programming

Summer Reading Program

15

Revenues City of Omaha (General Fund and Keno) $10,458,791Douglas County supplement 1,108,920Omaha Public Library Foundation 452,779Fines and fees collected 414,925Grants and other income 317,686Friends of Omaha Public Library 148,000State of Nebraska 103,670

$13,004,771

Expenditures Personnel $8,402,172Books and materials 1,702,208Facilities maintenance and security 992,955Other operating expenses 558,889technology 486,980outreach and programming 80,326Summer Reading Program 69,000

$12,292,530

OPL Financials


The mission of the Omaha Public Library Foundation is to raise funds and advocate for Omaha Public Library.

Revenues (including pledges)

$687,385

ExpendituresDirect Library contributions $142,250 library programs, materials and support 310,529 Administration and office expenses 44,235 Development 85,024 $582,038

Examples of OPLF-supported programs Baby ReadstechnologyBooks and materialsCharles B. Washington Branch summer lock-insSummer Reading ProgramDesignated branch supportAfterschool programsteen literacy programs Audited financial numbers: A federal grant administered for the Library by the Foundation reduced supported Library program revenue and expenses by $8,678.

2011 Foundation BoardNancy L. WolfPresidentCarol Ebdon, Ph.D.Vice PresidentTyler R. OwenSecretary James P. KineenTreasurerKathleen C. DodgeAdvisorRobert H. Berger, CPAStephen M. BrucknerDan KinsellaBarbara KushnerKimberly A. LubeckMichael J. McLarneyRochelle A. MullenBo ochsnerBeth Whited

17

Friends of Omaha Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, grassroots organization dedicated to raising money for the Library, providing volunteers and promoting the Library to the community.

Volunteer members raise funds with book sales at W. Clarke Swanson Branch on the first Saturday of each month and every Thursday. They also raise funds through Internet book sales, memberships and donations to benefit the Library, its patrons and the larger Omaha community. In 2011, the Friends provided OPL with more than $145,000. These funds help support important Library programming such as author events, the Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest and Omaha Reads.

In 2011, the Friends were invited to bring their book sale to the streets of downtown Omaha for the Summer Arts Festival. A large tent was set up on 14th Street outside W. Dale Clark Main Library. Those attending the festival needed only take a few steps away from the art displays on Farnam Street to find great deals on great books.

Learn more about becoming a Friend at friendsomahalibrary.org.

2011 Board OfficersDave Schaal PresidentJudy Harrington President Elect Sally Fellows SecretaryKaren Hosier TreasurerJohn Zipay Advisor/Immediate Past President

2011 Board MembersKay Bashus Sarah BrandonSusan CipollaPat ClarkJoe GoeckePolly Goecke Jean Hartwell Cathy Hohman Janet Luedtke Florence Nelson Jacki Owens-Johnson Susan Prazen Jeanne Spence Vanessa TimberlakeTim White Evelyn Whitehill Darlene Whitney Elaine Willits

OPL Executive Director Gary Wasdin and the winners of the 2011 Virginia Frank Memorial Writing Contest

Financial Gifts Thank you to all of our 2011 Omaha Public Library Foundation donors! Your gift supports OPL programs and services—helping to change lives through the Library! Memorial & honorarium donors are recognized in our quarterly Connect newsletter throughout the year.


$50,000 & aboveBuilding Bright FuturesPeter Kiewit Foundation

$25,000 & aboveAnonymousLozier FoundationWilliam and Ruth Scott Family FoundationSlosburg Family Charitable Trust

$10,000 & aboveDeryl F. and Ramona HamannRichard D. HollandMcGowan Family FoundationFred and Eve Simon Charitable FoundationSokolof Foundation

$5,000 & aboveBest Buy Children’s FoundationDr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss FoundationMary A. HollandThe Adah and Leon Millard FoundationNebraska Humanities CouncilState of NebraskaRunza RestaurantsTodd and Betiana Simon

$2,000 & aboveJoan Gibson and Don WursterJames P. KineenSally KjelsonGilbert H. Litel Jr. BequestThe Owen Foundation (Tyler Owen)William R. Patrick FoundationRBC Wealth ManagementStanley and Dorothy TruhlsenMark and Julie Wilson

$1,000 & aboveAnn H. BatchelderMogens and Cindy BayBenson plant RescueChipotle Mexican GrillN.P. and Kathleen DodgeCarol EbdonFirst National Bank of OmahaFriedland Family FoundationPaul and Oscar Giger FoundationVic Gutman and AssociatesNeil and Kate HolsteinRichard and Helen KelleyDaniel and Kari KinsellaDavid and Vicki KrecekMichael and Susan LebensJim and Rochelle MullenNational Everything Wholesale (Bo Ochsner)Murray and Sharee NewmanHarriet OtisLewis and Winifred PinchDominic and Denise RingSecurity National BankVale and Peggy SorensenU.S. BankElizabeth WhitedPhilip and Nancy Wolf

$500 & aboveBerger & O’Toole, CPAsBarbara J. Bock-Mavis

Stephen and Anne BrucknerSandor and Rhonda ChomosMaurice ConnerDundee-Memorial Park AssociationRuth Fisk Revocable TrustJohn HeckBill and Leona KernenA. George and Sandra LozierMaggie McMeekinMichael and Deborah McLarneyMichael C. and Dana MeyerJames and Mary MontequinAnn RinneDavid & Anne RismillerJohn and Ruth SageTobin and Molly SchroppStephen and Karen SwartzWeitz Family Foundation

$250 & aboveDouglas and Cathy AdenRichard and Carol BrittenMark and Teri D’AgostinoStewart and Lisa DaleNancy DarstJoe and Ruth ErmanJames D. FogartyBNSF FoundationMary HelmsLinda HessGary and Kristen Hoffman

19

Milton and Marsha KleinbergJohn LarkinDavid McBrideSharon L. McGrathWilliam and Laura PowersSandy PriceRotary-NorthwestRotary-SuburbanSylvia SchreinerSusan StalnakerUnion Pacific Fund for Effective GovernmentBruce and Susan VosburgSarah Watson

$200 & aboveBekins FoundationHal and Mary DaubJoseph R. Drugmandnancy GrantSarah S. HaddadDavid HardingL. Thomas HoodHarold and Clara HooverJames and Mary JansenGary longJudy ManiscalcoWilliam MarchRoland and Jean MariucciJohn H. RansomMax and Karen RudolphJoseph and Patricia SamsonBryan and Leslie SloneJohn Vann

$100 & aboveJudith AlbertJo Anne AmouraClyde L. AndersonMartha AntonsonTerence and Kristina AtkinsMarcia BackerGeoffrey BakewellMarcia BechtelMichael Berlinlynn BlaggMarjorie J. BockGary BowenMarjorie BrennanDale and Tina BroekemeierCecil and Loree BykerkJeanette CappsJames A. CarrollSydney CateRobert and Susan ChenowethPatricia ClowLeilani CoeCarol DaleJohn B. Davis

Virginia DavisGary De LunaBeverly DiMauroDundee Garden ClubEve FisherThomas R. GehlDan and Sarah GilbertSanford Goodman and Kathy BradleyLynn and Cindy GrayMike and Kathy GrossJohn and Janis HaggstromDenham and Helen HarmanRoger and Jacquelyn HarnedHerbert and Cynthia HartmanKenneth HeimbuchDonna HullVicki HunzekerMarlene JennumJoyce JonesHoward KaimanHelen KenefickRichard and Cynthia KiperJoshua KitchenMichael and Janet KroegerH. Frederick and Janet KuehlJennifer Lanetom lieferlorraine Anne lienemannMarty MageeEdward and Sally MalashockEleanor B. MalotCheryle ManasilJames and Patricia ManionOmaha Matrons Women’s ClubSally Mae McFarlandpaul and Glenna MeissnerJack and Garnet MillerJohn and Merrilee MillerJohn R. MitchellMonday Book Club Gerald Moorepeggy payneCarl and Andrea PetersonW. Charles PetersonOliver Pollak

Neal RatzlaffCurtis and Gail ReiterJulie RichardsMartin and Iris RicksStephen RobinsonThomas W. SchleismanGreg SearsonTracy SeymourShirley SieblerRichard and Carolyn SielingJoan SilverstrandRichard and Connie SpellmanBecky SpencerPeter and Mary Lou StehrVance TaylorAustin and Dorothy ThompsonCharles and Anne TrimbleOmer and Judy TroutUnion Pacific Giveplus ProgramPatricia VikBrett and Kathleen WawersRobert WayEileen WirthH.R. Woodward

Donors below this range are listed at omahalibraryfoundation.org.

AdministrationGary Wasdin, Executive Director

Maggie Tarelli-Falcon, Assistant Director

Mary Griffin, Senior Manager - Facilities

Deb Barelos, Circulation Manager

Judy Brick, Office Supervisor

Jody duRand, Business Manager

Sarah English, Youth Services Manager

Patrick Esser, Technology Manager

Emily Getzschman, Marketing Manager

Amy Mather, Adult Services Manager

Deirdre Routt, Technical Services Manager

Linda Trout, Community Services Manager

Branch ManagersSarah Watson, W. Dale Clark Main Library

Susan Thornton, Milton R. Abrahams Branch

Theresa Jehlik, Benson Branch

Wendy Anderson, Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch

Evonne Edgington, Florence Branch

Gloria Sorensen, Millard Branch

Jennifer Jazynka, Saddlebrook Branch

Lori Brezina, A.V. Sorensen Branch

Norma Pountney, South Omaha Library

Rachel Steiner, W. Clarke Swanson Branch

Joanne Ferguson Cavanaugh, Charles B. Washington Branch

Lucy Lewis, Willa Cather Branch

Board of TrusteesArun Agarwal

terri Bull

Stuart A. Chittenden

Sergio Costa

James Fogarty

Mary Helms

Mary Holland

Gina ponce

nancy Rips

Documents

Annual Report