Starting off 2012 in positive ways

Omaha Public Library is already off to a roaring start in 2012! If you weren't able to join us for the grand reopening celebration at our Milton R. Abrahams Branch location, stop by for a visit sometime soon. After a five-month renovation, the library opened its doors again on Jan. 7, and it was a treat for all to see the vast improvements. The remodel includes a teen room, a computer lab for classes, an improved meeting room, small group study rooms and a larger children's space. There is additional seating throughout the library, twice as many computers, a new service desk and self-check machines, and so much more. The branch is open seven days a week, making it convenient for anyone who would like to see the transformation.

The reopening of the branch was also a time for us to remember a gentleman who is still very much missed in Omaha — Milt Abrahams. Abrahams was one of our city's greatest library supporters. He served on the library Board of Trustees for more than 20 years and was a strong advocate. He was instrumental in developing the plans to build the W. Dale Clark Library downtown, and was a founding member of the Omaha Public Library Foundation.

Abrahams gave generously of his time, and his financial support helped make the library what it is today. A gift of $50,000 covered operating expenses for the OPL Foundation in its early years, and annual gifts to fund special programs and new building construction were often gifts that inspired others to give. He loved the library and made it his priority to ensure that great libraries would be here to serve Omaha well into the future. I'm sad I never knew Milt Abrahams, but I am delighted that we are able to honor his gifts to the city by keeping our libraries strong. He embodied the spirit of the public-private partnership that keeps Omaha moving forward.

The private support provided through the OPL Foundation and the Friends of Omaha Public Library helps us to continue offering great programs and services throughout the year. One of those great programs is Winter Reading Club. While the spring-like weather lately may tell you otherwise — it is winter, and Winter Reading Club is well under way. Stop by and pick up an armload of great reads and enjoy! Register online or at any OPL location and log the books you read to earn prizes.

If you received a new Kindle, Nook, iPad or other e-book device over the holidays, be sure to download free digital books at omahalibrary.org. You'll find best-selling fiction, notable non-fiction, travel books, children's books and more — all of which count toward your winter reading goals. If you need help with your new e-reader device, OPL offers workshops throughout the city to teach you how to download library materials and use your new gadget to its fullest potential. Ask at your local branch or visit our website for a schedule.

There is so much to look forward to this year at Omaha Public Library. You'll find many new programs and services, as well as improvements to our online catalog, making it easier to find what you want. The enhancements will allow users to create their own user name, making it easier to log in. You will also be able to create your own great lists and share them with others. We call it MyOPL, and we look forward to sharing it with you soon! Everything we do at Omaha Public Library is for the people we serve. If you haven't visited a library lately, we invite you to come back and check out all we have to offer. You may be surprised.

Gary Wasdin is executive director of the Omaha Public Library.

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