Support Omaha Public Library
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New Chief Executive Officer Hired by
Omaha Public Library Foundation
Need for Private Funding
Get Involved
About the Omaha Public Library Foundation
The mission of the Omaha Public Library Foundation is to transform Omaha Public Library into a premier community resource through private contributions.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation believes that a healthy and vibrant Library contributes to the betterment of our community, aids in economic development, provides a public gathering space, makes Omaha more attractive to current residents and to families who are considering relocating here, and creates a sense of community pride among our fellow citizens.
Since 1985, the Foundation has provided significant private funding, totaling more than $6 million for the purpose of enhancing Omaha Public Library. As an independently audited 501(c)(3), the Foundation provides individuals and corporations with a tax exempt vehicle for making contributions to Omaha Public Library. The Foundation is also able to help those wishing to make major gifts for tax advantages or as bequests. A legacy of learning is wonderful for the community.
Foundation Board of Directors serve as independent citizen stewards of our assets. We are passionate about enhancing the Library and expanding access to the Library's resources in order to encourage reading, increase literacy and provide programs and facilities for the good of our diverse community, especially for our youth.
Board of Directors & Officers |
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Mike Meyer, President Carolyn D. Rooker, Chief Executive Officer |
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- Over $1 million raised to computerize the Library’s card catalogue
- $500,000 raised for the Teen Library centers at Washington and the new South branches
- $70,000 raised at the 2006 Shelf life event
- $46,000 raised at the 2005 shelf life event
- $500,000 raised for “Kids Connection” computers
- $ 500,000 raised during the “Books for Kids” campaign
- $100,000 Grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for public use computers
- $10,000 raised for on-line subscriptions
The Need for Private Funding
The Omaha Public Library receives funding from the City of Omaha and Douglas County. These funds cover basic services and staff. However, it is not enough to keep up with the rising costs of special programming, collection expansion, renovation of aging facilities and technology upgrades.
In fact, Omaha ranks poorly compared to its peers in terms of funding, spending only $3.01 per capita on materials compared to Virginia Beach at $4.65, Oakland at $4.63, Johnson County (Kansas) at $7.43 and Akron at $8.98.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation assists the library in raising funds to make up the shortfall between what is needed and what is provided by the city and county. Many of our nation’s libraries have established foundations to ensure that their communities have great libraries. For example, the Des Moines Public Library Foundation raised $1.9 million last year to support its library system.
We are asking for your support to help maintain a library system that meets the needs of its patrons and is a point of pride for the community it serves.
Get Involved
The library is pleased to recognize the generosity of donors in a variety of ways. Recognition is based upon level of support and may include:
- Recognition in Connections, the official newsletter of the library (circulation: 3,000 copies mailed and 1,500 distributed through library branches)
- Recognition on general library print materials such as media releases, posters and flyers
- Recognition on program-specific library print materials such as media releases, posters and flyers
- Recognition on Omaha Public Library's web site (www.omahapubliclibrary.org)
- Recognition on specially designed brass “books” placed at the library of the donor’s choice.
Other benefits to be developed in partnership with the Library and the Foundation