Libraries are places of relative anonymity. Your neighborhood library staff gets to know their patrons and may recommend a book or movie based on an observation, but for the most part, people may wander the stacks, check out materials, and use computers unnoticed by their peers. At Omaha Public Library, opens a new window, we know that Omaha and Douglas County residents are using their libraries for many reasons, but it was interesting to librarian Evelyn Bingel when she had a discussion with a gentleman at the Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch , opens a new windowand he revealed that he had written part of his book there.
Steven Wolf may have stood out because at the time he was writing, he wasn’t traveling alone. By his side was Comet, a greyhound service dog and the inspiration behind his book, Comet’s Tale. The author is one of the founders of Omaha law firm Hauptman, O’Brien, Wolf and Lathrop, P.C., , opens a new windowand after a debilitating spine injury, was forced to leave his practice and divide his time between Omaha and Sedona, Ariz. Enter Comet – a rescue dog that became so much more than a pet.
The story told in Comet’s Tale is honest, emotional and “not just a dog book,” according to Wolf. According to Wolf, writing the book allowed him to purge. “I no longer ask why, and feel blessed to be moving around and walking.” There are themes that most people can relate to from the book. “It’s fun to hear the different parts of the story that people pick up on,” said Wolf. Some have even called his book a love story.
OPL may not be mentioned in the book, but often plays a supporting role in experiences like Wolf’s. “People at the library were so nice,” said Wolf. “I did quite a bit of research and it was helpful to have people who knew how to find it. Librarians are professionals – they are good at what they do.” A library lover since his youth, Wolf views the library as a “hub of the community,” a great place for the elderly and young, and a place to catch up on the latest news. “It’s all right there.”
Check out Wolf’s book at OPL, and if you still have questions when you’re done, consider inviting him to speak to your book club. Contact him here, opens a new window, and if you really want to get in good with him, think about inviting his friend, Piper, the latest greyhound to join his family. Treats are welcome! 🙂
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