This column, featuring Omaha Public Library's partnership with Nebraska Science Festival, appeared in the March 30, 2025, edition of the Omaha World-Herald (NE). It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).
Nebraska Science Festival bringing hands-on experiences to Omaha Public Library
Libraries have long been gateways to discovery, but this month, Omaha Public Library is turning up the volume on hands-on exploration by partnering with the Nebraska Science Festival, opens a new window.
Through a series of interactive and thought-provoking events, the library is connecting the community with science in unexpected ways — through art, food, forensic investigation, and even worms.
At their core, both libraries and scientific fields share a fundamental mission: to cultivate curiosity and foster knowledge growth. Libraries provide access to information and spark a love for learning and discovery, while science encourages exploration, experimentation, and critical thinking. Bringing the two together creates an environment where discovery thrives, proving that knowledge is not only something to be read about, but something to be experienced.
Whether you’re a lifelong learner or a curious kid, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a glimpse at what’s in store.
Author Visit: Geo Rutherford
Science and art collide in this fascinating talk by artist and printmaker Geo Rutherford. Her work delves into themes of invasive species, environmental change, and the Great Lakes, offering a fresh perspective on ecological issues through creative expression. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how science can be explored through a visual and artistic lens.
Skeletons on the Screen: Dr. Katie East
Do TV crime dramas get forensic science right? Teens are invited to join Dr. Katie East as she takes a deep dive into the world of forensic anthropology, separating fact from fiction. From exaggerated lab results to impossible crime scene timelines, she’ll reveal what Hollywood gets wrong — and occasionally right — about solving mysteries with science.
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