Thankful for these six things at OPL

Many people don't realize that Omaha Public Library (OPL) offers books—and so much more—at all of its locations, opens a new window across Omaha! This Thanksgiving, learn about some of the things that all Douglas County residents can be thankful for at OPL!

1. People — While the Internet now answers some of the questions people once brought to their local librarian, Omaha Public Library staff are one of the best resources available to find the right answers for patrons. Staff keep OPL running smoothly, manage its extensive collection, opens a new window, share reading recommendations, opens a new window, curate book lists, opens a new window on almost any topic imaginable, and even create custom book lists, opens a new window for patrons by request. Patrons may also ask OPL librarians questions online, opens a new window when trying to recall a book title, answer a question about local history, or any other topic of interest!
2. Books, movies, music & more — The materials a library has—also know as its collection—are the bread and butter of any library, and OPL has both physical and digital collections available for patrons to enjoy. The digital collection, opens a new window has over 26,000 eBooks, opens a new window and 9,600 eAudiobooks, opens a new window that patrons can check out and download to their devices from anywhere with an Internet connection. OPL's physical collection, which is distributed across all 12 locations, includes just under 638,000 books, opens a new window, DVDs and BluRay discs, opens a new window, audiobooks, opens a new window, music CDs, opens a new window, book club bags and toys, opens a new window. If there's something you'd like to check out that isn't available at OPL, any OPL patron can log in to their account and suggest a purchase,, opens a new window or request it from a library that does have that item through interlibrary loan. 
3. Facilities — OPL's 12 locations across Omaha each have public work areas, computers and free wifi, opens a new window. Most locations also have meeting rooms, opens a new window available for the public to reserve online to use when they aren't booked for library events. The facilities offer a place for anyone who may need an escape from the cold, a quiet spot to study or work, or a place for their children to play and learn. For many people, the library is a home away from home. 
4. Digital Resources — The benefits of having a library card don't end when you leave your local branch! In addition to OPL's digital materials, patrons can also access OPL's digital resources online from anywhere, giving them the opportunity to:         
   • Enroll in six-week online Gale Courses
   • Learn new skills through Lynda tutorials, opens a new window
   • Create a step-by-step plan how to build a small business with Gale Small Business Builder
   • Prepare for careers or tests like the ACT, SAT, GRE and more with LearningExpress Library, opens a new window
   • Download the latest issues of your favorite magazines to your devices with RB Digital
   • Get free, personalized online homework help from Tutor.com
   • Access product ratings, reviews and more to help make smart purchases with Consumer Reports, opens a new window
   • And so much more! Browse all of OPL's online resources here, opens a new window.
5. Entertainment — Each OPL location hosts educational and fun programs, opens a new window weekly, in addition to system-wide events like the annual Summer Reading Program, opens a new window and Omaha Reads, opens a new window. Each branch has printable monthly calendars that list their events, so you can stay in-the-know with what is happening at the location nearest you! Patrons can also check out movies, opens a new window, download four free songs each week from Freegal Music, opens a new window, or check out passes to local attractions like Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, opens a new window, Fontenelle Forest, opens a new window or the Omaha Children's Museum, opens a new window, throughout the year, while supplies last.
6. It's all FREE! — OPL is publicly and privately funded and demands no additional cost to Douglas County residents, ensuring access to everyone in the communities that OPL serves. If you don't have a library card already, learn about getting one, opens a new window today to begin utilizing all that OPL has to offer!