Outreach Department
Omaha Public Library's (OPL) Outreach Department delivers and promotes library services outside the library to targeted community groups or organizations. Organizations and individuals are welcome to request the following outreach offerings, opens a new window:
- Resource or card registration table: Tabling is our most-requested service, and takes place at events like community celebrations, neighborhood days, resource fairs and school nights. OPL staff will work with your point of contact to cater our presence to the needs of your community or event attendees, whether that means offering account sign-ups, literacy resources, promotion of research resources, or reading recommendations.
- Speaking opportunity: OPL staff are available to present to large and small business, neighborhood associations, book clubs, or faith-based or community organizations about free library services. Our staff can speak on diverse topics including libraries, book recommendations, research, and Omaha's past, present and future. We tailor our content to the specific needs and interests of your audience.
- Mobile library: OPL's Mobile Library is currently available in an extremely limited capacity to respond to external requests. The Mobile Library is used primarily to support OPL affiliated events and limited programming related to our Mission, Vision and Values, particularly literacy and literary events. We consider external events open to the public on a case-by-case basis with the understanding that we are unable to fulfill every request.
Submit an Outreach Request
Meet Poppy, OPL's Mobile Library
Omaha Public Library's (OPL) Mobile Library, nicknamed "Poppy," is used to provide outreach and services to a variety of communities and bring a visible library presence to community events.
Spot Poppy at upcoming events (new events added monthly):
June 2024
- June 7, Benson First Friday (circulation services) in the Benson Creative District, Omaha
- June 15, Juneteenth Joy Fest (no circulation services) at 24th and Ohio St., Omaha
- June 28, Midtown Night Market (circulation services) at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, Omaha
The 2019 Ford Super-Duty F550 4x4 was purchased from Matthews Specialty Vehicles in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the intent of expanding OPL's reach in its community and providing increased access to materials and resources. The vehicle features library collections on shelving hidden behind doors that roll up when the vehicle is parked. There are also two display screens to present information on upcoming library events or resources. Poppy comes equipped with Wi-Fi, and a built-in microphone and speaker system. All electronic display components are powered by solar panels on the roof.
OPL is grateful to the generous donors who helped fund this project through their contributions to the Omaha Public Library Foundation, including the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation, Cox, and Karen and Jim Linder.
