Events

Welcome to Mission: Astronaut, a hands-on experience where visitors learn about space exploration, the technology that makes it possible, how it benefits life on Earth, and more through astronaut training challenges. Each section presents interactive tasks that require an astronaut’s mindset to solve and focus on engineering, physics, teamwork, and fun!

Ages K-12 Grade. Registration Required.

The coziest storytime is happening at Fat Brain Toys! Our good friend Mrs. M will be telling a few fun and snuggly blanket-themed stories. Stop by and warm up your heart - and don't forget to bring your favorite blanket!

Don’t Miss Over 100,000 Sq Ft of the latest products, services and innovations for your Home, Garden & Outdoor Living! Featuring waterfalls, ponds, and blooming plants while you savor the sights, sounds and smells of springtime!

Today there will be a special guests from Keep Omaha Beautiful who will read Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson. Just as Ruby learns to identify the birds in her neighborhood, we will also learn to observe specific features in order to identify common backyard Nebraska birds. They will make a tool to help us on our birdwatching adventures and conclude with a bird watching expedition outside.

Embark on a captivating Winter Wonderland adventure as we delve into the enchanting world of instant snow, adorable miniatures, and a variety of sensory-rich textiles and textures! Immerse yourself in the magic of this make-and-take sensory craft, bringing the beauty of snow indoors! This is a FREE, all ages event! First come, first serve, while supplies last!

It may still be winter, it’s not too early to start planning for spring! The library is proud to host another Seed Share event from 10AM - 12PM on Saturday, February 1. They will have envelopes available for those bringing their own seeds to share. Don’t have seeds to bring? No problem, we have plenty to go around! We hope to see you there! Like last year, someone from the Nebraska Master Gardener Program will be onsite to answer gardening-related questions. We will also have volunteers from Ralston High School’s FFA program, Nancy Crews from Milkweed Matters, and other special guests. Seeds were generously donated by Ace Hardware, The Big Garden, Grass Pad, Indian Creek Nursery, Lowe's, Mulhall's, Paradigm Gardens, and Whispering Roots.

Join OPL at The Joslyn for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and exploration of a piece of art. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. This Storytime is part of The Joslyn's monthly Art-tastic Saturdays.

Virtual Pet Design with Scratch. This program is designed for children and accompanying adults.

B – I – N – G – O! How well do you know classic and popular storybook characters? Come play bingo with others at OPL, test your knowledge of storybook characters, and maybe win a book to take home! Come as a family or with friends and enjoy

In this special evening of story and song, Mr. Butz sings highlights from his storied three decades on the boards of Broadway. From his humble beginning as the 7th of 11 children (his first bed was a drawer!) to being one of only nine actors to win a Tony Award® twice for Best Actor in a Broadway musical. Norbert originated the roles in Jason Robert Browns’ The Last Five Years, Stephen Schwartz’s cultural behemoth Wicked, Andrew Lippa’s Big Fish, Harry Connick Jr’s Thou Shalt Not (Tony nomination), the Lincoln Center 2018 revival of My Fair Lady (Tony nomination) and his two Tony Award-winning performances in David Yazbek’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Shaiman and Whitman’s Catch Me If You Can. In addition to excerpts from his signature roles, this versatile hyphenate will share a few of his original compositions from his four solo records and some surprising covers from Tom Waits, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. Mr. Butz television and film credits include Netflix’s “Bloodline,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “Justified: City Primeval,” and the soon to be released new series on FX from Ryan Murphy Gladiator: “American Sports Story,” as well as the recent “Exorcist” sequel by David Gordon Green. Expect the unexpected in this singular evening of musical entertainment, by one of Broadway’s legendary leading men.

In February, they will learn about turtles of Nebraska.

Egg Carton Bird Feeders. February is National Bird Feeding Month! To celebrate we’re making egg carton bird feeders.

Come and warm up your heart! Miss Jill will be reading the book Hedgehugs by Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper. Then, we'll have a craft activity for kids to make and take home, plus an active game to get those muscles moving

Dive into a world of colors and patters as you design your very own kaleidoscope! In this hands-on workshop, kids will craft a unique kaleidoscope using fun materials.

Today there will be a special guests from Keep Omaha Beautiful who will read Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson. Just as Ruby learns to identify the birds in her neighborhood, we will also learn to observe specific features in order to identify common backyard Nebraska birds. They will make a tool to help us on our birdwatching adventures and conclude with a bird watching expedition outside.

At this storytime, they will learn about fire safety with a local firefighter and even see a fire truck!

Today there will be a special guests from Keep Omaha Beautiful who will read Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson. Just as Ruby learns to identify the birds in her neighborhood, we will also learn to observe specific features in order to identify common backyard Nebraska birds. They will make a tool to help us on our birdwatching adventures and conclude with a bird watching expedition outside.

Stop by the Youth Department at Sump for a fun craft! Supplies will be available (while they last) for one hour for this self-guided activity. First Thursday of each month with Community Helpers from the Police and Fire Departments.

Ages 6 - 12. Roll out the red carpet and help the library celebrate the newest book and movie in Dav Pilkey's Dog Man series. We will have snacks, games, crafts and more! Feel free to come wearing a cape!

The fairy tale characters have escaped the library! Find out what they're up to and join in the fun. Recommended for ages 1-6. No library card or registration required.

Drop the kids off for a camp style evening of fun at AV Sorensen. Kids will eat pizza, do crafts, and play games and parents can enjoy an evening to themselves. For children in 1st-5th grade.

Calling all food lovers and art enthusiasts—Soup-er Bowl is back and bigger than ever! Five chefs (Chef Around the Block, Viva Fit Kitchen, Breeze Bakery, Winchester Bar & Grill, & chef Dakota) compete to create the ultimate soup - and you choose the winner! Paint your own pottery bowl or take home a handcrafted piece by local artists. Sample soups and vote for your favorite. Enjoy a live pottery wheel demonstration. Fun for all ages - come hungry!

Imagine the thrill of catching a fish with a fly you tied yourself! Come learn the art of fly tying with the Cornhusker Fly Fishers. All materials and equipment provided. Best suited for ages 12+. Youth ages 12 to 15 must come with an accompanying adult. Pre-registration for this event is required as supplies are limited.

Nature explorers is an exciting interactive program designed for kids ages 6-11 to explore the wonders of nature and animals. Kids will learn about different animal species, their habitats, and meet an educational animal up close. Take part in an activity or craft and enjoy a guided hike. February's theme is snakes. Are snakes slimy? Where do they go in the winter? We will answer these questions during a meet and greet with a snake

Join us as we celebrate the release of the new Dog Man movie! Test your skills in a special police academy obstacle course, do some Dog Man detective work, and enjoy themed activities celebrating everyone’s favorite police dog!

Looking to start a garden this year? Come to The RiverFront Community Seed Share to get free pollinator-friendly flower seeds, locally sourced right here in the community! Whether you are new to gardening or have been growing plants for years, this is a great opportunity to meet with other garden-enthusiasts, learn more about the garden community in Omaha, and gather a new collection of seeds for your garden.

B – I – N – G – O! How well do you know classic and popular storybook characters? Come play bingo with others at OPL, test your knowledge of storybook characters, and maybe win a book to take home! Come as a family or with friends and enjoy

Today we will have tree-mendous fun with Keep Omaha Beautiful educators! We’ll read the story Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert and watch as Leaf Man rides the wind and journeys across the land. After reading the book, we’ll take a short nature walk to explore our own library landscape and collect nature treasures. We’ll finish our adventure by making our own leafy creatures.

Did you know that potato chips were invented by an African American? In honor of Black History Month we’re using potato chips to make this tasty salty and sweet snack.

Kids will have fun making some fun Holiday snacks with their friends. Sorry we are unable to accommodate for allergies. Registration begins: November 18th at 8:30am.

Grades - K-12th. Registration required

A small string or wind ensemble from the Omaha Symphony will perform music chosen to reflect the musicians’ decision to pursue music and/or their journey to Omaha. Each musician will share their personal story. This is a free event for all ages.

Today we will have tree-mendous fun with Keep Omaha Beautiful educators! We’ll read the story Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert and watch as Leaf Man rides the wind and journeys across the land. After reading the book, we’ll take a short nature walk to explore our own library landscape and collect nature treasures. We’ll finish our adventure by making our own leafy creatures.

Pre-K Play at La Vista Community Center. Ages 0-4.

A small string or wind ensemble from the Omaha Symphony will perform music chosen to reflect the musicians’ decision to pursue music and/or their journey to Omaha. Each musician will share their personal story.

A puzzle competition with an Escape Room twist! Each team will have 2 hours to complete the same 368-piece puzzle and solve the included mystery. There will be 10 teams competing to see who can finish the puzzle the fastest!

Join OPL for a fun-filled afternoon watching "Wonka" (2023)! It will be an interactive experience with activities during the movie. Families may bring blankets, pillows, and food with the expectation that each family will clean up their mess. Doors will open at 1:45 p.m. with the events starting at 2 p.m. This is a free event for kids 5+.

Learn about the amazing world of bees! Discover how to get your start with backyard beekeeping with special guests from Valhalla Bee Farm. Taste and ask questions about honey with Bee Bum Honey. There will be activities for all ages from kids to adults!

Join OPL and the Boxcar Children to solve a brand new mystery! Follow clues and mysteries through an interactive choose your own adventure story where each choice will lead you to a craft or activity that will change the story and lead you to another clue or decision. You decide where the story goes! Can you solve the mystery and make it to the end? designed for kids ages 6-12 year

Missing any socks? You just might find the culprit at our store! Author Lisa Smith and illustrator Cherri Yost will be here to read and sign their book The Sneaky Sock Gremlin. Don't miss out!