Events

Omaha Public Library's new Central Library at 7205 Dodge Street will open to the public on Sunday, April 19. All are welcome to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m., which will include opening remarks. Doors will open at 12 p.m., but all visitors will be sequestered to the first floor of the building until after the opening ceremony.

Mayor John Ewing, Jr., will visit for a special storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime.

Fore please! Join the Rec Department and play around at the La Vista Community Center on our mini-golf course. Dress like the pros, test your skills, and enjoy our take on a tradition unlike any other.

Our Birding program provides educational and citizen science opportunities for all ages and skill levels to identify and observe the birds that live in our woods and wetlands. Take a guided walk through the woods to see and identify the birds that call Gifford Farm home, expand your birding skills and knowledge, and connect with nature! Adults $8, Children 2 and older $7; Pay day of; Cash or Check only. Cost includes price of admission to Open to the Public from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Lil Rosies Teaching Artist, Chloe Hug, from The Rose Theater will be visiting to lead an interactive reading of the book "Frozen." Children and families will get to enjoy the story, participate in fun theater activities, and get excited as we prepare for our spring show "Frozen." Don’t miss this lively morning of imagination, singing, dancing, and storytelling—all inspired by snow, princesses, and the magic of live theater! All are welcome!

Count Olaf is scheming again! He’s locked the key to the Baudelaire’s fortune in a box, and the three Baudelaire children need your help to get it back before Count Olaf can secure the fortune for good. Come solve clues and puzzles themed around the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. Can you help Violet, Klaus, and Sunny in time? This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

Sharpen your chess strategy and outsmart your opponents at Checkmates! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come play and have fun with fellow chess fans. This is a free event for adults and youth 6 years old or older.

Join at Cup & Cone in Bennington for an Out & About Storytime!

Stop by the library for a creative break! Craft supplies and instructions will be available for self-guided activities that families can complete at their own pace.

OPL's mascot, Scamper the Prairie Dog, will visit storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Come and introduce your little one to their new favorite sport! Our friends from Soccer Shots will be here teach kids all about the thrilling game of soccer. Who knows? Maybe this will be their first step on their journey to the World Cup!

Learn about the sewing, embroidery and quilting machines at the new Central Library! Watch as they are used and take a few minutes to sew and embroider your own simple bookmark, while supplies last. This free event is open to all ages. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Stories in Motion with Circle Theatre is returning to Omaha Public Library storytimes! Families are invited to explore the sights and sounds of India through "The Festival of Colors" by New York Times bestselling authors Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal.

Learn about the sewing, embroidery and quilting machines at the new Central Library! Watch as they are used and take a few minutes to sew and embroider your own simple bookmark, while supplies last. This free event is open to all ages. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Explore the beauty of Indian culture! Join us for a drop-in exhibit led by the Gurukulam Center for Indian Arts to learn about Meenaki bead jewelry, Rakhi bracelet making, and Saree draping. Then, stay and enjoy a special dance presentation performed by the Gurukulam Center starting at 6:30 p.m.

Discover the beauty and meaning of classical Indian dance and music with the Gurukulam Center for Indian Arts. This program offers a demonstration and explanation of these traditions, covering elements like rhythm, gesture, and storytelling. Families are encouraged to attend and participate in rhythmic clapping, call-and-response, and basic movement exploration. Come early and explore more about Indian Culture from 4:00 to 6:00.

Learn about the sewing, embroidery and quilting machines at the new Central Library! Watch as they are used and take a few minutes to sew and embroider your own simple bookmark, while supplies last. This free event is open to all ages. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Stories in Motion with Circle Theatre is returning to Omaha Public Library storytimes! Families are invited to explore the sights and sounds of India through "The Festival of Colors" by New York Times bestselling authors Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal.

Join for a magical puppet performance with Cheeky Rabbit Marionette Puppets! Enjoy an enchanting show full of music, storytelling, and beautifully handcrafted puppets brought to life. This fun and engaging performance is perfect for kids and families who love creativity, laughter, and a little bit of magic. Registration is required.

OPL's mascot, Scamper the Prairie Dog, will visit storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Join OPL and Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project for a virtual interactive session! There will be a brief presentation on the significance of the lotus flower and the Lotus Lantern Festival, a step-by-step craft session where participants create their own traditional Korean lotus lantern, and a short documentary on Korea to close the event. This craft is suitable for ages 13+ and younger participants are encouraged to complete the craft with an adult caregiver. Registration is required.

Hold a wishing stone. Feels its presence. Ask yourself, what would I like to wish for today? Focus your energy into creating your own magical piece of art to carry into the summer. Visitors will be using watercolor pencils for control and liquid watercolor to let go. Feel the stillness when they set their intentions in “stone” (well, a painting of a stone). Meet at the Arrival Plaza next to the Discovery Playground! 

OPL's mascot, Scamper the Prairie Dog, will visit storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Get ready for a super-powered story time! Join us for a special event with wrestling superstar, Latin Thunder. Latin Thunder will read a story, demonstrate some of his signature wrestling moves, and answer all your questions. After the story, it's your turn to unleash your inner hero! Decorate your very own luchador mask and then strike a pose with the champion himself!

Get ready for a super-powered story time! Join us for a special event with wrestling superstar, Latin Thunder. Latin Thunder will read a story, demonstrate some of his signature wrestling moves, and answer all your questions. After the story, it's your turn to unleash your inner hero! Decorate your very own luchador mask and then strike a pose with the champion himself!

Are you worn out after a busy work week? Do you need a "pick me up" to kickstart your weekend? Grab your friends, coworkers, or significant other and come wind down during our Sunset Hike! This hike will explore the gravel and dirt trails near the Nature Center, then head out to the third loop of the Boardwalk to watch the sunset over the Missouri River.