From restaurant-style dining to life-enriching activities, Hickory Villa offers a variety of ways to enjoy the community. However, sometimes it's nice to venture out into Omaha to take advantage of what the city has to offer. If you love reading, the Omaha Public Library offers a wide range of services and opportunities. Find out how to make the most of those libraries.
The Omaha Public Library has 12 branches throughout the metro. The W. Clarke Swanson Branch, Willa Cather Branch and A.V. Sorenson Branch are the three public library locations closest to Hickory Villa, but you might be missing out if you only stick to your favorite or closest branches. Each branch has unique art on display as well as different collections and services. Exploring different branches can be a fun way to see what's available.
Most people think of going to the library and pulling books off the shelf, but the Omaha Public Library offers many convenient services if you want to use them. You can reserve the books you want before you go, so they're ready to pick up. If there aren't any copies available at the time, you can put a hold on the book and the library will get it to you when it's your turn.
Interlibrary loan services let you get books from other libraries if the Omaha Public Library doesn't have what you want. The materials are transferred to the Omaha Library, where you can pick them up and return them when you're done. This service is free just like checking out books directly from the library.
Traditional books are popular, but the Omaha Public Library offers other formats that could help you get more out of the materials. Many books are available in large-print versions to make them easier to read. Audiobooks can also be helpful if you have vision disabilities that make it challenging to read.
The public library also offers eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines to people with library cards. Some people prefer these digital reading options because you can zoom and adjust the text to make it easier to read. Test these formats to see if you enjoy them.
The Omaha Public Library sponsors a variety of book clubs for all ages. The clubs meet on different days and times with varying frequencies. Some also have specific themes or focuses that might interest you. Joining a book club is a chance to socialize to help you meet new friends.
You can also borrow book club bags if you want to organize your own book club. Each bag provides seven to 12 copies of the selected book along with discussion questions and other resources. You can keep the kit for six weeks, which gives you plenty of time to get together with your book club.
The resources available through the Omaha Public Library go far beyond reading for enjoyment. You can find resources that help you continue learning as a senior, whether you want to learn a new language or pick up a new skill.
The Genealogy and Local History Room is near Hickory Villa. It offers lots of resources if you want to research your family history or the history of the area.
If you enjoy art, take some time to explore the Michael Phipps Gallery. The exhibits change regularly and often feature local artists. You can also find artwork in all of the branches, so spending some time wandering the facilities can be enjoyable if you're an art fan.
You can even get seeds at the library. The Common Soil Seed Library lets patrons share open-pollinated seeds. It also helps patrons learn more about seed saving. The seed availability changes frequently as others contribute to the library.
When you have a library card to the Omaha Public Library, you can check out passes to local attractions, including:
At limited times, you can also use your library card to get a free admission ticket to the Henry Doorly Zoo. Just by using the library, you can enjoy other fun local adventures.
As you get older, reading and even getting to the library can be challenging. Using technology can help you enjoy books and other types of media at home, but the Omaha Public Library also offers assistive services that can help. Some examples include:
Most of the branches are also ADA accessible, allowing you better access to the library if you have limited mobility. These services make it easier for everyone to get the most out of the Omaha Public Library.
