Library cards open up a world of imagination for readers of all ages, and sometimes they open up opportunities around town too.
The Omaha Public Library (OPL) offers more than just free book loans with a free library card—there are places to go, seeds to be planted, and languages to be learned, among other opportunities that come with an OPL membership.
Let’s check out a few of the ways a library card will get you more than books in Omaha.
What are Discovery Passes?
As an institution on a mission to connect community members with ideas, information, and services, the OPL Discovery Passes serve as a way to get people outside, off their screens, and into the sorts of venues and establishments that make Omaha such a cool place to live in.
“Discovery Passes offer a taste of the city’s cultural, educational and recreational treasures while fostering curiosity and engagement,” reads the OPL website.
Members can reserve free passes to go to spots around Omaha that check all the cultural boxes. We’re talking the Durham Museum for history buffs, Film Streams at Dundee Theater for cinephiles, the Fontenelle Forest and Lauritzen Gardens for nature lovers, and MW Climbing or Omaha Jitterbugs dance events for more active folks.
Those are just a handful of the community partners that give OPL members free access on certain dates and times throughout the year. Check out the full list of partners, then reserve a Discovery Pass online
What’s the Common Soil Seed Library?
Here’s one to grow on. OPL describes its Common Soil Seed Library as “a space for sharing open-pollinated seeds and gaining awareness and information about gardening and seed saving.”
Borrow open-pollinated and heirloom seeds to plant and grow at home, but be sure to pay it forward by contributing your own seeds to the library. That’s just the circle of (plant) life.
What about eBooks, audiobooks, and apps?
OPL has partnered with the Libby app to offer access to countless audiobooks and ebooks for folks who want a more streamlined reading experience (and yes, listening to a book does count as reading, but let’s not start a discourse here).
Simply enter your library card barcode number and PIN on the Libby app to get access to a whole world of books and other resources.
And while we’re talking apps, OPL also has its own app to help you keep all your library business in one place, from placing holds to reserving a Discovery Pass to creating Letterboxd-style lists of your favorite books.
Be sure to check out the OPL website for more resources, including historical archives, public art, and free events.
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