Library

Be Prepared for the Next Disaster, April 27

With tornado season approaching, are you prepared? Join Dena Howard, a Red Cross veteran, for Disaster Preparedness at Fun-tastic Friday, April 27, at 1:30 pm, in the library.

How do you know if you are prepared for a disaster? Do you have a flashlight and extra batteries handy? What about powering your cell phone or having extra medication?

Ms. Howard will discuss the best practices in how to be prepared for the next disaster. Her tips and ideas include creating a disaster tote to have everything handy for emergencies.

Dena has been with the Red Cross for over 20 years in several states. She has worked in most Red Cross areas of training and is currently the regional manager for Iowa Service to Armed Forces.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Computer Classes, April 17-May 29

Learn more about your computer and the programs you use in a series of classes on Tuesdays from April 17 through May 29. Classes designed for the novice as well as those more versed in computers are offered: Basic Computers, Basic Internet, Using the Internet Wisely, Word Processing, Intermediate Email, and Excel. A different class is taught each week; most are two hours long. Consult the class schedule to determine if you want to sign up for all the classes or only the ones that interest you. The classes are free, but class size is limited. Please call the library to register or to ask questions.

Friday Friends Playgroup, May 4

Are the kids feeling cooped up? Join the Friday Friends Playgroup on the first Friday of every month, 10:00-11:30 am, for indoor fun for ages 0-5 years.

Meet in the auditorium any time from 10:00 to 11:30 am to play on inside playground equipment and make new friends! The activity is free, with no registration.

The program is jointly presented by the library and PECC/Cass County Head Start. Call Kirsten at 402-296-4154 x21 if you have questions.

LOOK WHAT WE MADE!

3D1

laser wood3

embroidery3

Funding for Popular Equipment Needed

The Plattsmouth Public Library was the first library in Nebraska to receive equipment from the Nebraska Library Commission’s Library Innovation Studio project. The equipment included a laser cutter, 3-D printer, CNC router, vinyl cutter, embroidery machine, heat press, laminator, button maker, and electrical and robotic projects. Now that our trial period is over, it’s time to evaluate what equipment should be added to the library as a new service.

Since mid-November, library staff have trained 77 individuals on an average of 2 machines each, for a total of 155 training sessions. Over half of these people (43) were trained on the laser cutter, and they have used the laser cutter over 100 times after their training.

Part of the reason for the popularity of the laser cutter is its versatility. It can be used to etch on wood, glass, ceramic tiles, and coasters; it’s even been used to etch on Legos and a brick. It can also cut intricate designs from paper!

Based on usage of the equipment and input from the community, the library has decided that a laser cutter would be used on a regular basis if available in the library. The next step will be to raise funds for a laser cutter ($12,000) and BOFA filter ($2,600) to remove the fumes. If you'd like to donate, please contact Karen Mier at 402-296-4154 x23 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

See some of the items we've made with the equipment!

USDA Rural Development Office Day, May 10

Do you want to own a home? Does your home need repairs? USDA Rural Development holds an office day at the Plattsmouth Public Library on the second Thursday of each month from 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Single Family Housing Specialist Rebecca Adams will be available to assist those who are seeking to own a rural home or already own a rural home that is in need of repairs. Schedule an appointment with Rebecca for Thursday, April 12, by calling 402-437-5748 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Book Sale, May 18-20

The Friends of the Library will be holding their semi-annual book sale in the library auditorium May 18-20. Books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and other items will be offered for great prices!

Friday, May 18, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, May 19, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, May 20, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

This is a great time to stock up on summer reads. While you're shopping, you can also renew or purchase a membership in the Friends of the Library or enter the raffle for a gift basket.

Summer Reading Program Begins June 5

This year's summer reading program, "Libraries Rock", has something for all ages! Programs designed for babies, toddlers, young children, teens, and adults will begin the week of June 4.

"Rocking Red", a children's performer with all original material, will open the children's program on the Main Street Plaza on Tuesday, June 5, at 10:00 am. Every Tuesday through July 3, 10:00-11:00 am, children will be making instruments, playing games, and enjoying other special guests.

"Movies Rock" every Wednesday, June 6 through July 26, 1:00-3:00 pm, in the auditorium. Join us for free popcorn and family-friendly movies; bring your pillows or blankets if you'd like. Movie titles will be announced as soon as the schedule is finalized.

"Crafts Rock" on Thursdays, June 7 through July 27, 1:00-2:00 pm, in the auditorium. Rock painting, mini terrariums, and painted garden flowers are among the projects we will be making.

All programs are free and open to the public. Please call the library at 402-296-4154 if you have any questions.

Bingo! on June 15

Bingo is the name of the game on the third Friday of each month at 1:30 pm, in the auditorium. There won't be any Bingo in May since the Friends of the Library book sale will be May 18-20. Therefore, the next bingo day is June 15. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of bingo games. Refreshments will be served. Remember, happiness is calling "Bingo!"

Where Do My Donations Go?

The library has been blessed with a great Friends of the Library, Library Foundation, and individual donors. Included in the city’s budget are accounts that represent various donation categories that are summarized below for the October 2016-September 2017 year.

Memorials received: $1,040

Memorial checks can be made out to the library or the Library Foundation. Donors can choose to have the memorial be used to purchase books, DVDs, or audiobooks, or they can let the library use it for projects such as replacing a piece of equipment or painting the library interior. If you expect many family members to donate, you may want to encourage them to donate to the Foundation so the funds can be used for long-term projects.

Find Recipes on AtoZ World Food

You can now search for recipes and food information from around the world by clicking on the orange AtoZ World Food logo to the left. The AtoZ World Food database allows you to explore recipes and food culture from around the world 24/7 from library computers or in the comfort of your own home.

AtoZ World Food is a food, culture, and traditional recipes database covering 174 countries. It includes over 800 food culture articles, over 6,500 recipes, 500+ ingredient articles, and 6 food glossaries. High quality photos accompany the recipes and articles. Now you can experiment with new foods and new recipes from around the world.

To access the database, use the link on either side of this web page. Log in with your library card number (don’t put a space after the P), and create your own account. You can save and share your favorite recipes and dazzle your friends with the new dishes you create.

If you have any questions, contact the library at 402-296-4154.

Yearbooks, Newspapers Digitized

Read about the local newspapers and high school yearbooks that have been digitized and made available to the public.

Visit Our Patio!

The library has a patio in the back of the building! It was constructed between June 27 and July 5, 2012, with bricks from Main Street, and is shaded by a pergola. You can see how the patio took shape by looking at these pictures. It was made possible with a grant from the Cass County Visitors Promotion Committee and donations from the Plattsmouth Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library. The city donated the bricks. It's a great place to stop and read a book or to listen to storytime, at least when the weather is nice. Thanks to Midwest Outdoor Design for installing it.