Library

3D printer

Lego Mindstorms

Your Input is Sought on Makerspace

The Plattsmouth Library has an opportunity to apply for makerspace equipment through the Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities project. The equipment includes a 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, CNC router, embroidery machine, Arduino, Makey Makey, soldering machine, video creating equipment, and more. This three-year project was made possible with a grant of $530,732 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded to the Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) in partnership with University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, and Regional Library Systems.

The library is seeking input from individuals and businesses who might have an interest in learning how to use the equipment or learning more about the project. If our application is accepted, our library would be able to use the equipment for five months to gauge which pieces garner the most interest. More information on the project can be found on the NLC website.

If interested, please contact Karen Mier at 402-296-4154 x23 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Holiday Hours

The library will close at 5:00 pm on Monday, July 3, and will be closed all day on Tuesday, July 4. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Local Author John Williams Re-Visits South Vietnam, July 13

John Williams' book, Journey to South Vietnam, is a story of real-life events. On Thursday, July 13, at 6:30 pm, John will bring those events to life in his own words.

John served in the United States Marine Corps and in the United States Air Force with tours of duty in Okinawa, Taiwan, Massachusetts, South Vietnam and Omaha. During his service, he found himself with a different perspective of the Vietnam conflict and is here to share his experiences.

Free Meals for Kids, May 30-August 11

While their classmates are swimming and playing outdoors during summer vacation, 146,000 Nebraska children worry about finding their next meal. Food Bank for the Heartland and The Omaha Salvation Army recognize this need and collaborate during the summer for the Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen program (KCK). In its seventh year, KCK brings hot, nutritious meals free of charge to the places where children live and play. The Plattsmouth location this year is the Main Street Plaza on the corner of 4th and Main. Children 18 years of age and under are eligible for free meals. No one is turned away.

Check the library’s summer activity schedule for events at 10:00 am or 1:00 pm to enjoy before or after your lunch. Children at the library at 11:00 am will be escorted to the Main Street Plaza if requested.

Summer Activities June 6 to July 27

There's plenty of fun activities in the "Build a Better World" summer reading program designed for children in preschool through 6th grade completed. Special programs are scheduled for Tuesdays from June 6 through July 18, from 10:00-11:00 am. Watch a new movie every Wednesday at 1:00, immediately followed by Lego Time. Crafts for children run from 1:00-3:00 pm on Project Day Thursdays.

There is no registration and all activities are free. Find the daily schedule on this page.

OverDrive

Improved Access to e-Audiobooks and e-Magazines

The library offers e-books and audiobooks through the OverDrive service, and it offers OneClick Digital audiobooks and Zinio e-magazines through Recorded Books. Beginning June 27, you will only have to search two services instead of the current three services. Recorded Books will be launching a new app on June 27 that will allow you to search the OneClick Digital audiobooks and Zinio e-magazines at the same time.

The new app from Recorded Books, called RBdigital, will be launched on June 27. The unified RBdigital app offers

Audiobooks and magazines in a single mobile app
Significantly improved user experience and navigation
In-app preview, checkout, renewal and title overview for finding sought-after content
App notifications to patrons for user engagement and technical support
Simple menu structure and expanded help pages for all user levels

On June 27, the link on the library’s website will automatically take you to the new interface. You can download the app to your device at your convenience. For more details, check this list of FAQs on the new service.

In early June, OverDrive also updated its interface, allowing for easier checkouts, renewals, and placement of holds. If you haven’t looked at OverDrive for e-books and audiobooks recently, check it out now.

Both of these services are provided free of charge to anyone with a Plattsmouth Public Library card. Visit the library or call 402-296-4154 x24 if you have any questions or need help downloading to your device.

Computer Classes Available

Learn more about your computer and the programs you use in a series of classes offered throughout the year. 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. You can sign up for all the classes or only the ones that interest you. A sample schedule with brief descriptions can be found on this class schedule. The classes are free, but class size is limited. Please call the library to register for the classes or to ask questions.

Solar Eclipse Coming, August 21

The library is partnering with Star_Net and the Omaha Astronomical Society to provide you with a great opportunity to view the Solar Eclipse scheduled to cross the United States on August 21. In our area, we will see almost a 100% eclipse due to the trajectory (see image to the left). Keep an eye on this page for dates and times of presentations. We will also help children make a safe device to view the eclipse during the summer reading program. We expect to have special glasses for viewing the eclipse available for free, and we will provide an opportunity for people to safely view the eclipse on August 21. More information on the eclipse is available here.

Adult Game Nights Resume in September

Adult Game Nights, usually held on the third Friday of each month at 7:00 pm, will resume in September. Join us in the fall for more great gathering times for friends who want to play card games or board games. You may bring your own games or play one of the library's board games, including Yahtzee and Rummikub. If you'd like, bring a snack to share; coffee will be provided. No registration is required.

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.