2019 Fundraiser Featuring Angie Thomas Raises $50,000 for OPL

Delivering a passionate, entertaining, and educational presentation about the origins of hip-hop music and its roots in storytelling, The Hate U Give author Angie Thomas was this year’s featured speaker for the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s 2019 fundraiser.

Between the Lines with Angie Thomas welcomed more than 280 guests on October 1 at the Institute for the Culinary Arts on the Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus.

More than $50,000 was raised for Omaha Public Library programs and services.

Thomas has penned two books: The Hate U Give (published in 2017) and On the Come Up (published in 2019). She is currently working on her third novel.  

Presented by Lozier, the sold-out event included remarks from Jo Giles, the Omaha Public Library Foundation’s incoming board president, and Amy Mather, adult services manager for Omaha Public Library.

Click through photos from the 2019 fundraiser.

Dr. Eileen Wirth, a founding member of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, received the 2019 Barbara Bock-Mavis Leadership Award. Wirth delivered a motivational acceptance speech celebrating public libraries and the importance of private funding.

Teen patrons from Washington Branch asked thought-provoking questions during the author’s Q&A session, including what music Thomas listens to before public events.

Artwork inspired by The Hate U Give and On the Come Up was available as raffle prizes. Omaha-based artists Barber and Celeste created the two pieces: “Fly me into a bird” (mix media on paper) and “Concert Rose” (quilted fiber art mix media), respectively.

Event proceeds from the 2019 fundraiser – such as generous donations from the sponsors listed below – will once again support Omaha Public Library programs and services.

Such programs at Omaha Public Library’s twelve branches include children’s literacy, teen literacy, adult literacy, the Summer Reading Program, library collections, and more.  

Previous authors featured at the annual fundraiser include Margaret Atwood (2014), Wally Lamb (2015), Tobias Wolff (2016), Hope Jahren (2017), and Amy Thielen (2018).

The 2020 author and event date will be announced soon. For more information, contact the Omaha Public Library Foundation: foundation@omahalibrary.org or (402) 444-4589.

Special Thanks to Our 2019 Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
Lozier

Publisher
Claire M. Hubbard Foundation
Dan & Tina Lonergan
Paul & Annette Smith

Executive Editor
Deloitte
Mike & Susan Lebens
Omaha Steaks
Tenaska

Contributing Editor
Amy Haddad & Steve Martin

Writer
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
BCDM Architects
Brian & Anne Branigan
BVH Architecture
Scott & Julie Cobb
Sean Craig & Traci Hancock
First National Bank of Omaha
Hanscom Park Studio
Mutual of Omaha
Morrissey Engineering
Olsson
RDG Planning & Design
Visions Custom Framing