Omaha Public Library - Willa Cather Branch

For my own purposes, this branch is aptly named. Willa Cather is a famous Nebraskan in literary history. However, I'm going to make this review all about me, and my personal experience with Willa Cather's works. When I was in 10th grade, we had to do book reports and for the purpose of every student having a passing understanding (that was, if you weren't writing poetry about your scumbag boyfriend and doodling while everyone else read their stupid book reports) of a selection of literary works, each student would choose a book for their report. There was an equal ratio of students to books so no one could pick the same one. Well, I was sick on selection day, and the only thing left when I came back was My Antonia by Willa Cather, and who wants to read a dumb book about a woman written by a woman?Lol, turns out I did. I loved that damned book and I admire the woman who wrote it. Anyhow, I associate this library with its namesake because it always seems that anything new and/or noteworthy is picked over, but you can still find some gems. A toast to you, Willa Cather, be you the actual person or the library!

While not the most modern library in the world, Willa Cather aptly serves its purpose as a community gathering place to seek out information and share ideas (quietly). Since it's 2015, I've never been inclined to check out a book here, because, well, the internet. But they do offer free wifi, so I have found myself at this library on multiple occasions to work from my laptop. At coffee shops, you always feel obligated to buy something, which is understood. But sometimes I just can't drink any more damn coffee and just need a relaxing spot to spread out and get some work done. Willa Cather is a good place to do this at.If you don't have a computer handy, you can grab one of the public computers to use at your own discretion. And yep, there will be a few colorful locals playing online games for hours on end, but that's what you expect to find at pretty much any public library in the US these days.Bonus points for being named after Nebraska's most famous author.

No where near as large as the main downtown library, and because of this you can run into issues. Being so close to the plasma center (octapharma) you get a lot of homeless people hanging out here on the computers or just sitting in the corner. This means if you want to use one of their computers, you might be out of luck as I have NEVER seen one open. Thankfully I used to bring my laptop there. Their wifi is very slow compared to the other library and it's pretty common for it to drop connection. This isn't an issue unless you're uploading things, then it's just really annoying. MOST of the staff are friendly, but there is one guy that works there that obviously hates his job, or at least he's never a nice one. The book selection is also rather limited (although the kids books have a good selection), so make sure you request books online and pick them up there.

I can't say that I spend much time here as I am one of those library patrons that puts things on hold online and then swoops in to pick them up when they are ready. I did have opportunity recently to browse the collection looking for art books to share with a group of Girl Scouts and found some good stuff. One service that OPL offers that not many people may know about are the Book Club kits. Each kit contains 10 copies of the same book and a discussion guide that may be checked out for 2 months. Fun activity to do with bookworm friends! This location also has a meeting room that can accomodate up to 135 people for a small fee. Only complaints: the parking lot here is a bit small and the location of the book drop requires one to exit the car to use but not a big deal.

Good selection of books for a branch public library location and anything requested from another branch arrives within a couple of days. The DVDs are not terribly impressive, but I like a mix of 80s TV and new releases, which may not be what the branches get. I've observed staff being very attentive and helpful with patrons many times. The community room seems to be regularly in use, which is always great to see. The small parking lot and the hours that are not the same every day (yes, I have the bookmark that tells me the hours it is open that day, but it would be so much easier if I just knew that the library was open 11-7 Tuesday-Friday and 10-6 on Saturday) are the only criticisms I have.

It was a good experience going to this public library, but always be careful what book your going to read. I'll tell you why, i went with my brother and he was typing something on the computer for a college homework. So while he did whatever he had to do I read a book. it was the worst book ever! it maid no sense and I wasted like 30-40 minutes reading and reading and the plot just got worst! well the point of this review is not about the book, the point is that this library is really awesome. 5 five stars says it all.

it's a library, which means books, movies, magazines, and smelly shifty looking people hanging around...it's not a particularly large facility but it's warm inside, which is good since this damn winter won't go away...and the people that work here seem to be pretty friendly...it's a decent place to kill some time while waiting for the bus...

Wonderful staff! Everyone is helpful and respectful to every person there. Ive attended two of their book clubs and enjoy them both.

Great public space to use computers, check out books, read and study. They even have free seed programs for spring time!!

Does the Wila Cather Branch hold young children's, young adult fiction and nonfiction books of various languages besides English? With the Intercultural Senior Center at 5545 Center Street, I am wondering how the branch can serve the immigrant population in the area.Does the branch have books that can be loaned to the Senior Center or an assisted living facility in the area?Thanks for your kind attention to these questions.