The Omaha Public Library Foundation is actively recruiting new members for the “1877 Society.”

Wendy Townley, a member of the fundraising arm of the library foundation, explained that 10 to 15 percent of the library’s annual operating budget is met through the foundation’s fundraising efforts. The foundation has been operating for approximately 30 years, raising more than 10 million dollars for the Omaha Public Library.

“One of the challenges I think that we face is that people know and love the library but they may not be aware that you can make donations to the library, or that the library needs donations as well,” Townley said. “It’s been good to have our members educate the community about the fact that the library foundation exists.”

Money raised is used to cover budget expenses not paid by tax dollars. When the foundation noticed there was a lack of donors in their twenties to forties, they chose to target younger adults with the inception of the 1877 Society.

Creighton University’s Dr. Eileen Wirth, chair and public relations track teacher of the Journalism, Media and Computing department,  has been involved in library promotional activities since the 1970s.

“It’s absolutely critical that we build a base among Omaha’s young professionals who realize how important the library is to the community. This is the most creative way I’ve seen them do it,” Wirth said.

The group was given its name because the Omaha City Council formally adopted the Omaha Public Library in 1877. The group was formed in June of 2014 with a steering committee of 10 people: Drew Davies, Shonna Dorsey, Tulani Grundy Meadows, Sarah Hanify, Katie Kemerling, Jessica McKay, Autumn Pruitt, Kenley D. Sturdivant-Wilson, Jesse A. Sullivan and Jonathan Tvrdik.

The 1877 Society was established in hopes of reaching out to young professionals as well as raising funds for the library.

“It’s a way for you to become even more connected to the library than just as a library card holder; it allows you to network and meet other young professionals in Omaha,” Townley said.

As it approaches the completion of its first year, the society has approximately 50 members.

A membership into the 1877 Society is obtained with a $100 donation. Members are invited to a variety of exclusive events throughout the year as well as receiving discounted tickets to certain community events.

The 1877 Society is hosting upcoming events open to the public.

One of these events is a writing contest for Omaha residents 40 and younger which is open until July 3rd. Submissions are to be a personal essay or short story of 5000 words or less. The essay or story submitted should not have been previously published elsewhere.

“There are a lot of really good young writers and this is a chance for them to get noticed. If you have an essay, short story or something you have been working on, by all means submit it,” Wirth said.

The awards committee will choose one personal essay and one short story; both winners will receive a $500 prize. Additonally, the 1877 Society will choose another contributor who will receive a $250 prize.

These winners will be announced at a banquet to be announced for this coming September.

Also coming to Omaha on April 18, 2015 is author, Wally Lamb. The event will be held at the Millar Library from 6-8:30 p.m. This event is a fundraiser for the summer reading program. Members of the 1877 Society will receive a 50 percent discount on tickets to this event.

Check out the 1877 Society here: http://www.omahalibraryfoundation.org/1877-society/