The new Omaha Central Public Library will be a cultural and technological landmark that honors the past, celebrates the moment, and imagines the future. A place to connect, dream, discover together…
Inspired by innovative library facilities worldwide and a broad community engagement process, this unique central library design sets a new standard.
By combining traditional library services and state-of-the-art technologies, this iconic project has the potential to transform the city of Omaha.
Many voices contributed to the dynamic design concepts. Public input, feedback from OPL and Do Space staff and partnering entities, library trends and best practices, visits to a selection of the world’s best libraries, and the 2017 Omaha Public Library Facilities Plan all shaped the plan.
The inviting open book exterior will lead you into unforgettable worlds. The library will be an active, vibrant community hub offering equitable access, empowering resources, and connective spaces. It will be a point of civic pride built around principles of equity and access; reading and literacy; innovation and learning; and collaboration and entrepreneurship.
This striking, modern library will integrate Omaha Public Library (OPL) and Do Space services and include a revolutionary Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). This high-tech system will store items from OPL’s large collection, allowing library branches to utilize more space for neighborhood-driven programming while still providing an abundance of books and materials for patrons to discover and enjoy.
Learn more about the intentional details and library amenities from the project’s architects and designers →
The points of entry on the east and west sides of the building will artfully rise to allow visitors to enjoy a glimpse of the building’s interior. This design concept is a stunning yet subtle visual reference to the lifted edge of a book’s pages.
The building design establishes a system of modular elements that come together in an iconic form exemplifying the care of a community driven project.
The design incorporates the dynamic energy of the site and represents the diversity and interconnected nature of the city. The library holds a posture that embraces users, offering a meaningful respite for body and mind.
Beautiful glass blocks reflect the bustling energy of passing traffic while protecting the south-facing city garden that the building envelopes, creating a calm oasis.
High ceilings and generous floor openings along the north and south will showcase activities on all floors. An open floor plan features browsable collections, technological offerings, an interactive café, cultural commons, event spaces, art display areas, and at least 16 meeting rooms.
The library will welcome community partners, social services, and career support to address user needs. The internal transparency of the architecture invites visitors to connect this space with possibility and explore experiences, new and familiar.
Designed as a welcoming destination reflective of the Omaha communities it serves, the new library will be an open, flexible, and supportive space.
A central staircase leads users upwards offering an ideal path to all floors and stunning views. Open floor plans encourage intuitive wayfinding and allow for maximum adaptability in the future.
A thoughtfully landscaped courtyard can be seen clearly from multiple areas. The exterior facade showcases high-performance materials that balance opaque and transparent glazing. The windows offer even, natural light, while efficiently keeping interior comfort a priority.
The building envelope wraps the three floors directing focus to library functions within. It breaks on the southern facing façade, opens up to the courtyard, and seamlessly connects interior to exterior.
Some of the sustainable, durable, and timeless materials that will be utilized include warm woods and soft neutrals. Acoustic ceilings, glass walls, and subtly curved railings project openness and comfort while natural light suffuses and brightens all spaces.
The Central Library design will employ a collections hub approach. This concept increases book and material storage while opening up space for patrons to enjoy activities. Often called an ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System), the Collections Hub at Omaha Central Public Library will be a modern, innovative system that serves every OPL branch. It allows for thoughtful curation and sharing of materials at all library branches, while creating more spaces for people to connect, engage, and explore.
Explore the floor plans →
The first floor celebrates all ages, acting as an intergenerational, collaborative, and multi-purpose cultural commons. Highlights include collection displays interspersed with a variety of technology. An early childhood play space, 275-seat community event space, and meeting and conference spaces are all available. A vibrant cafe, comfy lounge furniture, and reader tables will be key features of this floor.
A mezzanine tucked between the first and second-floor, this area features a variety of open and private meeting rooms and lounge areas. This is a quiet, cozy floor nestled within lively surroundings. It features a seated counter that allows users to observe the active first floor. This vantage point reveals views towards bustling Dodge Street to the north and quiet courtyard gardens to the south.
The second floor houses the children’s department, an area for young adults, and Do Space.
The children’s department will feature a variety of collection displays, a 100-seat interactive storytime area, and fixed computers for educational and recreational use. It will offer family space, stroller parking, and seating for all ages. A collaboration zone and large activity/littles lab room for arts and crafts and digital exploration will also be available.
The Do Space section will feature multiple makerspace programs and equipment, inviting people of all ages to experiment and learn about the latest technology. A centrally located 3D lab will house 3D printers, laser cutters, and other equipment. Surrounding spaces include a tech training room, audio and visual labs, listening and film viewing rooms, and a podcast studio. Adjacent open areas will host arts and crafts stations and a variety of interactive tools where everyone is welcome to create, explore, and invent.
Situated along the north railing, a tech support counter wraps to the teen area, inviting visitors to sit down, plug in, and engage. Young adults will find comfortable lounge furniture, high-top and computer tables, collections, and group study/tutoring rooms. Located at the top of the staircase, teens can enjoy panoramic views that add to the spatial dynamics and expansive feeling of the space.
The third floor features historical archives and a quiet reading room. A variety of soft seating, reader tables, technology, and collections will be housed on this floor. Meeting rooms will be distributed throughout.
Eye-catching cases will display Nebraska history and the library’s extensive archival collection. The peaceful reading spot offers sweeping views of the outside and will encourage patrons to relax and enjoy the contemplative and cozy third floor.
Intentionally designed, sunlit staff spaces are distributed throughout all floors to best serve users. The lower-level staff space features a book drop-off and pick-up drive-through window and houses the ground level of the collections hub, which will be managed by staff in this area.
The new library includes parking spaces in an attached, multi-level parking garage on the southwest side of the building. Vehicles will be able to easily enter from eastbound Dodge Street.
Drivers can also enter along Douglas Street, with easy access to a book drop-off and pick-up point on the west side of the building.
After gathering input from community members and staff and researching worldwide trends, project partners hosted a public event on June 6, 2022. Here they shared information on the process and progress, including exterior and interior building renderings, floor plans, and a discussion of next steps.
In addition to learning and studying local needs and input, the new Omaha Central Public Library draws inspiration from around the world. These astonishing libraries have one thing in common. They are forward thinking, accessible, inclusive spaces reflecting and serving their diverse communities.
The design team visited a few of the world’s best libraries and enjoyed behind-the-scenes access. They shared inspiring conversations with leaders and staff and witnessed the exciting effects of each building’s distinct, cutting-edge design. Travel to a few visionary libraries around the world by clicking the thumbnails below.
