People use libraries differently now than they did a generation ago. The digital information landscape has changed the physical design of libraries along with the needs of people who frequent them. The new library will offer a centrally-located, thoughtfully designed gathering place. It will provide greater access to resources and training to address some of the city’s most pressing issues, including inequity and information gaps.

The 2010 Omaha Public Library (OPL) Facilities Plan and 2017 OPL Facilities Plan Update called for a new central public library along Dodge between 72nd and 90th streets in response to the city’s population growth and westward geographical expansion. Situated in the heart of the city, the corner of 72nd and Dodge has some of the best public transportation options in Omaha and is within a reasonable drive time for most. The new library’s Collections Hub will centralize collections and materials providing all Omaha library branches with equitable and timely access to library collections.

In addition to 72nd and Dodge being a functional choice, it is also a nod to the intersection’s storied history and the vision for the library. The intersection has served as a natural gathering place for people to express themselves throughout the city’s history. The new Omaha Central Public Library will do the same, providing a space for connection, collaboration, and community.

Just like any of the city’s other library branches, the Omaha Public Library (OPL) will oversee the new Omaha Central Public Library upon its completion. Management and funding of all libraries within the OPL system is the responsibility of OPL, the OPL Board, and the City of Omaha, with additional financial support from Douglas County, the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF), and other partners.

Do Space, the city’s free technology library, is located in Omaha Public Library’s (OPL) Abrahams Branch during the Omaha Central Public Library construction. Do Space offers new technological offerings in its renovated area at Abrahams Branch and is collaborating with OPL staff on opportunities to reach even more members of the community through pop-up events around the city.

The systemwide collaboration will continue upon the opening of the Omaha Central Public Library. Do Space will have a designated area of the second floor at 72nd and Dodge and its programs, services, and staff will be integrated into OPL.

Heritage Omaha, a nonprofit organization committed to developing impactful philanthropic projects in Omaha, raised the private contributions needed to begin library construction. Heritage announced in March 2024 that it surpassed the $158 million goal, including $20 million in redevelopment bonds from the City of Omaha. Throughout construction, people can continue to support the project through donations to the Omaha Public Library Foundation, including recognition opportunities starting at $72.

Heritage Omaha is raising the necessary funds and facilitating the construction of the new Omaha Central Public Library through the completion of the building. At that point, the building will be donated to the City of Omaha for Omaha Public Library (OPL) to operate.

Community Information Trust (CIT) is the nonprofit formed by Heritage Omaha that oversees the funding and management of Do Space, Omaha’s free technology library. When Do Space is integrated into the OPL system upon the opening of Omaha Central Public Library, CIT will be similarly integrated into the Omaha Public Library Foundation (OPLF), working together to raise increased capital from philanthropic gifts to support the entire public library system.

The Omaha Central Public Library will be one of the most innovative libraries in the country, filled with dynamic, user-friendly spaces for studying, working, and playing. You can read all about the special spaces that will set this library apart here.

Part of the appeal of the 72nd and Dodge location is its central location, accessibility, and the ample, free parking that will be worked into the overall plan. A new multi-level parking garage will be attached to the library with easy access from both Dodge and 72nd streets. The intersection has some of the best public transportation options in the city, including access to Omaha’s bus rapid transit and the potential for expanded bus service.

Modeling how this area could be more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and people with limited mobility is a key design goal for the project. Project partners are working with state and local entities to brainstorm ways to improve pedestrian safety at the 72nd and Dodge intersection and are engaging with transportation and accessibility-focused community groups to make further project recommendations.

Additional Omaha Central Public Library plans include site grading to promote noise reduction and the buffering of pedestrians from nearby traffic through the introduction of roadside planters and trees, setting sidewalks further back.

Information about all other branches of Omaha Public Library (OPL) can be found on its website. Information about Omaha’s free technology library, Do Space, can be found here.

The five entities that partnered to bring about the Omaha Central Public Library also worked together with national library leader Margaret Sullivan Studio to develop a community-driven 2023 Library Facilities Plan, gathering valuable feedback from more than 5,000 community members through surveys, visioning events, and a series of open houses.

The facilities plan takes into account that the new Omaha Central Public Library can support neighborhood branches by centralizing distribution through a regional Collections Hub model, providing more equitable access to books, technologies, and other collections for all library branches.

The Omaha Public Library (OPL) Board of Trustees voted in June 2023 to accept and endorse the plan's aspirational 20-year vision for the city's library system. Complete details on the Library Facilities Plan are available on the OPL website.