Omaha Public Library’s Central Library Surpasses $158 Million Fundraising Goal
Omaha, Nebraska — March 22, 2024
Omaha, Nebr., March 22, 2024 — During a beam signing celebration this week to recognize supporters of Omaha Public Library’s new Central Library, project partners announced they’ve surpassed their goal of raising $158 million to create the city’s new cultural and technological landmark. In reaching the goal, Omaha Public Library’s Central Library officially becomes one of the largest philanthropic commitments to any public library system in the United States in recent years.
The 96,000 square-foot building under construction at 72nd and Dodge streets in Omaha is a multigenerational investment in literacy, digital equity, community development, and individual potential. The project was launched by Omaha Public Library and the City of Omaha in partnership with three nonprofit organizations – The Omaha Public Library Foundation, Heritage Omaha, and Do Space. Central Library is expected to open in 2026, thanks to construction and design partners including Kiewit Building Group, HDR, and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture.
Heritage Omaha, which led the fundraising effort for the Central Library, reports that the $158 million goal was reached with support from 282 foundations, corporations, and individuals plus a $20 million commitment from the City of Omaha. “We found wide support for this project because people believe in the power of libraries to positively change lives,” said Heritage Omaha President Rachel Jacobson. “Libraries contribute to essential community infrastructure that gives people the tools they need and a place to come together to collaborate, innovate, and learn.”
The announcement was made during a beam signing in celebration of the project nearing a construction milestone. Supporters of the project were invited to sign a steel beam to commemorate their involvement in the project, which will be one of the final beams installed at the library as steel work on the building wraps up this spring. Signers included elected officials, community leaders, project partners, and people who donated their time, money, and expertise to create the Central Library.
“When private and philanthropic interests work with local government and citizens, the impact and outcomes far exceed what we can do on our own,” said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Omaha Public Library Executive Director Laura Marlane added, “Projects like this are rare and we are fortunate Omaha has such a philanthropic-minded community and the support of city leadership.”
Throughout the construction, there will still be opportunities for people to support the project through donations to the Omaha Public Library Foundation, including recognition opportunities starting at $72.
Information about those recognition opportunities and Central Library design details can be found at OmahaCentralLibrary.org. Photos from the beam signing event as well as renderings of the new Central Library can be downloaded for media use here.
The report does not make additional recommendations for the new Downtown Branch, which opened last month at 1401 Jones Street.
"This plan allows OPL to evolve over time with our communities, maximize resources, and continue to provide access to the books, services, programs, and spaces that Omaha and Douglas County residents deserve, while moving forward with the integration of Do Space's technology services. We are excited to bring this vision to life," said OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane.
The OPL Board of Trustees will consider a resolution to accept and endorse the Library Facilities Plan at the June 21 meeting.
"It is important to have a roadmap to guide the OPL administration and Board of Trustees in the future," said OPL Board of Trustees President Mike Kennedy. "Our public libraries will benefit from the outstanding public participation in this process, support from Mayor Stothert and the library administration, and opportunities for increased philanthropic support."
The Trustees will also consider a budget analysis and recommendations to activate and operate the Central Public Library and the enhanced library system. The recommendations will include additional leadership positions focused on innovation and community engagement and customer service staff increases throughout the OPL system. A proposed funding model recommends continuing the annual City of Omaha General Fund budget increases in 2024, 2025 and 2026 to prepare for the opening of the Central Library*. The model also includes increased philanthropic support through the Omaha Public Library Foundation.
About the Partners
Omaha Public Library (OPL) has served City of Omaha and Douglas County residents for 150 years and is one of the most visited institutions in Nebraska. OPL’s mission is to strengthen our community by connecting people with ideas, information and innovative services. Learn about OPL’s collections, facilities, services, programs and more at OmahaLibrary.org.
The Omaha Public Library Foundation has raised more than $10 million in private support for Omaha Public Library programs and services since its creation in 1985.
Founded in 1854, the City of Omaha is principally responsible for the operational and capital funding, leadership and oversight of the Omaha Public Library (OPL) system.
Founded in 2015, Do Space is the first technology library in the United States. Created by Heritage Omaha and operated by the Community Information Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Do Space empowers the community through free access to technology and innovative learning experiences. Do Space is a catalyst for innovation in Omaha. With more than 90,000 members, Do Space is uniquely equipped to expose community members to technology and to inspire them to take ownership of their digital learning experiences.
Heritage Omaha identifies substantial needs and opportunities with high community impact and supports the realization of viable and sustainable civic projects. To date, Heritage Omaha has raised more than $1 billion in philanthropic support for capital projects serving the Omaha community, making Omaha and the region a more dynamic and vibrant place to live. Heritage Omaha has a 30-year track record of success in capital campaign leadership, building design and construction project facilitation, multi-stakeholder engagement, due diligence and feasibility studies, and institutional and organizational development.