New Omaha Central Public Library to Proceed at 72nd and Dodge
Do Space to Relocate to Abrahams Branch Library as Site Work Begins in June
Omaha, Nebr., May 24, 2023
The transformation of one of Omaha’s most iconic intersections will continue this summer, as work is set to start on the new Omaha Central Public Library at the corner of 72nd and Dodge streets. The world-class, 96,000 square-foot landmark is one of the largest investments in a public library system in the U.S. in recent years and is possible thanks to the City of Omaha’s $20 million commitment to the project and significant philanthropic support. The vision for this project is a collaboration between the City of Omaha, Omaha Public Library, Omaha Public Library Foundation, Do Space, Heritage Omaha, and the Omaha community.
The Omaha Central Public Library is designed to be a welcoming, intergenerational space that will provide people access to information, services, programs, and meeting and creative spaces. The design and plans came about thanks to public input and guidance from staff members at Omaha Public Library and Do Space, as well as trends and inspiration from the world’s best libraries. The location at 72nd and Dodge was chosen in response to Omaha Public Library’s past facilities plans, which recommended a new central library to be built along the Dodge Street corridor between 72nd and 90th streets.
“This is a remarkable opportunity to build and operate one of the most innovative public libraries in the country, to increase and improve traditional library services and expand emerging technology," said Mayor Jean Stothert. “The vision and commitment of our partners and donors makes this uniquely Omaha attraction possible, adding a learning destination to the commercial, residential, and entertainment revival underway at 72nd and Dodge."
“This vibrant, inclusive library will invite people in to build community and access the free resources they need to reach their potential,” said Omaha Public Library Executive Director Laura Marlane. “We’re thankful to the donors who have made this possible and the community members who contributed to the vision.”
Full information on the new Omaha Central Public Library building, including renderings and details on innovative components like a state-of-the-art book retrieval system that will centralize collections, can be found at OmahaCentralLibrary.org.
Prep work and deconstruction on the site is set to begin in late June, which will necessitate the relocation of Do Space. The community technology library, which serves its more than 92,000 members through free access to technology and innovative learning experiences, will be integrated into the new Omaha Central Public Library once construction is complete with a large, dedicated space on the second floor. In the meantime, Do Space is moving into a renovated area of Milton R. Abrahams Branch of Omaha Public Library near 90th and Fort streets during construction. Leaders from Do Space and Omaha Public Library are using this opportunity to offer collaborative programming and to pilot new offerings for all their users in advance of the Omaha Central Public Library’s opening.
“We worked with Omaha Public Library to ensure that the renovated Do Space area at Abrahams Branch had room for all the things people love about Do Space and so much more,” said Krystal Rider, Director of Do Space. “Visitors to Do Space at the Abrahams Branch will now have access to one of Omaha’s only free podcast studios and a design studio, along with some of our most popular features we’re bringing along from our 72nd and Dodge location: the 3D Lab, Active Learning Lab, and plenty of computers and printers. Just as we’ve done since opening in 2015, Do Space will continue to be a place for makers, creatives, and anyone with an interest in learning.”
The collaboration between Do Space and Omaha Public Library at Abrahams Branch is also a preview of things to come. Once the Omaha Central Public Library is completed, Do Space will be integrated into the City of Omaha’s Omaha Public Library system, with the coordination of programs, services, and staff to better serve the community.
Do Space’s last day at 72nd and Dodge streets is planned for June 13, and it will reopen at Omaha Public Library’s Abrahams Branch on June 17. A grand opening celebration will follow on June 24. Additional information about Do Space’s relocation and news about Do Space’s planned technology pop-ups around Omaha can be found here.
The new Omaha Central Public Library is expected to open in 2026. Updates throughout the construction project can be found at OmahaCentralLibrary.org.
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.
Margaret Sullivan Studio has worked with more than 40 public library systems to define what 21st century libraries should and can look like. Among their clients: New York Public Library, Richland (SC) Library, D.C. Public Library, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, New Haven Free Public Library, Salt Lake City Public Library and Memphis Public Library.