Omaha Public Library branches

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The Omaha Public Library system has thirteen locations across Omaha, Nebraska. The oldest building in the system is the Benson Branch, which was built in 1942. The most recent building is the under-construction Omaha Central Public Library in Central Omaha, which will be completed in 2026. The following is an index of all major branches in the system.

Contents

Omaha Central Public Library

Omaha Central Public Library under construction, March 2025 Omaha Public Library new construction March 2025.jpg
Omaha Central Public Library under construction, March 2025

Omaha Central Public Library is the under-construction main branch of Omaha Public Library system. The library was announced in 2022 and began construction in 2023. [1] It was built on the former site of the original Do Space library, Do Space will also be a major occupant of the building. Omaha Central Public Library is expected to be completed in 2026. [2] The library will serve as a replacement for the former W. Dale Clark Library and will be the largest in the system. [3]

Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch

The Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch is the Elkhorn branch of the Omaha Public Library system. Originally established as the Elkhorn Public Library, the original library opened in 1925. [4] The library moved to a room in the Elkhorn Town Hall in June 1929. [5] In 1965, it was announced that the library was re-established as a city-owned public library. Additionally, the library would move to a new municipal building. [6] The library officially moved into the building in 1966. [7] In 1984, the library moved to the basement of the municipal building. [8] The library moved to its current location in 1996. [9] After Omaha annexed Elkhorn in 2007, the library became a part of the Omaha Public Library System. [10]

South Omaha Public Library

South Omaha Public Library in 2018 South Omaha Library Omaha, NE.jpg
South Omaha Public Library in 2018

The South Omaha Public Library is the South Omaha branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The original library was established in 1889 as a subscription library. It then moved to a Carnegie library located at 2302 M Street that opened in 1905. The most recent building, completed in 2008, features the city of Omaha's largest Spanish language collection and a large collection hosted in partnership between the City of Omaha, the Omaha Public Library and the Omaha's Metropolitan Community College. [11]

Charles B. Washington Branch

The Charles B. Washington Branch is the North Omaha branch of the Omaha Public Library. The library was originally established in December 1921 in an old church building at 25th Street and Ames Avenue. [12] [13] The library moved to a new location at 29th Street and Ames Avenue in January 1938. [14] The library moved to its current location on the same block in 1972. [15] In 1986, the library was re-named for civil-rights activist Charles B. Washington. [16] The library closed in 2005 for major renovations. Renovations included expansion of the building, a community technology center, and a sculpture garden. [17] The library re-opened in 2006, the ceremony included Ice-T in attendance. [18]

Millard Branch

The Millard Branch is the Millard branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The branch was originally established in 1951 by the Women's Project Club. [19] The library moved to the Millard Municipal Building in 1963. [20] The library moved several times again, from a residential home to a shopping mall. Following Millard's annexation by Omaha in 1967, the branch merged into the Omaha Public Library system. [21] The current library was announced in 1977 as part of an expansion plan with two other libraries and opened in 1981. [22] In the late 1990s, the library underwent a major expansion project that tripled its size. [23]

A. V. Sorensen Branch

The A. V. Sorenson Branch is the Dundee location of the Omaha Public Library system. While attempts at making a library for Dundee go back to 1913, it wasn't until the early 1970s that concrete plans were formed. [24] The library was announced in 1973 and was named after former Omaha mayor A. V. Sorensen, who donated the land for the library. [25] The library was established in June 1976. [26] The library closed for renovations in March 2008 and re-opened in November of that same year. [27]

Benson Branch

The Benson Branch is the Benson branch of the Omaha Public Library. The library was established in 1923 and was originally located in the Benson Community Building. [28] The current location of the library was built in 1942 as part of the Works Progress Administration. [29] In the late 1990s, the library underwent a $2 million renovation and expansion project that was completed in 1999. [30]

Milton R. Abrahams Branch

The Milton R. Abrahams Branch is the Keystone branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The library opened in 1988 and was named after Milton R. Abrahams. Abrahams was a member of the library board from 1957 to 1978, and was responsible for the funding and completion of many other libraries in the system. [31] In 2011, the library underwent a $1.2 million renovation project and re-opened in January 2012. [32] The library is currently used by Do Space as a temporary location. [33]

Willa Cather Branch

The Willa Cather Branch is the Southwest branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The library was established in December 1956 and was designed by Leo A. Daly. [34] The library is named for Willa Cather, former Nebraska writer and Pulitzer Prize winner. [35] The library was commonly referred to as the Rainbow Library. In 1986, the library was renovated, and as part of renovations, the rainbow colors were removed to give the library a more modern look. [36]

Florence Branch

The Florence Branch is the Florence branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The library was established in 1923 and was originally located in the Florence Building. [37] In 1935, the library was split into two different branches, moving the library out of the Florence Building and into two community grocery stores. [38] This was an unpopular move, sparking major protests, and the library was eventually moved back. [39] The library's current location opened in 1976 at the Florence Library-Recreation Center. [40] In 2009, when faced with a budget crisis, Omaha Public Library attempted to close Florence. However, two anonymous donors donation of $200,000, combined with the City's donation of $100,000, allowed for the library to stay open. [41] In 2010, the library underwent a remodeling project which renovated and expanded the library. The library re-opened in December 2010. [42]

W. Clarke Swanson Branch

The W. Clarke Swanson Branch is the Central Omaha branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The library was established in 1966 and was named for former C.A. Swanson & Sons Food Company owner W. Clarke Swanson. [43]

Saddlebrook Branch

The Saddlebrook Branch is the Saddlebrook branch of the Omaha Public Library system. The library was announced in 2005 as a joint plan between Omaha Public Schools, the City of Omaha, and Omaha Public Library to make an elementary school that includes a public library and community center. [44] The library officially opened in 2009. [45]

W. Dale Clark Library

The W. Dale Clark Library in 2008 W. Dale Clark Library on 15th street.jpg
The W. Dale Clark Library in 2008

The W. Dale Clark Library was the main branch of the Omaha Public Library system in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Located across from the Gene Leahy Mall, the building used a Brutalist design. The library was announced in 1974 as a replacement for the original Omaha Public Library building. [46] The library began construction in 1975 and officially opened in 1977. [47] The library was designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum and Latenser & Sons, Inc. [48] The library underwent renovations in 2000. [49] The library closed in August 2022, and was demolished in October of that same year to make way for the Mutual of Omaha Headquarters Tower. [50] The downtown branch was replaced with a new location at 14th and St. Jones Streets that opened in 2023. [51]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hamer, Roger (May 20, 2022). "Plans for new Omaha library locations continue moving forward". WOWT. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  2. ↑ McIlree, Hannah (January 15, 2025). "Central Library construction progress: A sneak peek inside". KMTV 3 News Now Omaha. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  3. ↑ Byars, Macy; intern, Nebraska Public Media News. "Construction on new library is underway in Omaha". Nebraska Public Media (in Spanish). Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  4. ↑ "ELKHORN TO HAVE A PUBLIC LIBRARY". Douglas County Post-Gazette. April 24, 1925. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Saturday afternoon". Douglas County Post-Gazette. June 28, 1929. p. 12. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Elkhorn Establishes Municipal Library". Douglas County Post-Gazette. April 9, 1965. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Elkhorn Public Library Opens". Douglas County Post-Gazette. May 27, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Selections Broaden At Library". Douglas County Post-Gazette. May 29, 1984. p. 30. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Dream of New Elkhorn Library Near Reality". Omaha World-Herald. June 2, 1996. p. 32. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  10. ↑ "What will happen to Elkhorn's library?". Omaha World-Herald. January 13, 2007. p. 11. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  11. ↑ "South Omaha's Library Has Grown With Its Service to Community". Omaha Public Library. March 15, 2014. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  12. ↑ "NORTH OMAHA BRANCH LIBRARY IS OPENED". Omaha World-Herald. December 29, 1921. p. 6. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  13. ↑ "North Side Woman's Club Plans Library Renovation". Omaha World-Herald. January 2, 1938. p. 50. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Open North Side Branch Library". Evening World-Herald. January 14, 1938. p. 34. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Closing Near For Library". Omaha World-Herald. September 26, 1972. p. 6. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Gateway to the West: Charles B. Washington Branch" Archived 2007-09-27 at the Wayback Machine Omaha Public Library. Retrieved 6/25/2008.
  17. ↑ Anderson, Emily (October 20, 2019). "Washington Branch Library". Nebraska Historical. Archived from the original on June 16, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Reactions mixed about Ice-T's scheduled appearance at library". The Grand Island Independent. February 18, 2006. p. 7. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Good Start Made for Millard Library". Douglas County Post-Gazette. July 6, 1951. p. 7. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Millard Library Recalling Books Before Moving". Douglas County Post-Gazette. May 3, 1963. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Library as Usual". Omaha World-Herald. December 19, 1967. p. 8. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  22. ↑ "Three New Libraries Will Be Considered". Omaha World-Herald. October 13, 1977. p. 8. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  23. ↑ "About". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  24. ↑ "About". Omaha World-Herald. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  25. ↑ "Ex-Mayor Sorensen Gives Library Site". Omaha World-Herald. August 8, 1973. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Library Centers Will Open Soon". Omaha World-Herald. June 14, 1976. p. 24. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Sorenson Library celebrates new look". Omaha World-Herald. November 14, 2008. p. 11. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  28. ↑ "BENSON LIBRARY OPENS TODAY". The Benson Sun. June 8, 1923. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  29. ↑ "New Library Branch OK'd". Evening World-Herald. August 13, 1942. p. 8. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Benson, Millard Library Expansions OK'd". Omaha World-Herald. February 13, 1997. p. 13. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  31. ↑ "11 Libraries Called Sufficient for Omaha". Omaha World-Herald. April 11, 1988. p. 11. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Facility to reopen with host of amentities from roof down". Omaha World-Herald. January 3, 2012. p. 11. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Do Space to move into Milton R Abrahams Branch of OPL while construction gets underway on new Central Library". KMTV 3 News Now Omaha. May 25, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  34. ↑ "New Branch Library Opens Monday; Preview Is Today". Omaha World-Herald. December 2, 1956. p. 20. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  35. ↑ "New Library Jobs Granted". Omaha World-Herald. November 17, 1955. p. 8. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Willa Cather branch once 'rainbow' library". Omaha World-Herald. July 12, 2014. p. 3. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  37. ↑ "PUBLIC LIBRARY". Florence Fontenelle and Minne Lusa Review. January 19, 1923. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  38. ↑ "200 PROTEST LIBRARY MOVE IN FLORENCE". The Omaha Morning Bee-News. February 15, 1935. p. 14. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Florence Library To Be Restored". Omaha Sunday Bee-News. February 17, 1935. p. 7. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  40. ↑ "Zorinsky: Teamwork Built Florence Center". Omaha World-Herald. July 25, 1976. p. 22. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Two anonymous donors pledge $200,000". Omaha World-Herald. August 28, 2009. p. 1. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Florence library to make reopening fun". Omaha World-Herald. December 11, 2010. p. 26. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  43. ↑ "Swanson Library Has a Real 'Run'". Evening World-Herald. February 16, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  44. ↑ "School? Library? It's both". Omaha World-Herald. July 18, 2005. p. 1. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  45. ↑ "Public library, gym, school share roof". Omaha World-Herald. August 8, 2009. p. 7. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  46. ↑ "Library Site Is Approved". The Grand Island Independent. January 9, 1974. p. 12. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  47. ↑ "Ceremony Honors W. Dale Clark". Omaha World-Herald. March 21, 1977. p. 2. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  48. ↑ "The City of Omaha, a Municipal Corporation; Board of Theomaha Public Library, a Public Body, and City Ofomaha Library Facilities Corporation, Anon-profit Corporation, Appellants, v. Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, Inc., Appellee, 767 F.2d 457 (8th Cir. 1985)". cases.justia.com. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  49. ↑ "New Time, Location". Omaha World-Herald. September 29, 2000. p. 45. Retrieved August 31, 2025.
  50. ↑ Chapman, John (October 19, 2022). "Downtown Omaha library demolition underway". WOWT. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
  51. ↑ Perez, Jessica (March 8, 2023). "Officials give an inside look at Omaha Public Library's new downtown branch". KETV. Retrieved August 30, 2025.
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