Omaha Central library (SWC 72 & Dodge)

[Brad]

Here is an interesting new video about Central Library, focusing on genealogy and local history. Of particular interest to me is the discussion of the Automatic Storage and Retrieval System, which begins at 4:39.

Fairly new footage of the exterior in that video. They have been doing a lot of work on the stairs at 72& Dodge lately and it shows up in the video.

We saw the Automatic Storage and Retrieval System room on our tour earlier this year, but it was hard to grasp the size without anything in it. Looks a lot larger now.

[GenX]

Here is an interesting new video about Central Library, focusing on genealogy and local history. Of particular interest to me is the discussion of the Automatic Storage and Retrieval System, which begins at 4:39.

That was a really great video, thanks for sharing!

[Brad]

Opening Sunday April 19, 2026

[omahahawk]

thank you

[Brad]

Opening Sunday April 19, 2026

thank you

You're welcome.

Went to the "End of Construction Ceremony" tonight. The building is massive! Its so much larger than it looks on the outside. If think I mentioned this before, but its a 5 story building they are calling 3 stories. (Basement, first, mezzanine, second, and third).

Apparently this all started with Walter Scott saying "We need a 21st Century Library"

He also said "There are two options for the Do Space Building... Bulldozer or Excavator" I literally LOL'd at that comment.

Here are a few photos. Should have a full album on Grow Omaha tomorrow.

1. Opening Remarks in the Cafe Area

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2. Opening Remarks in the Cafe Area

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3. Second Floor looking down

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4. Do Space Area

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5. Lights in Cafe Area

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[BRoss]

Wow, amazing! Thanks for the sneak peak!

[almighty_tuna]

That's gorgeous! Can't wait to see it in person.

[skinzfan23]

Looks amazing, great pics!

[skinzfan23]

The OWH actually had some decent photos as well for a change:

[Brad]

The OWH actually had some decent photos as well for a change:

It was Chris Michian there last night. He has been at the OWH for 20+ years. They only have 2 full time photographers left.

[Busguy2010]

When you get past the friction there was by moving the main library to Crossroads, I think this actually was the right move. PLUS this is probably the most unique new building in Omaha that I can recall. I do imagine how it would look in the Downtown cityscape, but it is what it is. Looks great here too.

[OmahaFan]

Needs to be named Jean Stothert Central Library

[Brad]

There is a “Omaha Central library “sign on top of the retaining wall right along Dodge Street by east entrance. Not too big the letters might be a foot tall? 18 inches?

[Cermak]

Really looking good, hopefully this works out well as the main library.

[Brad]

I noticed this morning the book shelves on the main floor appear to be in and all the under shelving lights are on. Gonna look really cool with the books all lit up.

[BRoss]

I noticed this morning the book shelves on the main floor appear to be in and all the under shelving lights are on. Gonna look really cool with the books all lit up.

Just a month and a half away until they open! I can't wait to check it out.

[Dundeemaha]

Saw this sneak peek from a local tik tocker

[WiinterU]

I wonder if this is larger or smaller than Des Moines' main library.

[Brad]

I wonder if this is larger or smaller than Des Moines' main library.

I believe they are similar in Square Footage, but Des Moines is 2 stories and Omaha is 5 stories. Omaha also has the ARS so the pack a ton of archives in a relatively small space.

[WiinterU]

I wonder if this is larger or smaller than Des Moines' main library.

I believe they are similar in Square Footage, but Des Moines is 2 stories and Omaha is 5 stories. Omaha also has the ARS so the pack a ton of archives in a relatively small space.

I thought it was only three. At that, really only half of the third floor is available. I think Des Moines is more spread out, while Omaha is more compact. That leads to Omaha's central library having a better design.

[Brad]

I thought it was only three. At that, really only half of the third floor is available. I think Des Moines is more spread out, while Omaha is more compact. That leads to Omaha's central library having a better design.

It doesn't matter if they are full floors or partial floors, its still 5 stories tall. and its right around 100,0000 SF. Looks like DesMoines is around 110,000 SF

5 Floors:
Lower Level - Offices, Book Dropoff, ARS
First Floor - Main Floor, Cafe
Mezzanine - Offices, Conference Rooms, Etc.
Second Floor - Children's Area, Do Space, Studios
Third Floor - History and Genealogy

[thenewguy]

that looks so great. The lights really are trippy, and completely awesome. I cannot believe the amount of archive space, and how state of the art that picker is. I wish I could have had a 'behind the scenes' tour when they were building everything

[Brad]

I was able to tour the new Library on Friday Morning. It looks great and should be a huge hit. I took 40 photos so I'm going to split up the photos in to 4 posts of 10.

Photos 1 of 4.

1. West Door

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2. Sign along Dodge Street

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3. East Entrance

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4. East Entrance

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5. Seating area and Main Stairs

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6. Main Floor looking west

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7. Main Floor looking west

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8. Cafe Area

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9. Cafe Area

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10. Cafe Area

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.

[Brad]

I was able to tour the new Library on Friday Morning. It looks great and should be a huge hit. I took 40 photos so I'm going to split up the photos in to 4 posts of 10.

Photos 2 of 4.

11. Kids Area

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12. Kids Area

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13. Kids Area

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14. Main Floor looking east

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15. View from the main stairs

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16. If you order something from the ARS, it will come down this conveyor belt.

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17. Main Floor Looking East

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18. Main Floor, west end

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19. Third Floor Kid Area (East End)

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20. Third Floor Kid Area (East End)

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.

[Brad]

was able to tour the new Library on Friday Morning. It looks great and should be a huge hit. I took 40 photos so I'm going to split up the photos in to 4 posts of 10.

Photos 3 of 4.

21. Quite Area in the kids section. Kids get to control the light in the ceilinig.

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22. Kids area - Books are places on the shelf so the cover faces out.

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23. Kids area - Books are places on the shelf so the cover faces out.

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24. Computer Area on the second floor.

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25. Conference Room where with a view of the ARS

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26. Do Space Area

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27. Do Space Area

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28. TV Studio

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29. Podcast Room

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30. Computer Classroom. The Map in the back of the room was painted in 1948 by a guy from Omaha, Eugene Kingman, and it hung in the lobby of the New York Times all the up in to the 1980's before it was removed and brought back to Omaha. The painting is a view of the world as seen from space.......... but 1948 was before the beginning if any space program and its incredibly accurate for it time.

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.

[Brad]

was able to tour the new Library on Friday Morning. It looks great and should be a huge hit. I took 40 photos so I'm going to split up the photos in to 4 posts of 10.

Photos 4 of 4.

31. Computer Classroom.

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32. Birds of Nebraska - Local Art made with recycled books

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33. Top Floor - Genealogy and Local History

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34. Top Floor - Genealogy and Local History, art work that starts on the table and continues out on to the roof.

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35. Top Floor - Genealogy and Local History

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36. Top Floor - Genealogy and Local History

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37. Top Floor - Genealogy and Local History

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38. Top Floor - Genealogy and Local History

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39. Garden on the south side

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40. Garden on the south side

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[GenX]

Were you standing on the median along Dodge with your tripod? If so, I drove past you.

[GenX]

I thought it was only three. At that, really only half of the third floor is available. I think Des Moines is more spread out, while Omaha is more compact. That leads to Omaha's central library having a better design.

It doesn't matter if they are full floors or partial floors, its still 5 stories tall. and its right around 100,0000 SF. Looks like DesMoines is around 110,000 SF

5 Floors:
Lower Level - Offices, Book Dropoff, ARS
First Floor - Main Floor, Cafe
Mezzanine - Offices, Conference Rooms, Etc.
Second Floor - Children's Area, Do Space, Studios
Third Floor - History and Genealogy

So, by that logic, would a split level (not split entry) house be considered 3 stories? Perhaps the more accurate term for the library is five floors or levels? Also, basements or lower levels aren’t counted as “stories” unless they’re more than 50% above ground. A story refers to the level itself in the vertical structure of a building, while a level or floor can also refer to the physical surface you walk on. Sorry, no disrespect intended, but words have specific meanings.

[Garrett]

Amazing tour, Brad! A truly beautiful space for the community, across all 3-5 levels and or stories depending on your persuasion.

[zedmib]

I am in the crowd at the library waiting for the Mayor's speech. Huge crowd.

[OmahaFan]

I went today and it was packed to the gills! It’s so beautiful and the inside is so expansive. Definitely Omaha Landmark.

[Brad]

Amazing tour, Brad! A truly beautiful space for the community, across all 3-5 levels and or stories depending on your persuasion.

Thanks!

It’s so beautiful and the inside is so expansive.

That what I have told everyone, its way bigger than it looks!

[GenX]

That what I have told everyone, its way bigger than it looks!

That’s what she said

[windsor]

The new library turned out awesome! Such a fantastic addition to Omaha.

[remline]

Thanks for the great picture tour. I can't wait to check out the library in person.

The picture that most intrigues me is "25. Conference Room where with a view of the ARS." I'm also interested to see the book order come out of the conveyor belt.

[omahahawk]

is Zen Coffee open yet?

[Dundeemaha]

is Zen Coffee open yet?

Yes, they're open. There's a couple things on the menu that aren't available yet and they seem to sell out of pastries very quickly but it's really nice to have a local coffee shop in the library.

[thenewguy]

i gotta say: that's the nicest library I've ever seen

[omahahawk]

i gotta say: that's the nicest library I've ever seen

Definitely....the place is amazing. Couldn't believe how many people were there in the middle of an afternoon on a Wednesday. I know a lot of that is newness factor but I think much like the downtown parks the increased usage will continue long term.

[remline]

I made it to the new library today. It is extremely impressive. The library was packed with people reading, playing in the kids area, using computers, and studying in the meeting/study rooms. The parking lot and parking garage were 100% full—next time I had better take ORBT!

The Do Space area is mostly setup, but not yet open for business. I think I heard them say that it will be opening this Sunday (May 3rd). I think the media recording room looks particularly interesting.

I was also pleased that you get an expansive view into the Automatic Storage and Retrieval System from the main walkways. I think I saw the robot return a tray of compact discs.