Omaha Public Library

[bigredmed1]

KETV:
[youtube][/youtube]

[riceweb]

I don't think we should immediately shoot down this idea. There has to be a real benefit for us as a city to consider it, but I'm really impressed with Do Space, and I'd love that type of energy and innovation across the library system. As jjjjhskr pointed out, Heritage has a long track record of amazing work in this city--any other city wishes they could be so lucky to have an entity like that in their town. So I think we should--at a minimum--be open to their ideas.

[Garrett]

I just would like to see what the exact proposal is, not various rough drafts and one off emails, before I cast my judgement.

[riceweb]

I just would like to see what the exact proposal is, not various rough drafts and one off emails, before I cast my judgement.

Same same. It might be an awful idea, or it might have potential. Gotta see it first.

[nebugeater]

Calm down, people. Before this even would actually happen there will need to be at least 10 studies funded and completed for it to even be considered.

[Coyote]

Southwest Omaha still needs its own library branch, construction planned for 2023




There’s a gap in Omaha’s public library system, and five years after identifying the problem, the city is starting the process of filling that gap.

[Coyote]

Omaha would elect public library board under proposed bill



Omaha would elect public library board under proposed bill

[Coyote]

'We still use our libraries':
Omaha Public Library seeks community input with survey
Omaha Public Library wants the public's feedback on its facilities. They launched a survey Wednesday.

We go to libraries for knowledge, but now Omaha Public Libraries wants to learn from you. Library leaders see this as a turning point. Attendance at story times has doubled or tripled and book circulation is on the rise. While they know people are using the library, they want to make sure it's meeting the needs of 21st-century readers and patrons. "This really is people's opportunity to say what they want and how they want their libraries to transform into the future," said Rachel Steiner, assistant director of Omaha Public Library, who insists libraries are not a relic of the past. "I think people are always going to want information and resources. I think we'll be here for 20, 50, 100 more years."

[Coyote]

OPL's newest asset, Mobile Library, aims to make the library more accessible for all



OPL's newest asset, Mobile Library, aims to make the library more accessible for all

[Coyote]

Long-awaited library possibly heading for southwest Omaha looks to take load off Millard branch



A long-awaited library is likely coming to southwest Omaha. The area between Elkhorn and Gretna is seeing construction of new homes, and now, it could be home to a new library, taking the pressure off the busy branch in Millard. one in Millard. And KETV NewsWatch 7 found people waiting in their cars when it opened on Friday afternoon. A new library branch would better serve southwest Omaha and Millard. "Well, it has everything I need," said Maureen Brennan Omaha Public Library's busiest branch could use some help and so could Maureen.

[Coyote]

Omaha City Council approves purchase of land to house new branch of Omaha Public Library



Omaha City Council approved the purchase of the property that will house a new branch of the Omaha Public Library. The property is located near 204th and F streets. It will be called the Southwest Branch.

[remline]

This is going to be a great location for a library. I'm curious if they will renovate or close Swanson (a few skips west at 90th & Dodge).

[Cermak]

This is going to be a great location for a library. I'm curious if they will renovate or close Swanson (a few skips west at 90th & Dodge).

My guess Swanson will close, maybe a developer will buy it and put up housing or renovate the existing building.

[CapitalGuy]

I could be remembering this completely wrong but I feel like the Swanson branch property was gifted to the city on a restrictive deed that required reversion of the property back to the Swanson family if the city ceased to operate a library at the location. If my memory is correct, I suppose the city could let it go back to save on operations but it is not as if they would make $$$ on the transaction. Again, my memory might be completely wrong on this point.

[remline]

Another aspect of Swanson is that they host the Friends of Omaha Public Library used book sales. This uses several large rooms in the library basement. If Swanson were to close, all of the Friends materials would need to be relocated.

For what its worth, the 2023 Citywide Library Facilities Plan recommends that Swanson "be realigned on the main floor to provide dedicated spaces for community meeting, a quiet reading room, and dedicated family play space. On the lower level, the space can be designed to be a merchandising area for the Friends of Omaha Public Library."

I was also interested to learn that Swanson is the third-oldest active library branch (1966), behind only Benson (1946) and Cather (1956).

I could be remembering this completely wrong but I feel like the Swanson branch property was gifted to the city on a restrictive deed that required reversion of the property back to the Swanson family if the city ceased to operate a library at the location.

I think your memory is excellent! I did some research on this, and learned the following from the World-Herald June 26, 1963:

The City Council voted unanimously to accept an offer from the Carl and Caroline Swanson Foundation for a tract of land at the southwest corner of Ninetieth and Doge Streets. Under the terms of the offer, a deed to the land will be held in escrow at the Omaha National Bank. It will be delivered to the city only if a valid construction contract for the library is let by March 31, 1965.

So the land offer did in fact contain restrictions. However, the city has already fulfilled its end of the bargain, and can now presumably manage the land as it sees fit.

[S.O.Boy]

I was also interested to learn that Swanson is the third-oldest active library branch (1966), behind only Benson (1946) and Cather (1956).

Benson had a major addition in the 90's. I am not sure if they remodel the original building.

[OmahaRedWing]

The Florence branch can't be too far off Swanson's age can it?

[remline]

The Florence branch can't be too far off Swanson's age can it?

Yeah, not too far off. Florence opened in 1976 and was renovated in 2010.

[OmahaRedWing]

The Florence branch can't be too far off Swanson's age can it?

Yeah, not too far off. Florence opened in 1976 and was renovated in 2010.

Ok thanks. I used to work down near the airport right around the time it got renovated, and would stop in periodically.

[remline]

The re-worked Discovery Pass program is now available. You can get free passes to:

• Durham Museum
• Fontenelle Forest
• Omaha Children's Museum
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
• (maybe Kiewit Luminarium, although they are currently "sold out")