The next step in development of a Central Library at 72nd and Dodge will be reviewed by the Omaha City Council.
The council will consider an agreement with Community Information Trust (CIT) to proceed with the proposed project.
“This is an incredible opportunity to create a modern, accessible central library which will greatly increase and improve services and technology for everyone,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “This agreement is our commitment to proceed and plan for future library operations and financial needs.”
The agreement includes:
The City will contribute $20 million to the project by January 2025, to be appropriated in the Capital Improvement Program with redevelopment bonds. Current cost estimates to build the library exceed $100 million.
The City will continue annual budget appropriations for the Omaha Public Library (OPL) system at or above the 2022 budget allocation, and evaluate budget adjustments as the library system expands. The 2022 OPL budget is $17.5 million.*
The City will support recommendations made by the Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees to create and implement an updated service model for the OPL system including the proposed Central Library.
The City will maintain the property and landscape around the proposed Central Library and prioritize accessibility.
CIT will contract with Heritage Services to raise private funds and to manage the design and construction of the Central Library. Community Information Trust is a 501(c) (3) organization that oversees operations of Do Space.
Once the Central Library is built, CIT intends to merge with the Omaha Public Library Foundation. The Foundation will transfer ownership of the Central Library to the City of Omaha to be operated and managed as part of the OPL system.
DoSpace Technology Library will become part of the OPL system.
Following extensive public input through surveys, interviews, and community meetings, the preliminary design of the Central Library was presented June 6 at a community meeting. A video recording of the meeting and other project updates are available at https://omahacentrallibrary.org/
The agreement will be on the June 28 City Council agenda for first reading. The public hearing will be July 19, with the vote scheduled July 26.
*The 2022 appropriated budget approved by the City Council is $17.2 million. A budget amendment to transfer money from the Wage Adjustment account to the library operating budget will increase the 2022 budget to $17.5 million.
Source: https://www.cityofomaha.org/latest-news/905-city-council-to-consider-agreement-to-build-central-library
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