Omaha City Wire

The transformation of 72nd and Dodge will continue this summer, as work begins to build the new Omaha Central Public Library at the intersection. 

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 72nd and Dodge location was chosen in response to Omaha Public Library’s 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 attractionpossible, 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.”

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. 

Do Space is moving into a renovated area of Milton R. Abrahams Branch of Omaha Public Library near 90th and Fort streets during construction. 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. 

The new Omaha Central Public Library is expected to open in 2026. Updates throughout the construction project can be found at OmahaCentralLibrary.org.

Original source can be found here.