Omaha’s New Main Library Set to Open: A Bold Investment in Public Resources
In a significant expansion of educational and community resources, Omaha, Nebraska, is poised to unveil its new main library, which has been hailed as one of the largest investments in a public library system in the United States in recent years. The library, a 96,000-square-foot facility located at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge Streets, is set to officially open its doors on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Omaha Mayor John Ewing made the announcement at a recent community event celebrating the completion of construction.
The design of the new library reflects a modern vision for public educational spaces, featuring amenities such as a three-story “book robot,” which is an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) capable of housing over 600,000 items. This innovative feature allows the Omaha Public Library (OPL) to expand its collection dynamically, free from the traditional constraints of physical shelf space. The library also boasts a community event space, a 3D printing lab, and a genealogy research hub, catering to a diverse range of interests and needs within the Omaha community.
The state-of-the-art facility was celebrated by community members and local leaders during a recent gathering, where spectators marveled at the building’s stunning architecture, illuminated by hundreds of windows that offer ample natural light. OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane expressed her enthusiasm for the new space, stating, “I’m most excited to see the building come to life with people browsing through shelves of books, learning new technology, exploring the City Garden, and digging into their family histories. Everyone will be able to find their place here.”
The library’s construction was made possible through collaborative efforts involving the City of Omaha, the OPL, the Omaha Public Library Foundation, Do Space, and Heritage Omaha, which have all played crucial roles in fundraising and overseeing the project. Heritage Omaha, known for establishing the nation’s first technology library—Do Space—more than a decade ago, will integrate its services into the OPL, enhancing its technological offerings as part of the library’s second-floor facilities.
Mayor Ewing highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment conducive to knowledge growth and community engagement. “The impact on a city as a whole—this investment in literacy, digital equity, community development, and individual potential—cannot be overstated,” he remarked, reflecting on the library’s promise as a nexus for learning and growth.
As Omaha prepares for this transformative addition to its public resources, the anticipation surrounding the library’s opening underscores a collective commitment to investing in educational infrastructure that supports the evolving needs of the community. The new main library is not only a testament to Omaha’s dedication to literacy and innovation but also a symbol of the vital role public libraries play in fostering cohesive, informed communities.
