(May 22, 2022)

A conceptual design of the planned Central Library at 72^nd and Dodge will be presented at a public meeting on June 6.

The plans, developed by HDR and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture were presented May 19 at a public meeting of the Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees.

"The Central Library design reflects the preferences of our community, it will be a one-of-a-kind Omaha Public Library to benefit patrons of all ages and interests," said Mayor Jean Stothert.

The building design includes community feedback from a partner-powered model of engagement including a community open house, one-on-one interviews with community leaders, and a series of events to solicit feedback from leaders of non-profit organizations, community groups and neighborhood associations, and an extensive public survey. More than 1,600 survey responses were received.

"It feels like we have co-created a vision that a lot of people will buy into," said Rachel Jacobsen, President of Heritage Services. "The library staff has been very committed and involved. The design team has been so collaborative.

Heritage Services has proposed a new Central Library at 72^nd and Dodge. Heritage projects the cost will exceed $100 million, raised through philanthropic donations. The City of Omaha will contribute $20 million, which will be appropriated in the Capital Improvement Program in 2024 and 2025 with redevelopment bonds.

"Heritage Services is offering Omaha the incredible opportunity to add a learning destination to the revival of 72^nd and Dodge that is already underway as a commercial, residential and leisure destination," said Mayor Jean Stothert. "The extensive public engagement process has provided the opportunity for everyone to be involved in planning this remarkable public space, at the true crossroads of our city."

"This library project is a dream come true for any community," said Margaret Sullivan. Sullivan is consulting on the library development. Her company is managing the engagement process.

The library design shows a multi-story building, with pedestrian and green spaces outside, books, technology, genealogy and archives, meetings spaces, administrative offices and a café on the street level; all features identified by survey participants.

"A library is no longer a place where you walk in and get shushed, we will have intergenerational, activated spaces," said Nancy Novak, Interior Designer at Alley Poyner Macchietto. "Your library will be the first in the country built around an automatic storage system. There will still be lots and lots of collections on the floor."

"I think this will be transformational at 72^nd and Dodge," said Library Trustees Board Chairman Mike Kennedy.

The plans will be presented at a public meeting June 6 at 5:30 p.m. at The Venue at Highlander, 2120 N. 30^th Street.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.