People passing by the corner of 72nd and Dodge Sts. can see the progress on the new Omaha Central Public Library (omahacentrallibrary.org). Construction crews expect to complete the structural steel work this spring and have the building exterior fully enclosed before summer.
The tower crane that has been used in construction is the first of its kind to be owned and constructed in the United States. The 180-foot-tall crane was customized for this project and can lift up to 35,000 pounds.
Crews will place a high-tech collection system called an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) inside the structure and keep it safely encased until it is installed later in the construction process. Omaha Public Library (OPL) will be the first public library system in the United States to have a storage system like this. Once the Central Library opens in 2026, the ASRS will support citywide distribution by storing items from OPL’s large collection, allowing library branches to utilize more space for neighborhood-driven programming while still providing an abundance of books and materials in every branch for patrons to discover and enjoy.
Omaha Public Library staff, Do Space staff and the construction and design teams continue to work on the interior and exterior details of the library, including planning for the selection of furniture, art, technology and more. Their goal is to make the library an inclusive, accessible and inviting hub for creativity, collaboration, education, innovation and workforce development. To take a look at the current design plans visit omahacentrallibrary.org.