Omaha City Council identifies a temporary location for the downtown library and approves funding for the future central library

OMAHA, Neb — Numerous events have occurred at the downtown library.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the library would relocate from W. Dale Clark to 1401 Jones Street.

However, due to issues with the new building, the library will relocate to a temporary facility before 1401 Jones is even ready.

“Working with people who are rehabilitating and developing 1401 Jones, it became apparent that there were structural difficulties with the structure,” said the mayor of Omaha, Jean Stothert.

Concerns have been expressed about the structural integrity of 1401 Jones and its capacity to house the library’s books, according to city authorities.

The building owner is handling and paying for the repairs, and the library will temporarily relocate to 1410 Howard while the work is being done, but Mayor Jean Stothert says these plans are not set in stone.

“We are still willing to consider alternate places if this one does not satisfy everyone. Well, it won’t be to everyone’s liking, but if that website isn’t what they’re searching for,” Stothert said.

The city is also finalizing its plans for the construction of a brand-new library at 72nd and Dodge Streets.

Omaha is requested to fund $20 million of the $150 million price tag for the library.

At last week’s city council meeting, there was some discussion regarding the need for a new library and whether the 72nd and Dodge location would be an acceptable location, but at this week’s meeting, the city council unanimously approved funding for the new central library.

City authorities anticipate the opening of the temporary library at 1410 Howard Street on September 1 and the completion of the permanent library at 1401 Jones Street in March 2023.