Located in an Old Market building on 14th and Jones, Omaha Public Library’s relocated downtown branch brings discovery and connection to the heart of downtown. 

The design honours the site’s historic charm with exposed brick and restored creamery tiles integrated with modern finishes of wood and steel illuminated by daylight seeping through expansive windows. 

Transforming the Library Into a Welcoming Community Hub

Interactive community meetings revealed what city-goers need the library to include: ample room for children and families, flexible spaces that can grow and change with the community, and a design that connects to the feel of downtown and the historic structure of the branch. 

The lower level is designed to feel like a living room, with various relaxed seating areas — including an active stair with views of the streetscape — and 16 computers to encourage patrons to spend time in the library, browse the collection, and view the artwork. 

A colourful mural leads the way to the children’s area, which spans more than half of the first floor and is designed to be flexible and multifunctional with minimal prescriptive spaces. Central to the children’s area is the Story House, whose form represents a house with a clear set of entries, magnetic components, and cubbies that help children feel like they are entering a new world where they can unleash their imaginations.

An elevator leads to a quiet space above, which features teen sections and a traditional reading room with ample comfortable and stylish seating surrounded by wall-to-wall built-in wood shelving stacked with best-sellers and classics, making for the perfect backdrop for people to cozy up with their chosen media. 

Along a wall on the second floor are five glass-enclosed meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology, enabling groups to collaborate on projects or individuals to accomplish tasks undisturbed. 

The relocated downtown branch reflects Omaha’s values of knowledge, art and connection.