Hey, Omaha – your library system wants your feedback!
The Omaha Public Library (OPL) Board of Trustees is seeking public input on its recently updated master facilities plan via a series of community forums. Developed by library consultant Himmel & Wilson, the plan recommends five priorities for library facilities:
- Build a new “southwest” branch in the area of 180th & Q to alleviate traffic at the Millard Branch and serve the growing westward population.
- Replace the Willa Cather Branch with a facility near 63rd & Center to serve populations west of the existing facility and overlapping populations from the South Omaha Library.
- Replace the Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch with a larger and more accessible facility.
- Replace the W. Dale Clark Main Library and the W. Clarke Swanson Branch simultaneously. The main library would be replaced with a smaller downtown branch, while the Swanson Branch would be replaced with a larger, central library somewhere along the Dodge Street corridor between 72nd and 90th streets. The central library would house administrative functions and special collections.
- Replace the Saddlebrook Branch with a larger facility for a growing population.
Our question is, what is the plan for the library buildings they are replacing? Give your input at one of the community forums.
Wednesday, Sept. 6
6:00 to 8:00pm
Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave.
Monday, Sept. 11
6:00 to 8:00pm
Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Lane
Wednesday, Sept. 13
6:00 to 8:00pm
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, 2100 Reading Plaza
Thursday, Sept. 14
6:00 to 8:00pm
South Omaha Library, 2808 Q Street
If you can’t attend a forum, you can provide feedback through this survey, which is also available at all 12 OPL locations. You can also review a copy of the entire plan and its recommendations here or at your OPL branch.