The wait is almost over for Omaha’s new flagship library. Mayor John Ewing announced the 96,000-square-foot Omaha Central Library will open to the public on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge Streets.
Omaha Public Library staff are currently moving books, technology and furniture into the new space. With just a few months until opening day, the Central Library is poised to become a cornerstone of Omaha’s educational and cultural landscape.
The three-story facility, more than three years in the making, represents a leap into 21st-century library services for the city. Beyond traditional book collections, the building is designed as a hub for technology access, hands-on learning and community gathering.
First-of-Its-Kind Storage System
Perhaps the facility’s most innovative feature is its automated storage and retrieval system, the first of its kind in the United States. This climate-controlled system can store more than 600,000 items that are accessible on demand, meaning the library’s collection can grow without being limited by visible shelf space.
A Maker Space for Everyone
The library integrates the former Do Space into its second floor, creating a maker area where teens and adults can experiment with 3D printers, laser cutters and other high-tech tools. The incorporation of Do Space, Omaha’s free technology learning center, ensures the library’s mission extends beyond books to hands-on creation and digital literacy.
Additional features include video and podcasting studios, meeting rooms, an early childhood play space and several lounge areas designed for studying or relaxing.
Moving In
The new facility replaces the former W. Dale Clark Library downtown and positions Omaha alongside other cities investing in modern library infrastructure that serves as both an information hub and community gathering space.