JONAH LAGRANGE/THE CREIGHTONIAN
Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. cuts the ceremonial ribbon to mark the grand opening of the $158 million Omaha Central Library on Sunday, April 19, at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge Streets.
Where the words are more than symbols on pages here, birds echo in halls, nouns, scale the walls, tall tails seep into couch cushions and story time cars. Shadows swing from the starry night made of the ground floor lobby lap. Spreads like milk weed seed in our seats, we sprout, speak, meet, and greet over coffee sneak, midwestern readings, and passing between authors, creators, and master manifesters, comedians, designers, poets, and podcasters, fabricated futures, and spines wide enough to hold our history. The written and 3D printed genealogy and science fiction. This home marks a renaissance we can hear and hope.
- Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers
Omaha’s new Central Library officially opened Sunday, April 19, as community members, city leaders and project partners gathered at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge Streets for a public ceremony marking the debut of the facility. The event featured remarks from library officials, elected leaders and guest speakers before a ribbon cutting formally opened the building to the public.
The new library is intended to expand access to educational resources, digital tools and community programming, reflecting a broader investment in public learning spaces in central Omaha. Speakers throughout the ceremony emphasized the building as both a civic asset and a long-term investment in literacy, technology access and community engagement.
OPL Executive Director Laura Marlane opened the program by emphasizing the library’s focus on discovery and innovation. She highlighted features such as the automated storage and retrieval system, expanded research areas, and spaces designed for hands-on learning and exploration of local history.
“Or just wander the shelves and see what finds you,” Marlane said. “This space was designed for discovery in all its forms.”
She added that the library represents a shift in how public spaces function, pointing to its blend of traditional collections and emerging technology.
“Every part of this building reflects something important — that libraries are not just about where we’ve been; they’re about where we’re going,” Marlane said. “And where we’re going includes the next generation.”
Marlane said the facility was designed with young people in mind not only as visitors, but as creators and leaders, noting that student interest had already emerged during construction.
King Maxwell, a junior at Creighton Preparatory School who has been recognized in youth arts and community programs across the Omaha metro area, was invited to share an original spoken word poem after reportedly reaching out during the building’s development.
In his piece, “New Beginnings,” Maxwell reflects on libraries as spaces where individual stories and shared experiences intersect.
“Today, a new chapter opens,” Maxwell said. “Around us sits thousands of books, thousands of stories, no two the same. No two pages offer the same view of the world.”
He continued, emphasizing the way those stories come to life within the space itself:
“Each one offers us a glimpse into lives we may never live, moments we may never see, perspectives we may never know. And here, inside the Omaha Central Library, when we walk through these doors, we are not just surrounded by stories, we become part of them.”
Following his performance, Marlane recognized the collaboration behind the project, thanking Omaha Public Library staff, architects at HDR, construction firm Kiewit, and partners including the Omaha Public Library Foundation, Do Space and Heritage Omaha.
She also highlighted Heritage Omaha’s financial contribution, calling it a major investment in literacy, digital equity and community development.
Nebraska State Poet Jewel Rodgers, who is the first African American to serve as Nebraska State Poet, followed with a spoken word performance that traced the evolution of libraries from quiet, restricted spaces into active, expressive community environments.
“I remember the librarian’s hiss, striking a barrier between my childish wonder and the words between my lips,” Rodgers said. “I learned then places like this were meant to be quiet.”
She contrasted that past with the modern library experience:
“But you are lucky enough to be here now, where words are more than symbols on pages … birds echo in halls, nouns scale the walls, stories seep into couch cushions,” she said. “We are patrons and libraries becoming one.”
Rodgers described the library as a shared space of creativity and access:
“This is a place to find the sound of the living and to see them too,” she said. “Your name, your dreams, your creations are worthy of this never-ending celebration.”
Her performance drew visible reactions from attendees, underscoring the library’s identity as both a cultural and civic space.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., Omaha’s first ever African American mayor, closed the speaking program by praising the library as a modern public institution that combines traditional services with new technologies and community-centered design.
“This new Omaha Central Library does that and more,” Ewing said. “It combines traditional library books and services with in-demand social amenities and state-of-the-art technologies.”
He said the library’s downtown location reinforces its role as a civic gathering point.
JONAH LAGRANGE/THE CREIGHTONIAN
Community members explore the newly opened Omaha Central Library on Sunday, April 19 at the intersection of 72nd and Dodge Streets, browsing book stacks and gathering in common areas.
“This intersection has always been where Omaha comes to celebrate, to gather, to make their voices heard,” Ewing said. “This library is the perfect fit here.”
Ewing also pointed to the collaboration behind the project, crediting Heritage Omaha, city leadership, library staff and multiple public and private partners.
“We also had some amazing city council members who have been part of this process as well,” he said. “Great things don’t happen like this without great leadership.”
He added that the project represents a strong public-private partnership and praised donors for their role in making the library possible.
“I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time in this space over the past few weeks, and it really is absolutely wonderful,” Ewing said. “You’ll be amazed by what you can create and discover in this building.”
Following remarks, officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the Omaha Central Library. Attendees were then invited to tour the facility, including reading areas, community spaces and interactive learning environments.