Established in 1872, Omaha Public Library provides unlimited opportunites for information, education, inspiration and imagination.

A Brief History of Omaha Public Library:
An Omaha Library Association was established in 1857 but due to lack of funds failed in 1860. After several attempts another library association was formally organized by several prominent Omaha men in 1872 when they opened a tiny library on the second floor of the Simpson Carriage factory at the southwest corner of 14th & Dodge Street. On June 13, 1877, the Omaha City Council appointed a library board, levied a tax, and accepted a gift of 4,500 books from the disbanded association. At that point the Omaha Public Library was born.

Byron Reed donated land and his vast collection of coins, books and manuscripts to the library and on July 5, 1894, the Omaha Public Library opened in its first permanent home in a stately new Italian Renaissance-style building (designed by renowned architect Thomas Kimball) at 18th and Harney. A year later, Omaha Public Library set itself apart as one of six public libraries in the nation to establish a separate children’s section.

In 1977, Omaha Public Library moved to a modern new construction across from Gene Leahy Mall Park at 14th and Farnam where it stands today. The new main library was named for W. Dale Clark, longtime banker and library board member.

The 10 branch libraries in the Omaha Public Library system are: Milton R. Abrahams, Benson, Bess Johnson Elkhorn, Florence, Millard, A. V. Sorensen, South Omaha Library, W. Clark Swanson, Charles B. Washington, Willa Cather.