Last updated: September 6, 2022
Place
Omaha Public Library
David Calease, NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
1823 Harney Street
Significance:
Education; Architecture
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places; Omaha Local Landmark
MANAGED BY:
City of Omaha
The Omaha Public Library was designed by architect Thomas Kimball in the Second Renaissance Revival style and completed in 1894. In addition to its architectural significance, this building is important as the first permanent home of the Omaha Library Association, established in the early 1870s. The rapid growth of Omaha’s population and the increased demand for books by patrons forced the library to move three times before the construction of this first permanent library building. The building continued to serve as the symbolic center of Omaha’s general education and literary entertainment needs until the completion of the W. Dale Clark Main Branch on the Gene Leahy Mall in 1977. Today the Omaha Public Library building serves as the offices for the Omaha Housing Authority.
The straw-colored brick building features elaborate terra cotta detailing and the lintel just below the cornice displays the names of important literary figures. Sculpted bas-relief medallions featuring important ancient figures are set into square terra cotta panels between the third-floor windows in an egg and dart motif.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Omaha Local Landmark, today it serves as offices for the Omaha Housing Authority.
The straw-colored brick building features elaborate terra cotta detailing and the lintel just below the cornice displays the names of important literary figures. Sculpted bas-relief medallions featuring important ancient figures are set into square terra cotta panels between the third-floor windows in an egg and dart motif.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Omaha Local Landmark, today it serves as offices for the Omaha Housing Authority.