Omaha Pubic Library Board Of Trustees Has Voted To Support A Public Private Partnership With Heritage Services

Press release from the City of Omaha:

November 20, 2021

The Omaha Pubic Library Board of Trustees has voted to support a public-private partnership with Heritage Services to expand library facilities and services.

Heritage Services is considering a campaign to raise money for a new central library operated by the City of Omaha, and staffed with city employees.

"The resolution passed by the Board of Trustees is a show of support for the opportunity to greatly increase and improve services and technology provided by the Omaha Public Library system," said Mayor Jean Stothert. "The Trustees unanimous vote is an important step as we consider future needs and priorities of the customers we serve. A new central library and all Omaha libraries will remain public libraries."

A review of Omaha's library facilities in 2017 recommended moving the central library, currently in downtown Omaha, to the Dodge Street corridor, between 72nd Street and 90th Street. The Facilities Master Plan, produced by Himmel and Wilson Library Consultants, also recommended a new downtown branch.

The resolution acknowledges the “Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees agrees to lend its support to working jointly with Heritage Services, the City of Omaha, and other community stakeholders to create a plan for enhancing existing and creating new public library spaces and programming for the benefit of all citizens of Omaha”.

“This resolution is about having a discussion. We want a public discussion. When we have a discussion, who gets to participate? You.,” said Mike Kennedy, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “They’re going to stay public libraries, there will be a public board.”

Heritage Services facilitates capital campaigns and building projects. Heritage projects include the Kiewit Luminarium, under construction on the Omaha Riverfront, the Siena Francis House homeless shelter, the VA Ambulatory Center, Baxter Arena, the Kroc Center, and numerous others.

“We can develop a world-class, amazing central library, the most important civic space in our city,” said Heritages Services President Rachel Jacobsen, “I’m really excited about the potential.”

This press release was produced by the City of Omaha. The views expressed here are the author’s own.