On April 19th, the ribbon cutting at Omaha’s Central Public Library debuted a new gathering space for our community. We’re so thrilled that the new library is just across the street from our office at PJ Morgan Real Estate, and we can’t wait to clock some hours enjoying our city’s newest perk. This month for the Morgan Memo, we did some research into some of the innovations that make Omaha’s newest library not just a marvel to our city, but to the world.
ASRS (AKA The Robotic Arm)
The Omaha Central Library is home to an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), which is capable of holding over 600,000 books. Know which book you want to read? Simply ask the ASRS and watch the robotic arm retrieve it for you through the expansive viewing windows.
Zen Coffee Co.
For those who need a good coffee, tea, or pastry to power through your studying, inspire your work, or comfort you as you dig into a good book, you’re in luck. Visit Zen Coffee Co. on the library’s first floor to treat yourself and support a local Omaha business.
Local Artists
Art has been a central focus of the library’s development since day one, with a call for art going out to the Omaha metro in early 2024. Sixteen local artists were chosen to contribute their work, infusing their voice and creativity into the 96,000 SF space.
We instantly recognized the art in the Genealogy and Local History section, as we have a piece by the same local artist, Mari Elena Dailey, in our office!
Unconventional Perks
You’ll find more than just books here. The Central Library hosts a range of classes from Music & Movement to Intro to Sewing, along with activities for all ages. Check out the library’s calendar for Book Bedazzling, Baby Storytime, Kid Coders, and more. Plus, you can start your garden with help from the Common Soil Seed Library, a free resource for seeds intended to encourage food literacy and urban agriculture.
Omaha’s newest public library is a $158 million investment in the heart of Omaha. Have you had a chance to check it out?
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