South Omaha Public Library facts for kids
The original South Omaha Public Library was a special building. It was built in 1904 in South Omaha, Nebraska. A famous architect named Thomas R. Kimball designed it. This library was a "Carnegie library." This means it was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a very rich man who helped build libraries all over the world.
This first library building was taken down in 1953. A new library was built in the same spot and opened in 1954. This second library building closed its doors on May 17, 2008. A brand new library branch then opened at 2808 Q Street.
Contents
History of the South Omaha Library
How the First Library Was Built
The idea for the library started with a gift of $50,000. This money came from the Andrew Carnegie Library Fund. In 1902, the city bought land at 23rd and M Streets for $3,500. This was the perfect spot for the new library.
Thomas Rogers Kimball was chosen to design the building. He decided on a Renaissance Revival style. This style looked like a small Italian palazzo, which is a grand Italian house.
Design of the First Building
The library was a two-story building. It was made from strong brick and rough-cut limestone. The front door had a beautiful carved arch. This arch was held up by columns. On both sides of the entrance, there were two arched windows. The larger windows had cool iron grates.
Inside, the first floor was where people checked out books. It also had other basic library services. The second floor had a big room for meetings and events. The whole building had fancy solid oak wood. A red clay tile roof sat on top.
Changes Over Time
In 1915, the City of Omaha took over South Omaha. This meant the South Omaha Public Library became the first branch of the Omaha Public Library system. It was an important part of the community for many years.
The first library building was used until December 1953. Then, it was taken down. A new, more modern library was built right on the same spot.
The Second Library Building
The second South Omaha Public Library opened in October 1954. It looked very different from the first one. This new library was a modern, one-story building. It had big, floor-to-ceiling glass windows along one wall. The famous architects Leo A. Daly from Omaha designed it.
This second library building served the community for many years. It officially closed on May 17, 2008. That's when a brand new library branch opened nearby at 2808 Q Street.
