The original Omaha Public Library building is an office building and former library located at 1823 Harney Street in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Designed by architect Thomas Kimball in the Second Renaissance Revival style, the building served as the main branch of the Omaha Public Library from its opening in 1894 until 1977.
History
The building was constructed between 1891 and 1894. It was designed by Thomas Rogers Kimball, a prominent Omaha architect. The structure is noted for its resemblance to the Boston Public Library and is considered one of the finest early Second Renaissance Revival buildings in Nebraska. Byron Reed, a pioneer real estate broker in Omaha, donated the site for the building as well as his collection of books, manuscripts, and coins.
The building served as the city's main library for over 80 years. By the mid-1970s, the structure had fallen into disrepair, and in 1975 it was announced that it would be replaced. The library closed on February 16, 1977, and the W. Dale Clark Library opened the following month.
Post-library use
Following its closure as a library, the building was renovated and converted into an office building known as "Omaha Library Plaza."
Designation
The Omaha Public Library building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 (NRHP reference No. 78001696). It was also designated an Omaha Landmark on October 17, 1978.
