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Omaha Public Library reports rising visits, new central library progress and expanded outreach programs
Summary
Library Executive Director Laura Marlane briefed commissioners on systemwide growth tied to the new central branch, expanded programming (seed libraries, mobile book van, genealogy services) and data showing steady recovery of circulation and visits since 2019.
Laura Marlane, executive director of the Omaha Public Library, told the Douglas County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 28 that the system is expanding programming and outreach as the new Central Library project nears completion.
"We've had a tremendous amount of growth over the past couple of years to our library system as part of the central library project," Marlane said during a presentation that highlighted new programming teams, a pop-up mobile library called Poppy, partnerships with area cultural institutions and expanded seed-library circulation.
Marlane said the system houses about 700,000 print volumes and employs roughly 250 people. She described a multi-branch approach to programming that has increased nighttime and weekend story times, added hybrid author events, expanded genealogy and local-history offerings and established a pop-up mobile library (Poppy) that visits parades, community festivals and partner events.
Key data presented by Marlane showed circulation and visit patterns relative to pre-pandemic (2019) levels: the library reported a 3% increase in circulation since 2019 and an expectation to return to pre-pandemic visit totals by the end of 2025. She also reported a 42% increase in virtual visits compared with pre-pandemic figures and said in-branch browsing remains a large share of circulation (about 80% of items are discovered on shelves rather than by online hold requests).
Commissioners asked about archives and local-history services. Marlane said the Genealogy and Local History Room and several administrative functions moved to an interim location on 84th and Frederick (the former Shopko building), where materials are consolidated and available by appointment for researchers.
Commissioner Cavanaugh asked how many print volumes the system holds; Marlane answered, "We have approximately 700,000 print volumes." Commissioner Fahey and others praised outreach efforts including the seed-library program (92,000 seed packets circulated last year) and the Book Drop podcast used to promote reading-challenge titles. Marlane said the new downtown Central Library is slated to open in early 2026.
Why it matters: The county provides financial support to the Omaha Public Library through a dedicated mill levy; the library’s program expansion, the new central facility and its outreach efforts affect library access and services countywide.
Ending: Commissioners thanked Marlane and library staff for services; the board then moved on to a separate nonprofit presentation.
