The original Carnegie South Omaha Public Library, designed by Thomas R. Kimball, was built in 1904 at 23rd and M Streets in South Omaha, Nebraska.[1] A Carnegie library, it was razed in December 1953; a new library constructed in the same spot opened in October 1954.[1] The second library building was officially closed on May 17, 2008, when a new branch was opened at 2808 Q Street.

South Omaha Public Library

History

The library was funded by a grant of $50,000 from the Andrew Carnegie Library Fund. The city's plan to erect a new library for the growing area of South Omaha began with the purchase of a lot at 23rd and M Streets in 1902 for $3,5000.[1] Thomas Rogers Kimball was hired to design the structure.[1] He chose a Renaissance Revival style, reminiscent of a small Italian palazzo. The two-story building was built of brick and rusticated limestone.[1] The front entrance was decorated with a carved arch supported by columns.[1] Flanking both sides of the entrance were two arched windows, the larger with iron grating.[1] The first floor was devoted to circulation and basic library services, while the second floor contained a large assembly room.[1] There was solid oak woodwork throughout and the building was topped with a red clay tile roof.[1]

When the City of Omaha annexed South Omaha in 1915, the South Omaha Public Library became the first branch of the Omaha Public Library system.[1] The building remained active until December 1953 when it was razed; a new library was built on the same site.[1]

The second South Omaha Public Library building opened in October 1954.[1] In contrast to the Carnegie library, the second library was a modern one-story building with floor-to-ceiling glass along one wall, designed by Leo A. Daly architects of Omaha.[2] The second library building was officially closed on May 17, 2008, when a new branch was opened at 2808 Q Street.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Jeffrey S. Spencer [researcher & writer], Kristine Gerber [project director] (2003). Building for the ages : Omaha's architectural landmarks (1st ed.). Omaha, Neb.: Omaha Books. p. 31. ISBN 0-9745410-1-X.
  2. ↑ "South Omaha's library has grown with its service to community". The Omaha World-Herald Newspaper, Omaha, Douglas County, NE, USA. March 15, 2014. p. 4E.
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