Omaha Public Library

What Omaha Public Library does

Omaha Public Library (OPL) is a municipal public library system serving the City of Omaha and Douglas County, Nebraska, operating as a government entity under the City of Omaha rather than as a private corporation. Founded in 1877 and active for over 150 years, the system operates 12+ branch locations plus a mobile library and serves nearly 250,000 cardholders. Its core offering is free, open-access lending and programming across physical and digital formats, with English-language learning, workforce development (LinkedIn Learning, LearningExpress), and community enrichment programs layered on top. The system permanently eliminated overdue fines in April 2021 and operates on a freemium model where library cards are free to residents.

OPL's product surface spans traditional lending, integrated digital platforms (Libby/OverDrive for eBooks/audiobooks, Kanopy for streaming video, Freegal Music, ABCmouse for early learning), special collections (Common Soil Seed Library, Discovery Pass Program, Genealogy & Local History), and technology access via the integrated Do Space makerspace (laser cutters, sewing machines, 3D printing, podcast and video studios). The system's technology stack is built on a BiblioCommons catalog platform and a newly migrated Integrated Library System (ILS) as of late 2025; the flagship $158 million Central Library opened April 19, 2026, featuring an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) — possibly the first of its kind in a U.S. public library — to manage high-density collection storage.

The library is funded principally through public sources (City of Omaha and Douglas County operational and capital budgets) supplemented by private philanthropy via the Omaha Public Library Foundation, which has raised more than $10 million since 1985. Its go-to-market is community-led: free membership for residents, multi-channel engagement (blog, monthly email newsletter, quarterly print newsletter, social media, Omaha World-Herald columns, podcasts, and annual programs like Summer Reading and Omaha Reads), and strategic partnerships with the Nebraska Writers Collective, Amplify Arts, Omaha Symphony, and Metropolitan Community College. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed as is typical for government entities.

Name

Omaha Public Library

Legal name

Omaha Public Library

Website

https://omahalibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1872

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Omaha Public Library is a municipal public library system serving nearly 250,000 cardholders across the City of Omaha and Douglas County through 12+ branches, a mobile library, integrated digital platforms, and the newly opened $158 million Central Library with Do Space makerspace.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Omaha

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Funding: OPL is funded primarily through public sources including the City of Omaha and Douglas County operational and capital funding. The City of Omaha is principally responsible for operational and capital funding, leadership and oversight of the library system.
2. Private Philanthropy: The Omaha Public Library Foundation has raised more than $10 million in private support for OPL programs and services since its creation in 1985.
3. Library Card and Service Fees: Free library cards are available to residents. The library eliminated daily overdue fines permanently in 2021 but may charge fees for replacement cards, lost/damaged materials, and certain services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Omaha Public Library is a municipal public library system serving Omaha and Douglas County. It provides free access to physical and digital lending collections, community and educational programs, research and genealogy assistance, technology access, and public gathering spaces through a network of branch locations.

Product overview

Omaha Public Library is a public library system serving Omaha and Douglas County with 12+ branch locations, providing traditional library services (physical and digital lending, research, programs) plus integrated digital platforms. The portfolio includes Central Library (the $158M flagship opened April 2026), Do Space technology labs/makerspace, OverDrive/Libby digital content (eBooks, audiobooks, magazines), streaming services (Kanopy Kids, Freegal Music), special collections (Common Soil Seed Library, Discovery Passes, Genealogy & Local History), and programs (Summer Reading, Omaha Reads, Reading Challenge, Video Game Tournaments). The system recently completed an ILS transition in late 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Do Space: Technology library and makerspace offering hands-on technology access, creative learning, equipment reservations, podcast studios, and STEM programming for all ages and experience levels.
• Common Soil Seed Library
• Discovery Pass Program
• Omaha Reads
• Summer Reading Program

Products and services

• Library Card & Borrowing Services Free library card membership for residents of Omaha and Douglas County providing access to borrow physical books, media, and other materials across the branch network.
• Central Library The system's flagship central branch offering collections, research resources, meeting spaces, and community programming.
• Do Space A community technology library providing public access to computers, software, and digital tools for residents.
• eBooks, eAudiobooks & Magazines (OverDrive) Digital lending platform enabling cardholders to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines online.
• Kanopy Kids On-demand streaming video service for children's educational and entertainment content available to cardholders.
• Freegal Music Music streaming and download service available free to library cardholders.
• Common Soil Seed Library A seed lending service that allows patrons to take seeds for gardening and return harvested seeds.
• Discovery Pass Program Program providing cardholders free or discounted passes to local museums and cultural attractions.
• Genealogy & Local History Research services and archival resources supporting genealogy and local history investigation.
• MyOPL App Mobile application providing patrons access to their library account, catalog, and digital services.
• Summer Reading Program Seasonal reading challenge and programming aimed at encouraging reading among children, teens, and adults.
• Book Club Bags Curated sets of multiple copies of a title with discussion materials available for lending to book clubs.
• Home Library Services Delivery of library materials to residents who are unable to visit a branch in person.
• Interlibrary Loan Service enabling patrons to borrow materials from other library systems not held in the local collection.
• Meeting Room Reservations Reservable meeting and event spaces within library branches for community and public use.

Named customers3 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Zen Coffee CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 June 2025Official café partner for Central Library, set to open in 2026 at 72nd and Dodge streets.
• Do Space / Community Information TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2022Do Space, the first technology library in the United States founded in 2015, officially became part of the OPL family in January 2026. Its operations, programs and services are now managed by the library, bringing hands-on technology and creative learning opportunities into the library system. Do Space offers laser cutters, sewing machines, video and podcast production studios.
• Heritage OmahacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Nonprofit organization committed to developing impactful philanthropic projects that enrich the Omaha community. Heritage Omaha created Do Space and is a key partner in the Central Library project.
• Amplify ArtsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinated the public art call for Central Library, reviewing 242 applications and selecting 16 local artists to create permanent public artwork for the new facility.
• Nebraska Writers CollectivemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership since 2009 supporting programs including the Teen Poetry Bash (16+ annual events), Show & Tell StorySlam (quarterly events), and writing workshops with nationally touring poets and authors.
• The Write StuffminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal group dedicated to ensuring access to books in schools and public libraries. Partnered with OPL for Banned Books Week 2025 events and book giveaways.
• Film StreamsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with OPL and The Write Stuff to host screening of documentary 'The Librarians' followed by discussion on intellectual freedom and censorship.
• UNL Extension / Master GardenersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering with OPL to host composting workshops through early October, covering methods, maintenance, and healthy composting systems for various spaces.
• Metropolitan Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShared facility partnership at South Omaha Library location.
• Omaha SymphonyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Musical Storytimes bringing live orchestral performances and music education to library storytime programs.
• Lauritzen Gardens and Omaha ZoominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStoryWalks partnership bringing storybook experiences to garden and zoo locations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Indianapolis Public Library: Mid-sized Midwest metro public library system with a flagship central library that recently underwent major renovation/expansion (the 2017 Central Library reopening) - directly comparable to OPL's new Central Library investment thesis.
• Douglas County Libraries: A Colorado public library system serving a similarly sized suburban county footprint with multiple branches, programming, maker spaces, and digital lending - a close analogue to OPL's structure of branches, mobile services, and community programming.
• Hennepin County Library: Minnesota's largest public library system, serving a major metro area with extensive branches, makerspace initiatives (Hennepin Innovates), digital services, and community programming - comparable to OPL in scale, urban-suburban mix, and breadth of services.
• Anythink Libraries: Anythink is a Colorado public library district known for innovation and experience-driven library design (e.g., the Rangeview Library District rebranding). It is directly comparable to OPL as a forward-leaning public library system investing in physical infrastructure, programming depth, and community engagement.
• Kansas City Public Library: Midwestern public library system with multiple branches, strong programming, and a distinctive flagship central library - structurally analogous to OPL in metropolitan service area, branch footprint, and central-library identity.
• Columbus Metropolitan Library: Ohio's largest public library system, recognized for high visitorship per capita and continuous facility investment (e.g., new and renovated branches). Its 'main library plus branches' model and reinvestment strategy mirrors OPL's trajectory.
• Salt Lake City Public Library: Utah's flagship public library system with a notable central-library building, multiple branches, and strong programming - comparable to OPL in mid-size metro footprint, central-library identity, and community-driven service mix.

Broad incumbents

• Denver Public Library: Large urban public library system serving the Denver metro with a flagship central library, extensive branches, makerspace/digital lab offerings, and cultural programming. Operates at greater scale than OPL but covers a comparable service mix.
• Multnomah County Library: Portland, Oregon's public library system - one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest with a flagship central library and a strong reputation for innovation and community programming, providing a useful comparable for OPL's central-library-driven strategy.

Others

• BiblioCommons: The vendor providing OPL's catalog and patron management platform - an ecosystem enabler rather than a direct competitor, but a relevant peer for understanding the technology stack that powers OPL's digital services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OmahaLibrary
• Facebookfacebook.com/OmahaLibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/omaha-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Omaha Public Library