The two-story brick building at 1401 Jones Street was designed by renowned Omaha architect John Latenser in 1912, and originally served as the site of the David Cole Creamery. Following its closure in 1940, the building was renovated into cold storage, and later operated as an auto parts supply business before being sold to investors in 2013.
In November 2021, the City of Omaha announced the structure – which falls within the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District – would serve as the new Omaha Public Library Downtown Branch after W. Dale Clark Main Library closed in August 2022.
Featured on the National Register of Historic Places, the building boasts original limestone window sills and prominent brickwork patterned in a mosaic diamond. Special care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the original structure, including its masonry, tilework, tin ceilings and exposed wooden beams. New additions such as a feature wall representing the downtown Omaha street grid, commissioned artwork, and distinctive photography also pay homage to the history of the city.
Visitors will find a large children’s area and story house to encourage the imaginations of Omaha’s youngest readers; a quiet reading room in which to get lost in a favorite book; meeting spaces and study rooms designed for community collaboration and engagement; and technology and other innovative services to connect people with ideas and information.
