Omaha Public Library is updating its behind-the-scenes software this November, and you will see some disruptions to service as we complete the transition. This software enables our staff to manage and check out materials and for you to place holds. We appreciate your patience and understanding!
📖 What you need to know:
- Keep your materials longer! Deadlines for physical materials will be extended until the software migration is complete.
- No new holds. Holds placement will be unavailable beginning Nov. 2 and until migration is completed.
- In-person checkouts. You can still check out physical materials in person at any OPL branch. Materials cannot be transferred between locations for pickup during this time. To check if specific materials are still available at a location, we recommend calling the branch directly.
- PINs will reset on Nov. 12. All PINs will reset to the last 4 digits of your library card number. Patrons may update their PINs to a 4-digit number of their choosing after this date.
- Branches will be closed Nov. 12-13. All OPL locations will be closed to the public while additional setup work takes place.
🥳 The good news:
Many of your favorite services will be available throughout the transition period! You can continue to access the following:
- Libby and OverDrive: Check out your favorite eBooks and eAudiobooks.
- Online Resources: Access databases for research, learning and local history.
- Discovery Passes: Reserve and check out passes for local Omaha attractions.
- Printing, scanning and public computer use in branches will be available.
- New card sign-ups can be completed in person at a branch with immediate access to check out physical materials. Please note: Access to online resources for new card signups will be unavailable until migration is complete.
There may be brief periods of intermittent disruption to online resources as we flip the switch, but these will be largely available during the migration.
Detailed Schedule
Oct. 13 - Extended checkout and account expiration dates
- Physical materials checked out beginning on Oct. 13 will have extended checkout periods. Checkouts will extend from 3 weeks to 5 weeks.
- If your library card is due to expire during this time, expiration dates will be extended until Nov. 17.
Nov. 2 - Limited services begin
Library services will be limited as we begin the software transition.
What is unavailable beginning Nov. 2:
- Placing holds
- Interlibrary loan requests
- eCard sign-ups
What is available during this time:
- Patrons can still log in to their account via the website or MyOPL app and browse the website, events calendar and catalog.
Nov. 5 - Update on limited services
The online catalog will only show materials that the library currently owns and will no longer update. OPL will be unable to process returns during this time, and any returned materials will remain on a cardholder’s account until Nov. 14.
If possible, we ask patrons to hold materials until Nov. 14 when OPL is able to process returns again.
What is unavailable beginning Nov. 5:
- Patron login through the website or mobile MyOPL app
- Checkout in the MyOPL app
- Placing holds
- Interlibrary loan requests
- eCard sign-ups
- Online registration for events
- Requests for materials to be transferred from another branch
- Account payments cannot be taken from Nov. 5-11 (such as damage and material replacement fees or non-resident account fees)
What is available during this time:
- Patrons can still browse the website, events calendar and catalog, but they cannot log in to their account.
- Patrons can check out materials from branches they physically visit. To check if materials are available at a specific branch, we recommend calling the branch directly. Staff will be unable to access inventory at other locations. To check out materials, patrons must present their physical or digital card.
All checkouts will return from the temporary 5-week checkout period to the original 3-week checkout.
Nov. 12 - Library account PINs reset
Due to migration, library account PINs are reset to the last four digits of the library card account. Patrons may update their PINs to a 4-digit number of their choosing.
Nov. 12-13 - Temporary closure
All branches are closed.
Nov. 13 - Update on limited services
A temporary online catalog, opens a new window will be available to patrons. Patrons can search for and place items on hold.
What is unavailable as of Nov. 13:
- Account login and holds placement via the MyOPL app
- Interlibrary loan requests
- eCard sign-ups
- Online registration for events
What is available during this time:
- Patron login and holds placement through the temporary online catalog, opens a new window, as well as checking out materials from branches in person.
Early December 2025 - Return to normal services
All services return to normal. Library catalog/mobile app, interlibrary loans, material purchase suggestions, and library card signups are all available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of changing the computer software for materials?
The new software will allow for improved efficiency, materials management, and cardholder account management, enabling OPL to:
- Be more responsive: By analyzing real-time borrowing habits, OPL can more quickly identify community needs, allowing them to purchase the right materials and resources more efficiently.
- Optimize the collection: It can show librarians which books circulate best in each branch’s community, helping them tailor collections to match the unique borrowing habits of individual branches.
- Improve efficiencies: Streamlined internal processes mean less time spent on administrative tasks and more time for staff to spend with the public, offering personalized recommendations and running engaging programs.
Does this affect digital services and online resources?
Checkouts and holds in Libby will be available during this period. There will be intermittent service disruptions after Nov. 12, as additional services and online resources are migrated to the new system.
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