South Omaha Public Library
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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.
Contents
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 an 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
- Original Omaha Public Library Building
- Omaha Public Library System Overview
- Omaha Public Library Branches
