Omaha Public Library, Omaha

This building is the site of the original Omaha Public Library. It was built in 1891 by architect Thomas Kimbal in Second Renaissance Revival style. The place where the building is standing as well as a collection of books, manuscripts and coins were donated by Byron Reed, a real estate broker. The library operated until February 16, 1977. When it closed, special attention was given to preserving the exterior masonry wall roundels, the copper roof and the interior iron staircase. The building was accepted as an Omaha Landmark in October 1978 and the same year it was included in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1982 the building was renovated and transformed into an office building named “Omaha Library Plaza”.