NewsLocal News

Actions

Omaha Public Library announces phased reopening plans

Masks will be required for all library visitors
Posted at 12:27 PM, Sep 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-01 14:37:18-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) - The Omaha Public Library announced plans for a phased reopening beginning on September 21.

Once they reopen, branches will be operate Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Three branch locations (Millard Branch, Milton R. Abrahams Branch and W. Dale Clark Main Library) will be open from 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

Masks will be required for all library visitors until further notice.

Library branches that have been providing curbside service will suspend curbside operations between September 13 and September 20 so they can prepare to reopen. Curbside services will resume at all branches during normal operating hours.

Meeting and study rooms will not be available for reservation for the foreseeable future. Public computers will be available though fewer will be offered in an effort to promote social distancing.

Library officials say book drops will open as branches reopen beginning September 21, and items checked out will resume normal due dates.

Items checked out during the library's closure will be due back on October 19. Items placed on hold shelves before to October 1 will expire and be made available to other people on October 15.

The Omaha Public Library system closed back in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The approval of CARES Act funding by the state and county enabled reopening plans.

Find the reopening schedule below.

Monday, Sept. 21: Five branches will open.
Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, 2100 Reading Plaza, 402-289-4367
Charles B. Washington Branch, 2868 Ames Ave., 402-444-4849
Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., 402-444-4848
Milton R. Abrahams Branch, 5111 N. 90th St., 402-444-6284
Willa Cather Branch, 1905 S. 44th St., 402-444-4851

Monday, Sept. 28: Three additional branches will open.
A.V. Sorensen Branch, 4808 Cass St., 402-444-5274
Benson Branch, 6015 Binney St., 402-444-4846
Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St., 402-444-5299

The opening dates for the remaining four branches will be announced at a later time.
Saddlebrook Branch, 14850 Laurel Ave., 402-444-5780
W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St., 402-444-4800
W. Clarke Swanson Branch, 9101 W. Dodge Rd., 402-444-4852
South Omaha Library, 2808 Q St., 402-444-4850