The Yummiest Libraries in Omaha

Bess Dodson Walt Branch

"New, modern feel- friendly help, and a large kids section with story time!ProfessionalVery easy to useMeeting rooms are niceplus accross parking lot from new YMCA- read then workout"

Omaha Public Library - Millard Branch

"This review covers post-COVID library use. These folks actually make the library work for remote use. It works well and is very safe.Hours changed. Now it's 10a to 4p, W-Sat. You can pick up reserves by appointment only. You pull up and call in. They bring out your books, bagged, and leave them in front of your car. Safe and clean.Drop offs are easy. The slot is on the north side of the building. You can only drop off during open hours."

Gretna Public Library

"We absolutely love the Gretna Public Library. As relatively new Gretna residents moving from Midtown Omaha we were pleasantly surprised with this Library. Not only do we receive books much more quickly that often required weeks or months of holds at the Omaha library, the staff is incredibly friendly.As they transition to being in a larger facility the main library and children's library are open at two different locations walking distance from each other, and due to staffing are open at alternating times, as long as you know that and check the schedule before heading out it is never a problem. They do all kinds of events at each one of the locations geared towards kids and adults alike."

South Branch Library

"This library is small but mighty. Conveniently located at 27 & South, it has plenty of overflow parking thanks to the church next door. Thanks to the online Lincoln Library website, you can request any book, audiobook, or DVD to come to this (or any) location."

Sump Memorial Library

"I went in to acquire about library cards and was greeted upon entry. The two ladies were super friendly and assisted me as needed. I did a quick walk thru and noticed a large selection of books, magazines, etc. They had computers if needed and a large section for reading."

Council Bluffs Public Library

"Wow! What a beautiful facility. Thoroughly modern with a fantastic layout. Meeting rooms, large sections for children books, large CD checkout available and the list goes on....Librarians were super helpful and come to find out it is available to Carter Lake residents as well Even if you are not from the area you will be welcome!"

Omaha Public Library - Florence Branch

"Nice library and neighborhood community center in Florence. This library had a facelift a few years ago and serves Florence well. My daughter used to check out books weekly during the summer and enjoyed her visits their to look for books when she was younger. Our Neighborhood uses meeting rooms a few times a year there. Obviously you can borrow books here, but they also have a 'rec room' with games and activities for kids, a gymnasium for basketball and other activities, as well as a computer lab. Like a lot of the other Omaha libraries they host kids activities over the summer as well."

Anderson Branch Library

"This is my local library. The librarians are very helpful, and this location provides tons of services for people in Havelock. I probably stop in here 2-3 times a week, and occasionally set up my laptop and work here. Great place!"

Omaha Public Library - Willa Cather Branch

"While not the most modern library in the world, Willa Cather aptly serves its purpose as a community gathering place to seek out information and share ideas (quietly). Since it's 2015, I've never been inclined to check out a book here, because, well, the internet. But they do offer free wifi, so I have found myself at this library on multiple occasions to work from my laptop. At coffee shops, you always feel obligated to buy something, which is understood. But sometimes I just can't drink any more damn coffee and just need a relaxing spot to spread out and get some work done. Willa Cather is a good place to do this at.If you don't have a computer handy, you can grab one of the public computers to use at your own discretion. And yep, there will be a few colorful locals playing online games for hours on end, but that's what you expect to find at pretty much any public library in the US these days.Bonus points for being named after Nebraska's most famous author."

Nebraska State Law Library

"A beautiful space, and a great place for reading. According to their website, this is the oldest public library in the state. It feels like taking a step back in time.Not a great place for working with a laptop, but a great place to work if you want to unplug.If you want to visit this library, you can access it by climbing the steps behind the elevators located off the rotunda."

Omaha Public Library - Milton R Abrahams Branch

"My rating is likely skewed because I love libraries. This one is small, yet has so much to delight me. All the books I'd expect, plus books on CD, music, graphic novels, and movies on disc.I've borrowed a lot since rediscovering my love of libraries. I'm here often. I've grown familiar to the staff and can greet some by name. It's comforting.It's not a dead-silent library, either. The children's section is rather large, and I hear them interacting. That, too, comforts me. Fair warning to those that would have a silent library - head downtown. The rest of us will bliss out here.I just want there to be more of it. Childish, I suppose, but there it is."

Omaha Public Library - South Omaha Library

"I love this library. It's a great location for those of us that live in the South Omaha area! I went recently to get a new library card and the gal helping me was super friendly. Went again to get a zoo pass - which is a great benefit! Again, super nice people. Now I go regularly to check out and return books. A great addition for the community and surrounding area. Don't forget to download the Omaha Public Library app!"

Omaha Public Library

"It seems a little strange to review a library, but A.V. Sorenson wasn't even on Yelp yet, so here we go. First off, I'd be willing to wager that non-library goers might not even know this place exists in Dundee, though it's been open as a branch library and recreation center since 1976. The community center includes a large meeting room, gym, game room, classroom, and weight room with activities for all age ranges, from preschool to seniors. While the library (upstairs) includes computers with internet access, all the books you could hope for, and was recently remodeled to boot. There is a also a pretty cool 'lost wax' bronze sculpture commissioned in memory of Pam Scott, a former OPL manager - appropriately titled "Children Reading on a Log" - located inside the library."

Eiseley Branch Library

"Been coming for years when I lived in Lincoln since it was built. It's been wonderful to have such a nice large library with so many options and resources! They really keep up with the times too with game rentals! Susan is always so sweet, we even got help having to stop in to get some military paperwork scanned in while out of town! Brings back so many nerdy memories of hanging out after middle and high-school in the book clubs!"

Omaha Public Library - Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch

"This has become our go-to library since moving out to Elkhorn last fall and we are always pleased with our visits. The librarian staff are super helpful and great with the kids whenever there is a noisy child who needs some help. Sure, The Children's area is a little smaller than other Omaha libraries around the city, but this library also used to only serve Elkhorn before it was annexed so it's expected because it is smaller. It still has all the main features of a library - private study rooms, computers to use, work spaces, and plenty of books and movies to choose from.Perhaps the best thing to do anymore is to go online and reserve books ahead of time for pick up. Since covid, this has been a lifesaver. You no longer have to even worry if they don't have your favorite author in stock, just reserve it online or in the Omaha Library app and have it sent right to your preferred library branch! They hold books for about a week once it arrives. Hope this helps someone else who struggles to find a book while browsing shelves!"

Omaha Public Library - Benson Branch

"My wife and I went to the Benson Library this past weekend and took our 4 month old to story time. It was really fun and the story time presenter was awesome.After story time was over, which was about 30 minutes, I took a walk around the library with my daughter. It is a really nice, small library with a lot of books to choose from. They also have a lot of computers that people could use to surf the internet.All of the employees were really nice and helpful and I can't wait to go back to story time again!"

Bellevue Public Library

"I love this library! I will admit I haven't owned a library card in 20+ years too. They always have a great collection of books available, and the employees are so friendly. Checking out is always quick and painless. They have lots of family events according to the emails I receive. I love their pet program that allows dogs to sit in with readers."

Bennett Martin Public Library

"I tried to add a separate Yelp listing for the Polley Music Library. It is housed within Lincoln's main public library. It's a special music-specific selection of media and programs. Fortunately, your Lincoln library card will allow you to enjoy all this (unfortunately, for me, I live in Omaha and we don't have a music library).We visited here to see a lecture/performance by the iconic free improvisation saxophonist Jack Wright. I was really impressed with the programs being offered here. Scott is really helpful and it's obvious that he really cares about all things music.This was my first visit here, I will definitely be back."

Omaha Public Library - Saddlebrook Branch

"This is our neighborhood library and since my kids were little we've been traveling up there for story times and to check out books. This branch offers a lot of different sing a long and story times in the library and in the atrium.I've checked out many books from children's to romance to non-fiction. You can also reserve books online to pick up there. There is a lot of parking, especially when schools out it's easy to get in, and then there is an outdoor drop box for returns. My step daughter also had private tutoring lessons in their quiet rooms."

Gere Branch Library

"What a fun library! We were visiting Lincoln for doctor appointments and had time to kill. We had a lot of fun playing with the train toys and the blocks. So many children's books compared to our local library even. All the librarians we spoke with were really nice. They also have board games and crayons and such for children to play with. I wish there were more comfortable chairs to cuddle up in and read a book together but we had fun."

Schmid Law Library

"A quiet place to study. Though this is the law school's library, the general public is able to come here to do their own legal research.During finals weeks the library is occasionally closed to non-law students, but other than those times it is a great place to work.The Librarians are incredibly gracious and helpful."

Keene Memorial Library

"This is a staple in Fremont for educational information and activities. They have a world of books , DVDs , and CDs for rent. When you check out a book that isn't new you actually have it for 3 weeks. New for 2. My family love this place and the activities during the year."

Squirrel Cage Jail

★★★★★ 4.6 (17)

"THIS IS A MUST STOP. If you are ever close to Omaha, NE, you have to try to come and see this jail. If you like unusual buildings and architecture, this is worth a dedicated trip to see.Officially it is called the Pottawattamie County Jail built in 1885. they say 18 were built and only 3 remain in the world. It cost $30,000 then which is about $650,000 today. It is a rotary jail. The entire jail is on a turntable. A jailer turns the squirrel cage where all the prisoners are by a hand crank. It takes 5 min to rotate the whole cage one revolution. There is only one opening out of the cage so the prisoners can only come out one at a time at each of 3 levels. Its like a toothpick dispenser with a hole. They put up to 6 people in an area no larger than a small walk in closet.Totally fascinating and its a very "dark "place to visit. You can feel the gloom and depression that must have been rampant there. No wonder it's popular at Halloween."

Bethany Branch Library

"Obviously less selection on the shelves at a small branch like this but you can get anything sent through the on-line request system and it is nice to be in a small environment like this sometimes."

Omaha Public Library - W. Clarke Swanson Branch

"I love this library for its staff, it's proximity, and it's ability to request books and disks from the other branches. Parking is reasonable. Access is likewise good.A/C has broken down a few times this year. Only a problem for us kids wanting more to read or hear or view.Not a big enough issue for me. I'm there weekly!Almost forgot the website. Way easy to find stuff to reserve. So good."