W. Dale Clark Main Library – Omaha Public Library

This review is only for the computer lab. I haven’t ventured into the rest of the library. I have used the computers at various Omaha libraries, and this one is disgusting. You can see filth on the chairs and walls. There are a lot of homeless people who frequent this one. The bathrooms are also disgusting. This library looks run down compared to the others.

Heyyy, remember when you used to use a library? It’s a great idea! I think people are deterred by some of the vagrants nearby (I think bc of the public transportation stops out there?), but the interior of the library is really clean and inviting. Plus, do you really want to have to buy all the books you want to read? Don’t give Amazon all of that business when you could support a community institution. The library also has this cool art exhibit area.

This is probably my favorite library in Omaha, but it has it’s flaws.
The downtown library is notorious for the bums and homeless that hangout. Yes they do shower in the bathrooms, sometimes worse. However, the security guards usually do a good job of it. One thing I don’t like is they moved all the computers upstairs, I used to be able to go upstairs to get away from them, well now they’re up there with me.
Organizationally it’s the best laid out, when compared to Willa and other branches. I like the large selection that this location offers.
In terms of the staff they are probably the best. Often times librarians (especially at Willa) are very grumpy and downright rude. I’ve had them work with me on fees before, and claims out a book which I know I returned but it had gotten lost. They’re also nice enough to give me a bus schedule when I need one!
I also recently learned they have a lot of events that go on. I plan on going there in a week to decorate gingerbread houses. Not just for kids ya know! You can also get STD testing and other public services at this location. There is information for it all over the library or you could ask a staff member.
Oh and when there are fireworks, they’ll usually let you go watch them from the upstairs area.
Overall yes the homeless people can harass you (now FYI I don’t have a problem with homeless people in general, I’ve been there myself, but I’m talking about the ones that harass you and are cruel at times) especially in the warmer months but I think the good outweighs the bad.

Since I signed up for a library card online… nothing happened for a month.
I went into this location today to sort things out-​I was given a card immediately but did not have a piece of mail with printed name and address (lease, bills etc) I brought a envelope of a letter my mom send me but apparently it was hand written so could not be used.
SO– if you want to be able to borrow more than one book– bring in ID and address on a printed paper that is offical before you can get full range of your library privledges.

Wow not really sure what to say! While I was visiting it appeared to be a mixture of homeless and runaways hanging out on the first floor. The restrooms doubled as public showers.
I did feel pretty safe because of retired Omaha Police officer who was working as security. He controlled the madness as best as he could.
The staff was friendly and helpful .
Glad to see my tax dollars at work.

a pretty good library, with excellent people working here… granted, there’s also a lot of shady looking dopers/​homeless people lingering around and inside, so that’s a negative… and they don’t have a lot of items in their system from some notable authors or tv shows/​movies, so that’s a negative… but it’s location is great and it’s nice to come in and relax in a quiet section with a good book or a magazine and forget your troubles…