Downtown Branch, Omaha Public Library — Attraction in Omaha

I brought a family to this library so a mother could have a visit with her children. The kids were in the children’s area and we were the only family back there. From the moment we came into the room staff came back faking like they were cleaning things. The children were playing and being a little loud. Again we were in the children area and the only family back there. Also us being adults we were on the children getting them to calm down. As we were going to the restroom a worker came up to one of the children and said “your reputation proceeds it’s self” my response was I’m confused and her smart remark was “ that happens a lot” I than asked her what did she mean and to explain her comment. She told me to not worry about it and said that a worker had came and already told us the children were loud. (No worker came to an adult) My response to this was she could have just said that and came to the adult and asked us to calm the children. The woman than said I’m feeling attacked! As if I was yelling and attacked her. I did nothing to this worker. I ask her calmly to explain the comment she made to a black child! I don’t appreciate being treated this way. The full white staff did nothing to help and as I was explaining my anger about the situation. The woman smiled in good deeds of working up black people and...

Went to open a library card and an older lady was holding my membership card hostage like it’s some VIP exclusive limited edition backstage Coachella ticket. She took forever, acted really weird and strict, and said “congratulations” and made it a big deal. Everyone who heard her awkwardly chuckled myself included. Then she struggled with the computer and had to ask someone else for help. She also kept starring when I was browsing the shelves and kept acknowledging me. Just really weird vibes, very unnecessary. Everyone else working there was nice and helpful though.

I’ve had better experiences at the DMV lol! I think I’ll stick to their plentiful ebooks for now until the in-person vibe changes from ‘straight-laced prison’ to ‘your friendly...

I had mixed feelings about it. The design is fabulous, as is the decor. The quiet study rooms are a nice touch. The book displays were fabulous and it was impeccably clean. Yet it felt more like a museum than a library. There was no attempt by any staff to interact, no smiles, and seemingly no interest in what I was doing or interested in. I understand that a library is no place for banal conversation, but it usually is a place where you feel comfortable asking questions, especially about library programs and reading suggestions. I'll stick with the other branch libraries until they can find more...