Special Collections of the Omaha Public Library

The Omaha/Nebraska Collection is a large reference collection consisting of thousands of items relating chiefly to the Omaha area as well as greater Nebraska. Included are books, maps, photographs, newspaper clippings, city directories, microfilm of census and newspapers as well as numerous other formats and types of materials. This collection is currently housed at the W. Dale Clark Library downtown.

The Genevieve Price Youth Historic Collection is a core collection of children's and young adult books. It is intended to reflect the time periods in which books were published, with emphasis on books that are award winners, popular in their time, or by recognized authors or illustrators. These books are shelved with the regular collection and can be checked out. This collection is currently housed at the Swanson Branch Library.

The Rare Book Collection is a collection of books that are so old or have special consideration for children's literature. These books do not circulate but can be viewed. This collection is currently housed at the Swanson Branch Library.

The Black Culture Collection is a collection of materials focusing on the history and culture of African Americans. Currently the Black Culture books are identified either by a large dark blue dot on the spine or a special spine label which says “African American.” The collection is currently housed at the Washington Branch Library.

The Spanish Language Collection at South Branch library features both fiction and nonfiction books, spoken cassettes and videos in Spanish. There is a small adult reference collection and a whole range of children's materials as well. Nonfiction includes, but is not limited to, materials on immigration, child care and learning English as a second language.