Lincoln unveils $46 million plan for new central library
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The City of Lincoln could be getting a new central library that the city says will meet the community’s expectations for a modern library.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird on Thursday announced a proposal to buy and repurpose the Southeast Community College Education Square building at 11th and O streets.
The new library would replace the Bennett Martin Public Library, which was built in 1962.
“Twenty-first century libraries power 21st century cities,” Gaylor Baird said in a press release. “They catalyze innovation and creativity, foster community connection, promote lifelong learning, increase digital literacy and technology access, improve educational outcomes, support economic development, and enhance the overall quality of life for community members.”
The proposed 80,000-square-foot facility would include flexible gathering spaces, interactive areas for youth, a coffee shop open beyond library hours, digital labs, a makerspace, a rooftop auditorium and a quiet reading room.
An attached city-owned parking garage with 1,057 spaces and skywalk connections would make the library easily accessible, the city said.
Gaylor Baird described the project as a once-in-a-generation, cost-effective opportunity.
Southeast Community College has occupied parts of the building since 1995 but recently announced its intention to sell.
By repurposing the existing structure, the city said it would save nearly 35% compared with building a new facility at the former Pershing Center site.
A new build was estimated at $70 million, while remodeling Bennett Martin would cost $57 million, according to the 2024 Library Facilities Master Plan.
The Education Square project is estimated to cost $46 million.
Funding for the project would be a 60% to 40% public-private split: $23 million in municipal infrastructure bonds, $5.2 million from interfund loans and $18 million in private contributions.
One-third of the $18 million in private support has already been committed.
Because no general obligation bond would be needed, the project would not require voters’ approval.
Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries director, said the project would be designed with flexibility in mind.
“Lincoln’s new Central Library will be a catalyst for innovation and creativity, a hub for community connection, and a place where lifelong learning takes place through programming, experiences, civic engagement, and an introduction to culture, the arts, and ideas,” Wieber said in the release.
Paul Illich, SCC’s president, highlighted the college’s enthusiasm for continuing its partnership with the city.
“We are very appreciative of the strong and collaborative partnership with the City and look forward to the many new opportunities to work together to strengthen our communities that will be created with the prospective sale of the College’s Education Square to the City of Lincoln,” he said in the release.
City staff will host a series of open houses in June and July to share the plan and gather community feedback.
The first open house is scheduled for June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Bennett Martin and will include an open house and building tour.
The proposal is expected to go before the city council in August, with internal demolition planned for fall 2026.
For more information, visit lincolnlibraries.org.
