Central Library Project
Repurposing Education Square
Proposed Location
1111 “O” Street — the current Southeast Community College (SCC) Education Square building
- 80,000 square feet
- Includes attached, City-owned parking garage with 1,057 spaces
- Direct skywalk connections to downtown buildings
- Formerly known as Centrum Mall (opened in 1979)
- SCC has occupied portions of the building since 1995
Vision for a Modern Central Library
Lincoln’s new central library will be a dynamic, 21st-century space designed to support lifelong learning, creativity, and community connection.
Key Features Will Include:
- Flexible community spaces
- Interactive youth areas
- Makerspace & digital labs
- Rooftop auditorium
- Quiet reading room
- Coffee shop open beyond library hours
Cost-Effective Investment
- $58.8 million total project cost
- 55% - 45% Cost share between City funding and private philanthropy
- Substantially less costly than renovating Bennett Martin or building a new facility
Funding Breakdown:
- $23.8M municipal improvement bonds
- $26.5M in private contributions
- $8.5M other City funding, interest, interfund loan
- No general obligation bond required
Why Repurpose?
- Reduces cost while meeting long-term library goals
- Speeds up timeline compared to new construction
- Builds on Southeast Community College’s strong partnership with the City
Project Timeline
- Summer 2026: Construction packages out to bid
- Late summer 2026: Interior demolition
- Fall 2026: Construction
- Summer 2028; Library opens
Background
The existing Bennett Martin Public Library, located at 136 S. 14th Street, was built in 1962 with additions in 1968 and 1978. It no longer meets modern library needs in terms of space, accessibility, and function.