Central Library Sustainability Town Hall set for September 4

Lincoln City Libraries invites community members to a Sustainability Town Hall regarding the proposed Central Library Project from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 4, at Eiseley Branch Library, 1530 Superior Street.

Central Library Project architects will share their vision for an adaptive, low-carbon, people-centered downtown library. Attendees can learn about planned sustainability features, ask questions, and share ideas. Refreshments will be provided.

Proposed features of the 80,000 square-foot library include building reuse with a mass timber addition, improved multi-modal access, a high-performance insulated façade, efficient heating and cooling, daylight optimization, healthy materials, a green roof, water conservation measures, electric vehicle charging, flexible community spaces, and targeted energy performance goals.

The City announced in May a proposal to purchase and repurpose the Southeast Community College Education Square building at 1111 “O” Street as Lincoln’s new central library. It would replace Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S. 14th St., which was built in 1962.

In July, the City Council approved purchase of the Education Square building. Funding for the $46 million project would include $23 million in municipal infrastructure bonds, $5.2 million from interfund loans and $18 million in private contributions, representing a 60%-40% public-private split. One-third of the $18 million in private support has already been committed.