City Announces Proposal for Central Library on “O” Street

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and local officials today announced a proposal to purchase and repurpose the Southeast Community College Education Square building at 1111 ‘O’ Street as Lincoln’s new central library, replacing Bennett Martin Public Library, which was built in 1962 and is located at 136 S. 14th Street. 

Mayor Gaylor Baird described the project as a once-in-a-generation, cost-effective opportunity to meet the community’s expectations for a modern, central public library. 

“Twenty-first century libraries power 21st century cities. 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,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. 

The proposed 80,000-square-foot facility would include flexible community spaces, interactive areas for youth, a coffee shop open beyond library hours, digital labs, a makerspace, a rooftop auditorium, a quiet reading room, and future partner space. An attached, City-owned parking garage with 1,057 spaces and skywalk connections would make the library easily accessible. Southeast Community College has occupied portions of the building since 1995 and recently announced its intention to sell the property.  

By repurposing the existing structure, the City would reduce overall project costs by nearly 35 percent compared to 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 at $46 million. 

Funding for the proposed 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. Because no general obligation bond would be needed, the project would not require a vote by the community. 

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries Director; Sändra Washington, City Council Chair; Dr. Paul Illich, Southeast Community College President; and Joe Shaw, Lincoln City Libraries Board of Trustees President.   

Wieber said the project would be designed with flexibility in mind, creating an engaging, future-ready space centered on access to information, culture, and technology. 

“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. 

Illich highlighted SCC’s enthusiasm for continuing its strong partnership with the City through this transformative project. 

“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,” Illich said. 

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 Public Library and will include an open house and building tour. The proposal is expected to go before the City Council for consideration in August, with internal demolition planned for fall 2026.