City Launches Community Fundraising Campaign for New Central Library
Campaign kickoff event set for June 25
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and community representatives have launched a public fundraising campaign for the new Central Public Library at 1111 “O” St. by inviting community members to invite everyone to help shape Lincoln's next great civic space.
“Everyone can be a part of building this important legacy,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “With today’s launch of the community campaign, we all have the opportunity to write an exciting new chapter in Lincoln’s story by building a 21st century library for generations to come.”
Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries Director; Tiffani Hill, Director of the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries; and Jackie Ostrowicki, Lincoln City Libraries Board of Trustees President.
Funding for the $58.8 million project will include $23.8 million in municipal infrastructure bonds, $8.5 million from other city funds, including an interfund loan for the purchase of the building, and $26.5 million in public and private contributions, representing a 55% public, 45% private split.
The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries is managing the fundraising campaign, with $21.3 million already pledged from private donors and philanthropic organizations.
Wieber presented updated renderings of the planned library and said interior demolition is scheduled to begin this summer. The library is expected to open in summer 2028.
“We are so excited to show the community the work that has been going on behind the scenes and have the community show its support,” Wieber said.
Hill joined the Mayor and Director Wieber in thanking private and philanthropic partners for their financial support, and invited the community to a fundraising launch event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the Lincoln Community Foundation Barbara Bartle Garden, 1421 “N” St.
“Through the launch of our community campaign, we all have a chance to invest in a 21st century library where all of Lincoln can gather, learn, and belong,” Hill said. “So, whether you are a lifelong supporter of our libraries or just on page one, I hope you will invest in what will become a touchstone for our entire community. When you give, you help Lincoln write our next chapter – together.”
Calling the library a thoughtfully planned, financially responsible, forward-looking investment, Ostrowicki said the library is also a declaration of community values regarding access, equity, and belief in the power of ideas to shape the future.
“Our new central public library will be a hub for community connection, digital literacy, culture, cuisine, and creativity. It will partner with other organizations to amplify programming and drive collective impact. In short, it will strengthen our civic infrastructure,” Ostrowicki said.
The library will include flexible community spaces, interactive areas for youth, a café open beyond library hours, a digital lounge, administrative offices, a teaching kitchen and seed library, a makerspace, a rooftop auditorium, quiet reading, study and wellness spaces, and future partner spaces. The facility includes an attached, City-owned parking garage with 1,057 spaces and skywalk connections.
The City named Sampson Construction of Lincoln as the general contractor for the project in November 2025, The City also selected The Mill Coffee & Tea of Lincoln as the vendor to operate the café within the facility.
The City announced in May 2025 its plan to purchase and repurpose the Southeast Community College Education Square building as a replacement for Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S. 14th St., which was built in 1962. The City Council approved purchase of the Education Square building in July 2025.