The City of Lincoln is considering a major upgrade to the Bennett Martin Public Library in downtown, near S. 14th and “N” Street.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and local officials announced Thursday a proposal to purchase and repurpose the Southeast Community College Education Square building at 11th and “O” Street as Lincoln’s new central library, replacing Bennett Martin, which was built in 1962.
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,” 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, equaling 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.
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.
For more information, visit lincolnlibraries.org. See mock-up design images below.