Lincoln, Nebraska – July 29, 2025
The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries is pleased to announce the Lincoln City Council’s approval of an ordinance ratifying a Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement between the City of Lincoln, on behalf of Lincoln City Libraries, and Southeast Community College. This milestone vote secures the purchase of the property located at 1111 O Street—the future home of Lincoln’s new Central Library.
“This vote marks the official beginning of the next great story in Lincoln,” says Tiffani Childress, Executive Director, Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries. “It’s a transformative moment for our city, more than two decades in the making. With this step forward, we are closer than ever to delivering a world-class library that reflects the energy, diversity, and innovation of Lincoln.”
Set to break ground in spring 2026, the new Central Library will become a modern hub for learning, creativity, and community connection. Spanning 80,000 square feet, the revitalized facility will offer a rooftop auditorium, makerspace and digital labs, a teaching kitchen, interactive children’s areas, and a welcoming coffee shop designed to encourage lingering and conversation. With more than 1,000 adjacent parking spaces and seamless skywalk access, the library will remain easily reachable year-round, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of downtown’s revitalization.
“The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries is proud to be supporting this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” says Childress. “We are actively raising funds to ensure this building reflects the hopes and needs of the Lincoln community for decades to come.”
With a fundraising goal of $18 million by spring 2028, the Foundation has already secured over $7.1 million in commitments from local donors. More donations are now being accepted with naming opportunities available throughout the building—including major community spaces, study areas, the teen and children’s sections, and more.
By repurposing Southeast Community College’s Education Square, the project will save nearly 35% compared to the cost of an entirely new facility at the old Pershing Auditorium site. The new Central Library will also replace the Bennett Martin Public Library downtown, providing the entirety of Lincoln with a grand library that will serve as a hub of community enrichment. “It will be Lincoln City Libraries’ flagship,” says Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries Director. “The new Central Library will be a vibrant gathering space where the people of Lincoln can come together to learn, create, and connect.”
“This is a space designed for every generation and every story,” says Childress. “Whether you want to honor a loved one, celebrate a business legacy, or simply give back to the city you love, a gift to the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries will help create a library that inspires.”
Support The Central Library Project
To learn more about how to support the Central Library project, including naming rights and giving opportunities, email Tiffani Childress at foundationforlcl@gmail.com.
About the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries
The Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries enhances Lincoln City Libraries’ ability to provide the highest quality programs and services to the community. Through donor support, the Foundation helps to ensure that every resident of Lincoln has access to lifelong learning, literacy, and community connection.
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Central Library Renderings
A Space Designed for Every Generation and Every Story
