Lincoln Begins Construction on New Central Library

The project transforms a former college building into a modern 80,000-square-foot library facility.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A mid-century institutional building undergoing construction, featuring partially installed glass panels and exposed timber framing against a gray concrete structure. — Lincoln city officials have commenced the conversion of the former Southeast Community College building on O Street into a new 80,000-square-foot central library. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Lincoln officials have officially launched construction on a new central library facility on O Street. The project will convert the existing Southeast Community College Education Square Building to house the library.

Why it matters

The city opted to repurpose the college building after determining that renovating the structure is more cost-effective than building a new facility or renovating the current site.

The new facility will span 80,000 square feet, significantly updating the infrastructure currently held in the Bennett Martin Public Library. The total budget for this renovation project is projected at $58.8 million.

The players

Bennett Martin Public Library

This facility has functioned as the main library for the city of Lincoln since its opening in 1962.

Southeast Community College

This educational institution previously operated the Education Square Building on O Street that is now being converted.

The details

Construction crews are replacing the building’s current opaque facade with glass and incorporating cross-laminated timber into the concrete frame. Upon the project's completion, the city intends to sell the Bennett Martin Public Library, which has served as the main library since 1962.

The Bennett Martin Public Library first opened as the main city library in 1962.
A proposal for the new central library project was formally announced in 2025.
Construction on the new library facility officially began in October 2026.

Market Landscape

This project continues a long-term urban development strategy of retiring aging municipal infrastructure in favor of adaptive reuse. It mirrors the transition from the city's Old Main Carnegie library to the current Bennett Martin facility.

Residents can expect improved library services and a modernized facility once the conversion of the O Street location is complete. The move eventually replaces the current library building with a newer, more efficient space.

The takeaway

The move to adapt existing structures highlights a growing trend in municipal cost management. Residents should look for future announcements regarding the timeline for the eventual relocation of library services.