On July 25, 2025 at Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard from Ryan Wieber, Director Lincoln City Libraries.
For some time we have known that the Bennett Martin Library in Downtown Lincoln has become obsolete. There is no room to expand. The spaces are not conducive to modern meeting need. They are not able to accommodate some of the requested collections. And more.
Considering renovation they were looking at $57million. There was also a look at purchasing the former Pershing Center site for about $70million.
About a year ago there was a decision to look at taking over the site at 1111 O Street - the sign of the Southeast Communication College Education Square. The price tag would be $46million - estimated to be about 39% less than building new (such as on the Pershing site) and significantly less than renovating the current Bennett Martin Library.
It is important to have a library in downtown Lincoln. There has been a focus on the development of downtown Lincoln for 25 years. In some ways that has been a roadblock to moving forward with the library project. This library project could also be a springboard for other development or improvement projects in Downtown Lincoln.
Quoting from the Lincoln Journal Star article: The new library will offer a vibrant space not only for downtown residents but for visitors from across the city to engage with programming, check out materials and enjoy what has been called “the community’s living room.”
Ryan shared renderings of the proposed site and pointed out features and benefits.
It is an adaptive use of an existing building - always good to use existing structures. There is a dedicated attached parking garage and the 1st hour is free.
The building is not old - it was built in 1978 with 80,000 sf of space. It has two floors - no basement. It was built with a design that allows for expansion. Adding a roof top space is in the plans for the library.
Looking at a vision of a modern library, Ryan shared that we would include interactive children and teen areas. The space would provide a safe meeting space for youth.
Including study rooms and meeting spaces - different sizes to accommodate the community. These would be equipped with the latest technology to accommodate current demands. They could even include a recording studio for audio/video recordings.
There are plans for maker space - more than they available today. They are providing space today to support creativity and include tools like 3D printers.
Ryan talked about the annual big book sale that many Lincolnites love - staffed by many volunteers. He said they are looking at having a book store within the new library for year-long opportunity to purchase books.
The rooftop design would include an auditorium that could accommodate 250-300. He said that it would be important for library programming but would also be available for private events. Opening the rooftop also allows for additional outdoor programming space.
There would be space in the new library to display local art work and quiet reading rooms. They are also planning a coffee shop.
It will be an energy efficient green building design.
Ryan shared the project founding:
$23,000,000 - Municipal Improvement Bonds
$ 5,200,000 - Interfund Loan (for building purchase)
$18,000,000 - Private Contributions
$46,200,000 - Total
When asked about the current Bennett Martin Library Building Ryan stated that they plan to sell it. They believe that nearby businesses may find good use for that space.
And the timeline:
May-July 2025 - Public Engagement - they held public meetings to discuss and get feedback
July 2025 - City Council Introduction and Approval - Meeting July 28
Spring-Fall 2026 - Internal Demolition
Final Design
2026-26 - Construction
Spring 2028 - Grand Opening
BIO
Prior to coming to Lincoln in December of 2022, Wieber served as Director of the Kalamazoo Public Library in Michigan. He also previously directed the Van Buren District Library and Otsego District Library in west Michigan, and is a past President of the Michigan Library Association.
Wieber holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public History from Western Michigan University and a Master of Library Information Science from Wayne State University in Michigan.
He’s the author of two books on Michigan history. His passion is introducing and many times reintroducing—today’s public library to residents and demonstrating the value and transformative nature it has for communities.
He is married to Molly and they have three grown kids scattered across the country: Ben, Sophie, and Matthew—and a fourth “adopted” son, Nasrullah, who attends Western Michigan University. He and Molly love Lincoln and enjoy traveling and discovering the state and region.