SCC's Education Square Location Proposed Site for Downtown Library
Southeast Community College’s Education Square location at 1111 O Street is the proposed site for Lincoln’s new central library. This new library will replace Bennett Martin Public Library located at 136 S. 14th Street and built in 1962. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, SCC President Dr. Paul Illich and local officials made the announcement on Thursday, May 15, at Bennett Martin.
“Twenty-first century libraries power 21st century cities,” Gaylor Baird said. “They catalyze innovation and creativity, foster community connection, promote lifelong learning, increase digital literacy and technology access, improve educational outcomes, support economic development, and enhance overall quality of life for community members.”
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.
SCC has operated the Education Square location since 1996 as part of its mission to empower and transform the diverse learners and communities of southeast Nebraska through lifelong educational opportunities. At one time the location housed the Academic Transfer, Criminal Justice and Graphic Design Media Arts programs as well as the Arts and Sciences division. Adult Education is currently located at Education Square, offering General Educational Development and English as a Second Language courses. The College put the building on the market in the fall of 2024 and is thrilled to be a part of this transformative project with the City of Lincoln.
“As the College has continued to pursue its capacity to produce a skilled workforce, SCC has added new facilities and spaces on all of its campuses, including its largest campus at 88th and O Streets,” said Illich. “We are very appreciative of the strong and collaborative partnership with the City and look forward to the many new opportunities to work together to strengthen our communities that will be created with the prospective sale of the College’s Education Square to the City of Lincoln.”
By repurposing the Education Square, 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. The project will be designed with flexibility in mind, creating an engaging, future-ready space centered on access to information, culture and technology.
“Lincoln’s new Central Library will be a catalyst for innovation and creativity, a hub for community connection, and a place where lifelong learning takes place through programming, experiences, civic engagement, and an introduction to culture, the arts, and ideas,” said Ryan Wieber, Lincoln City Libraries Director.
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.
Jennifer Snyder
Communications Specialist
402-323-3393
jsnyder@southeast.edu