Since June of 2023, work has been underway on the new library site at 2206 Longo Drive. This construction project involves both a renovation of existing space on the lower level of the Bellevue Professional Center building and an addition.
Rogge General Contractors Inc. of Lincoln was awarded the contract for the project with work expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. The architectural firm of Leo A Daly of Omaha has been working with the City of Bellevue to design the new library space and to help oversee the construction project. The Bellevue Public Works Department has been managing the project for the City.
An official groundbreaking for the new site was held on July 6th with City officials, Library Board and staff, the Bellevue Library Foundation and Friends of the Bellevue Public Library, and the public on hand for the event. Much work has already been completed at the new site, including some demolition in the part of the building that is being renovated for library space, the renovation work that included adding new rooms in that space, and a major portion of the addition which will house a reading area and the bulk of the adult collection. While work continues on infrastructure needs (electrical, data, etc.), drywalling and painting have begun in the space as new rooms take shape.
Among those spaces that will be a part of the new library are a meeting space with kitchenette that will allow for concurrent meetings or which can be opened up for a larger event; quiet, study rooms; defined children’s and teen areas; a bookstore room; a makerspace; and a drive-through service window.
Since April of 2023, a volunteer Fundraising Committee has been working on a campaign to help raise funds to support the new building renovation and addition project. The campaign kicked off with a Donor Dinner in April, and other events have included a fundraiser for a new, larger fish tank (beloved by the families who visit the library); a special music concert in October featuring Celtic Boulevard and Kaylyn Sahs; and a raffle held during the holiday season.
In addition, the Bellevue Library Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Google to be used for new technology in the Children’s area, and a $3,000 grant has been received from the Bellevue Community Foundation for new technology in the makerspace. Additional grants to Meta, the Nebraska Library Commission, and the Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) are in the works.
The Bellevue Library Foundation extends its deep appreciation to all who contributed to the library building project during the recent match campaign sponsored through MCF, of which the Bellevue Library Foundation is a designated fund. The Fundraising Committee will also be exploring additional events and activities to help raise monies to make the library’s next chapter a great one. The library’s move to the new site will coincide with the library’s 95th anniversary of serving the Bellevue Community. Thank you!
