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Gothenburg, Nebraska

The library was built in 1916 with assistance from a $7,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation. Designed by local architect Moses N. Bair, the building is architecturally unique due to its ell-shaped plan and Jacobethan Revival detailing. Other libraries in Nebraska follow the rectangular plan and Neo-Classical Revival detailing established by the Carnegie Corporation.

In 1986, the library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It first opened with 1500 books and a monthly budget of $40 for the librarian and janitor and $10 for purchasing new books. Today the library collection has 23,000 titles with over 2,000 registered patrons. It has cemetery records and microfilm of back issues of the local paper available to history enthusiasts. A 6,000 square foot addition and renovation to the original building began in February, 1998. The $1.2 million construction project was completed in 1999. The architecture of the addition carries on the unique features of the original building. The new library addition houses the adult library which includes a technology room, offices, study rooms and a reading area with fireplace. The original building has been converted to a community meeting room and the children's library.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Historic Depot

In the years from 1863 to 1868 the railroad had become a certainty. During the five year period, the first operations of mapping, surveying, setting telegraph poles and planning the roadbed had been completed. The railroad through this territory was completed in 1868

Gothenburg, NE Railroad History

Swedish Crosses Cemetery

For over a century, three unique crosses have been a lasting symbol of the Swedish heritage of Gothenburg. In the early 1880s, Peter and Anna Berg, along with Anna'

Gothenburg, NE Cemeteries

City Parks

Gothenburg has four parks covering 55 acres. Facilities include swings, picnic areas, pool, athletic fields, football stadium, ball parks, camping areas, and playground equipment. Two playgrounds in Gothenburg have all types of playground equipment. Lafayette Park:

Gothenburg, NE RV Parks

First Presbyterian Church

In August of 1904, the ground on which the church now stands was purchased for the sum of $450. Ground was broken in August 1905 and the original building was competed in early 1907. At that time, the total cost of the building was $5,650. The beautiful stain glass windows are original.

Gothenburg, NE Historic Churches

1320 Lake Avenue

James E. Norsworthy came to Gothenburg with his wife Sarah in 1889. In 1905 he built this lovely 2-1/2

Gothenburg, NE Historic Homes

Things to do near Gothenburg, NE

Lovitt Historical Site

Between A.D. 1675-1725 Apache peoples known as the Dismal River Complex (and related to populations in the southwest, eastern...

Swanson Reservoir Hunting

In the fall and winter, hunters pursue waterfowl, upland game birds, and deer, while anglers chop the ice for crappie and nor...