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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

Lake Helen

Foresighted citizens approved a bond issue in 1889 for construction of a 12

Gothenburg, NE Recreation

The Sun Theatre

The Sun Theatre was built and used as an opera house from 1909-1926. In 1927, the theatre was opened by Glen VanWey. Children were charged 10 cents and adults 20 cents for silent movies accompanied by an orchestra. The 1930

Gothenburg, NE Theatres

Pony Express Station

The Sam Machette Station was used as an early fur trading post/ranch house along the Oregon Trail southwest of Gothenburg before it was used as a Pony Express station during its operation between April 1860 and November 1861

Gothenburg, NE Pony Express

Gothenburg Carnegie Library

The library was built in 1916 with assistance from a $7,000

Gothenburg, NE Carnegie Libraries

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

Things to do near Gothenburg, NE

McCook Army Air Base

McCook Army Air Base, activated April 1, 1943, was one of 11 Army Air Force training bases in Nebraska during World War II. S...