Ashland Public Library

The Ashland Public Library, located in Ashland, Nebraska, is a 13,800 SF building that serves as a public library, senior center and meeting place. The library provides a gathering place for the community: a place to read, share a cup of coffee with a friend, attend lectures and presentations and enhance education opportunities for those in Ashland and surrounding area. The new library replaces the former Carnegie Library built in 1911. The former library had limitations due to its lack of size, accessibility, configuration and layout.

The new single story building is a steel structure with metal stud framing, precast brick and metal panel exterior. Interior features include limestone panel accents, wood panels and two clerestory windows, which fill the center with natural light. Occupancy sensors provide lighting control for energy savings in addition to the use of geothermal wells, heat pumps and ERV units for efficient heating and cooling. Construction included a new parking lot with pavers, prairie plantings, sod and natural limestone boulders and walls surrounding the perimeter.

The public library occupies 8,200 SF of the building with separate areas for children, teens and adults. Included is a computer lab, genealogy room, private study rooms, outdoor children’s area, office space and restrooms. A community meeting room can accommodate up to 150 people and features a kitchen for the future Ashland Meals on Wheels program.