The Beatrice Public Library houses the 3000-volume Nebraska State Genealogical Society Collection, the D.A.R. Lineage Books and materials from the Southeast Nebraska Genealogical Society collection.

The climate-controlled Heritage Room, with oak furniture from the 1903 Carnegie building, includes collections of rare books and maps and local history materials and Internet access.

Beatrice Public Library and Arboretum was built in 1991 on the site of the former Sonderegger Nurseries. A display on the nurseries can be viewed at the Gage County Museum. The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum features rare trees and a wildflower and prairie grass garden. An original, life-size bronze sculpture, "Storybooks," at the entrance was designed by George Lundeen of Colorado.