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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

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

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

Lake Helen

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

Gothenburg, NE Recreation

Veterans' War Memorial

Located on the west shore of Lake Helen, this memorial is a reminder of sacrifices made by veterans and their families of all wars. The names listed commemorate local residents who gave their lives. World War I:

Gothenburg, NE Memorials

Ernest A. Calling House

Ernest A. Calling, a pioneer businessman of Gothenburg, hired L.J. Anderson to build this distinctive Queen Anne style home in 1907. Born in Klipp, Sweden, in 1870, Calling emigrated to the United States in 1889

Gothenburg, NE National Register

Things to do near Gothenburg, NE

Beauvais Ranche Station Site

Following a career with Pierre Chouteau, Jr. and Company, Geminian Pierre Beauvais established his own trading post in 1849 o...

Historical Markers and Sites

The Texas Trail - Beginning in 1875, Union Pacific Railroad designated Ogall...