While the Holdrege community knows a new library is necessary, there is some controversy regarding the potential location of the facility.

As of now, the proposed location is at the south end of North Park. Tana Fye works on the library planning committee and said this is one of the better options.

“I believe we looked at 14 different sites. We evaluated them based on a survey and community engagement sessions to determine the needs and wants of community needs,” said Fye.

She believes the construction of a new library will benefit the entire community and bring more people to the city.

“That library would also include potentially Central Community College and a daycare center, co-located on that same space to enhance programming and offerings for citizens,” said Fye.

While original ideas were to renovate the current building, Holdredge resident Brian Osborn agreed it is not feasible given the conditions.

“A lot of the infrastructure in this building is outdated," stated Osborn. "It doesn’t conform to the ADA regulations. The water, the wiring, there’s so many problems with this. It would be best to build a new library.”

However, he is in opposition to building the facility near the park.

“It's our park. It belongs to the people. It belongs to us. We don’t want an eyesore put in our park. As they said earlier, it’ll be the backside of the building that is presented to the park. It looks like a prison,” said Osborn.

Osborn has lived in Holdrege since the late 1950s. All of the new construction has been primarily at the north edge of the city, near the golf course. He would like to see changes in other places.

“I think it’s time that the people in the southeast part of town got some consideration by our city council and city leaders. I think the old medicine chest area would be really good,” said Osborn.

While the city council has the final say in where the facility is built, Osborn thinks many will try to persuade them to look elsewhere.

“People are upset. I think there will be a lot of people at the city council meeting.”

It is important to note the location is still being decided, however, the project itself will cost around 24 million dollars and take about two years to complete.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for December 7, at 6 p.m.