The Gothenburg Public Library is a Carnegie Library. It was built in 1916 and is recognized in the National Register of Historical Buildings. A 1.5-million-dollar addition including a technology room with Internet access was completed in 1999. This addition was fully paid for by the Gothenburg Library Foundation. The library contains over 31,000 books and other items. The library also has a collection of large print books. The library houses a collection of the old newspapers from Gothenburg Times and Gothenburg Independent, which can be viewed on the microfilm reader/printer. Books that are carried at the Gothenburg Library can be checked on-line using the Online Catalog. This feature will also tell whether or not a book is checked out. Library activities include a preschool story hour during the winter months and a summer reading program for school-age children.
Staff
- Mary Koch, Director
- Elizabeth Shank, Children’s Librarian
- Thaine Freeze, Full-Time Librarian
- Stepheanie Johnson, Part-Time Librarian
Phone: 308-537-2591
Online Catalog – The Gothenburg Public Library’s broad choice of books can be searched for over the internet. Simply click on the ‘Online Catalog‘ title. The search will provide the information as to whether or not the book is carried at the Gothenburg Public Library and whether or not the book is currently checked out.
Board
- Ernie Blecha
- Mary Lou Clark
- Shanna Keiser
- Sue Ostergard
- Rita Thomalla
Mission Statement
The Gothenburg Public Library believes it is essential to offer life-long learning opportunities and to provide free and equal access to services and resources to meet the informational, recreational, educational, and technological needs of all residents of the community.
Library Hours
| Winter Hours | |
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Summer Hours | |
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
Equipment & Services
| Laminating | 50 Cents per foot |
| Faxes | $1.00 First Page 25 Cents each additional page |
| Copies | 10 Cents / Color Extra |
| Community Room | $50.00 Deposit |
| $50.00 Rental | |
| Internet – 7th Grade & Up with parental approval | Free Access – 10 Cents Printouts |
| Online Databases | |
| E-Books Available! |  |
Fix your car! Access the online Chilton vehicle repair database from your computer, tablet or phone.
NebraskAccess offers free 24/7 access to websites selected by librarians, full-text government publications and Nebraska historical resources. Nebraska residents are also provided with free online access to thousands of full-text magazine, journal, and newspaper articles, biographical and business information, genealogical resources, and more.
To access both Chilton and NebraskaAccess please call the library at 308-537-2591 for the required password.
Children’s Programs
Story Hour
Preschoolers 3 – 5
October – December January – March
1 hour class each week
$2 Fee
Summer Reading Club
Open House and Pre-Registration – in May
For those just completing Kindergarten – 6th Grade
Preschool group also offered.
Summer Reading Club runs June through early July
Program will be every Thursday.
Golden Sower Reading Program
Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
4th – 6th Grade
7th – 9th Grade
Read 4 of 10 selected books and
Vote for your favorite book each year.
