Library History
The Seward Public Library was first organized as a reading room in 1888. In 1913, despite a tornado which tore through the town, the reading room was reorganized as a city library and was housed in a new building made possible through local donations and a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Major renovations took place in the late 1960s and in the mid 1980s. In 1990 the Seward Library Foundation was formed to raise money for a new library building and on September 2, 2003, the new Seward Memorial Library opened its doors to the public.
The photo to the right shows Seward Middle School students passing books from the old library building to the new in August of 2003.
photo by Eric Kettenburg
Pictured to the left is an historic postcard of the Seward Public Library and YMCA building in 1915.
The library is located at 233 South 5th Street in Seward, Nebraska. Click here for a map.
Library hours are split into two operating times:
Regular Hours (August 15 – April 30) and
Summer Hours (May 1 – August 14).
See current hours here.
Lending Periods
- Most library materials are loaned out for a four-week period.
- Games, cake pans, and books with long waiting lists are loaned out for a two-week period.
- Regular library patrons may check out up to 50 items on their library card. NebrasKard patrons may check out up to 25 items on their account.
- Items may be renewed up to three times if no one else has placed a hold to reserve them.
- You may renew items in person or over the phone.
- The due date will be stamped on the back of the item.
Library Board
Juanita Hill, Chairman
Stephanie Croston, Secretary
Bob Dahms
Nancy Lamberty
Jerrald Pfabe
The Seward Memorial Library Board is appointed to 4 year terms by the Mayor of Seward with the Seward City Council confirming those appointments. The Seward Library Board meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 8 am. Read the Library Board by-laws.
Library Cards
Library cards are free to all citizens residing within the city limits of Seward, Nebraska and to all non-residents who own property within the city limits. Courtesy cards are available to patrons 65 and over. Citizens living outside of the Seward city limits may purchase a library membership for $25.00 per year or $15.00 for six months. The card is valid from the date of payment. For more complete information please see the Policies page.
Library Policies
Circulation Policy
Collection Development Policy
Emergency and Safety Policy
General Library Policies
Gifts, Bequests, Memorials
Intellectual Freedom Policy
Patron Responsibility Policy
Personnel Policy
Physical Facilities Policy
Program Policy
Public Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy
Newsletters
Monthly library newsletters are posted to the website around the 25th of each month.
Select a newsletter:
Annual Reports
The Seward Memorial Library Annual Report is presented to the City Council in February of each year.
Select a report:
Library Staff
Library Director:
Becky Baker
Assistant Library Director:
Pam Walz
Library Assistant II:
Megan Boggs
Niki Wortman
Library Assistant I:
Charlotte Baldinger
Jacquelyn Schranz
Wendy Schultz
Library Clerk:
Mary Bohning
Bonnie Etzold
Emily Manley
Carol Thurber
Joanna Treas
David Swartzlander
Library History
The Seward Public Library was first organized as a reading room in 1888. In 1913, despite a tornado which tore through the town, the reading room was reorganized as a city library and was housed in a new building made possible through local donations and a grant from Andrew Carnegie. Major renovations took place in the late 1960s and in the mid 1980s. In 1990 the Seward Library Foundation was formed to raise money for a new library building and on September 2, 2003, the new Seward Memorial Library opened its doors to the public.
The photo to the right shows Seward Middle School students passing books from the old library building to the new in August of 2003.
photo by Eric Kettenburg
Pictured to the left is an historic postcard of the Seward Public Library and YMCA building in 1915.
Lending Periods
- Most library materials are loaned out for a four-week period.
- Games, cake pans, and books with long waiting lists are loaned out for a two-week period.
- Regular library patrons may check out up to 50 items on their library card. NebrasKard patrons may check out up to 25 items on their account.
- Items may be renewed up to three times if no one else has placed a hold to reserve them.
- You may renew items in person or over the phone.
- The due date will be stamped on the back of the item.
Library Board
Juanita Hill, Chairman
Stephanie Croston, Secretary
Bob Dahms
Nancy Lamberty
Jerrald Pfabe
The Seward Memorial Library Board is appointed to 4 year terms by the Mayor of Seward with the Seward City Council confirming those appointments. The Seward Library Board meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 8 am. Read the Library Board by-laws.
Library Cards
Library cards are free to all citizens residing within the city limits of Seward, Nebraska and to all non-residents who own property within the city limits. Courtesy cards are available to patrons 65 and over living in Seward County. Citizens living outside of the Seward city limits may purchase a library membership for $25.00 per year or $15.00 for six months. The card is valid from the date of payment. For more complete information please see the Policies page.
Library Policies
Circulation Policy
Collection Development Policy
Emergency and Safety Policy
General Library Policies
Gifts, Bequests, Memorials
Intellectual Freedom Policy
Patron Responsibility Policy
Personnel Policy
Physical Facilities Policy
Program Policy
Public Internet and Computer Acceptable Use Policy
Newsletters
Monthly library newsletters are posted to the website around the 25th of each month.
Sign up to receive a link to the newsletter delivered to your email.
Select a newsletter:
Annual Reports
The Seward Memorial Library Annual Report is presented to the City Council in February of each year.
Select a report:
Library Staff
Library Director:
Becky Baker
Assistant Library Director:
Pam Walz
Library Assistant II:
Megan Boggs
Niki Wortman
Library Assistant I:
Charlotte Baldinger
Jacquelyn Schranz
Wendy Schultz
Library Clerk:
Mary Bohning
Bonnie Etzold
Emily Manley
Carol Thurber
Joanna Treas
David Swartzlander
