McCook Library Receives Tech-Up Thanks to Nelson Donation

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Isaac Nielsen | McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. - It’s been nearly three years since former senator Ben Nelson made a $500,000 donation to kickstart the Birdella Nelson Technology Center in the McCook Public Library, and the project is growing bigger than ever.

The Birdella Nelson Endowment for the library was started in honor of Ben Nelson’s mother, Birdella, with the vision of “providing additional opportunities to the community, with an emphasis on local youth and access to technology through new equipment and programming,” says the McCook Community Foundation Fund (MCFF) in partnership with the McCook Public Library. The endowment enhances the library’s offerings in a time where technology is always being upgraded.

The fund works as a use-it-or-lose-it cash flow, where the library receives a sum in the range of $30,000 every year to use on technological improvements.

According to Birdella Nelson Technology Center chairman Sean Wolfe, as of the most recent meeting with the Library Account Board, several different items had recently been purchased for the Center, including electrical system upgrades in order to support the other equipment, a printer and computers for microfilm, a scanner computer, a CD player, a laminator, multiple Walkmans, a button maker, and a digital camera. “Most of the remaining funds for this distribution year are budgeted to support the purchase of a 3D printer,” Wolfe said.

The improvements being made will have a long-term impact, said Andy Long, who was executive director of the McCook Economic Development Corp. when the donation was received.

“This will benefit McCook and the library for generations. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s forever.”

The MCFF and McCook Public Library emphasize that ideas regarding the Technology Center are more than welcome, and feedback may be submitted to the library.

As the library and Endowment depend on community investment to be successful, contributions may be made to the McCook Library Foundation at 802 Norris Avenue in McCook, while donations for the Endowment fund may be mailed to the MCFF at PO Box 525 in McCook, or online at the Nebraska Community Foundation website.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Bison Days Is About More Than Just Jobs

By Ronda Graff • February 5, 2026

Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.

MCFF Expands Scholarship Offerings

By Ronda Graff • February 4, 2026

MCFF Continues to Add Scholarships for Local Students

With Little Snow, Still the Season of Lights

By Ronda Graff • January 29, 2026

With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.

Jan. 2026 Volunteer of the Month Devoted to Church and Community

By Ronda Graff • January 22, 2026

To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.