other educational material for the rural community of Apache. With no financial resources available initially for this endeavor, the library advocates sought donations of books and conducted several fundraising events. This farming community of over 4000 residents responded admirably to appeals for book and monetary donations, permitting the official opening to go forward on May 18, 1968.
Initially, the library occupied the Clark-Bohart Community Building in the heart of Apache. In need of additional space as it grew, the library moved in 1971 to the Apache Historical Society Building at the main intersection of the town, and remains there to this day.
A voluntary board consisting of nine members maintains the overall supervision of the library. The librarian, who holds a paid position with the City of Apache , reports to the Board. The Board establishes regulations, acts as a catalyst for book and monetary donations, and develops both short and long-range operating plans and budgets. The Board meets monthly at the library to carry out its decision-making function.
The Apache Public Library met three significant milestones in 2003 and 2004. A computerized library data management system was implemented which tracks library inventories, records patrons and, ultimately, can be used to manage the materials checkout actions. This new addition to the library's capabilities was soon followed by the approval by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries for the Apache Public Library to become a member library, providing improved opportunities for grants and other funding sources. With upgrades in the computer systems, the library now offers access to the Internet's enormous research potential.
The Apache Public Library proudly boasts of its warm relationship with well-known Oklahoma publisher and children's author, Molly Levite Griffis. Her novels include The Rachel Resistance and The Great American Bunion Derby . Molly, a native of Apache, has contributed much time, effort and advice to the library for fund-raising and other events.
Currently, the library is open fifteen hours per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. , and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon . There is a popular Summer Reading Program offered to children, which includes reading and craft activities. This program is usually held during the summer on Saturdays in July.
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