administrative assistant to Speaker Carl Albert, and Senator Larry Dickerson.  The
addition will allow for a relocation and expansion of the library’s public access computers, as well as new carpeting and a redesigned entrance and circulation desk.  The cost of the expansion is estimated to be $1,055,300 with $25,000 of the funding being provided by state centennial funds.  The expansion project has an anticipated completion of Fall 2007.

The following historical information relating to the Joe E. White Library is taken from Poteau Junior College, Poteau Community College, Carl Albert Junior College, Carl Albert State College:  A History by Charles H. “Chuck” Cole.

As reflected by the books title, Carl Albert State College has undergone several name changes.  The College began in 1942 in a section of Poteau Public Schools.  In 1967-68 the college had its own campus consisting of 77 acres near the city park.  Information regarding specific details about the college’s library is sketchy until 1971.

• In late 1971 as the college’s own board of trustees was being formed, the school began plans for construction of a second building.  A $125,000 community college district bond issue, a $100,000 federal grant through the State Regents, and a $25,000 grant from community residents financed construction.  The building, which included five classrooms, a natural science lab, nine faculty offices, five administrative offices, and a library, was completed in the fall of 1972.

• In 1975, at the cost of $100,000, a 2,560 square feet library annex was completed.

• During the 1980s a 10,000 square-foot addition to the library was completed.  The addition doubled the size of the library, providing additional study space, offices and audio-visual equipment and program storage.  When Dr. White left the college briefly in 1989, the local regents honored him by placing his name on the library. 

Library Directors who have served at Carl Albert State College include:  Mildred Kyle, Margie Belle Bramlett, Sue Rolley, Judy Lowrey, Ms. Wakefield, Ruth Whorton, Rita Baldwin, Gail Stewart, Karen Neurohr, Sandy Qualls and current director, Terri Carroll. (Any individual not listed as director is a result of the lack of historical data.)

Carl Albert State College
Delores O’Guin Mitchell Library

Carl Albert State College begins a new era of library history during Oklahoma’s
Centennial with the establishment of the Delores O’Guin Mitchell Library at
CASC Sallisaw.  The library is named after former CASC regent and current Development Foundation member Delores O’Guin Mitchell.
 
The Delores O’Guin Mitchell Library will open in 2007 and will be housed in a 33,000 square foot building which also includes classrooms and offices.  When completed, the library will be a state-of-the-art electronic library featuring a hub of public access computer stations providing access to e-library materials. 

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