History of the Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library
Kathe Smith, Branch Manager
In 1907 the local newspaper (Checotah Enquirer), published an article announcing the consideration of a city library to be established. Members of the community met and formed The New State Club of Checotah for this purpose. However by 1908 all members except three had either died or moved away. The beginnings of the little library they had started ended.
It wasn’t until the 20’s that the Delphian Society, a women’s history club, maintained a library for public use. Plans came together in 1926, when the library was given free quarters in the city hall and the city contributed $75 annually to its budget for a time. During the Depression, reorganization resulted in a library board consisting of the remaining members of the New State Club and the Delphian Society.
From these early beginnings Checotah finally had a library. In 1971 Checotah joined the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System and officially dedicated the Jim Lucas Memorial Library (More on Jim Lucas). By 1981, 29% of area citizens held library cards and a 14% increase was seen within the next year. The library also received the “Most Improved Branch” library award.
Before 1988, the small library on Broadway was quickly outgrowing its building. Checotah native, Britton Tabor, donated land for a new library. Fundraising began for the building.
The Library received the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Grant of $97,400 for a new building in 1990. Discussion centered around a name for the new Checotah Library. After much debate, the City Council members unanimously voted to officially name the community’s new library, the Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library. This satisfied everyone. The Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library was dedicated on Sunday, December 15, 1991. The $454,150 building provides 6,400 sq. ft. of space and shelving for 12,000 books. By 1995, the entities of the Eastern Oklahoma District Library System were automated. Gone were the stamps and card catalogs. The new Dynix catalog system linked all system libraries. Patrons could access all materials throughout the system simply by sitting at a terminal. In 1997, Internet access became available for all patrons in any of the libraries.
Now the Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library has over 25,000 books and 12 computers for patron use.
The library is open 54 hours a week. Mondays 9 to 8, Tuesday through Friday 9 to 6, and Saturday 9 to 4.
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