passed the first two-mill levy to support county libraries at Eufaula and Checotah.The Harry Cates Building , located at 116 S. First Street , was the site of the first library, which opened on February 4, 1971 . Eufaula Public Library was squeezed in between a laundry (later a beauty shop) and the McIntosh County Abstract office.
The building sold in 1981 and the library relocated to the National Guard Armory for three months while a new location was found. The new site was a doublewide trailer located at 272 Broadway, purchased by State National Bank, Farmers & Merchants Bank, and Victor Savings and Loan. For four years at that location, the number of library users continued to grow, and a new library building became a necessity.
The campaign for a new library then began. Matching grants came from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Kerr Foundation and a $100,000 bequest was received from the late Charles L. Follansbee, a Eufaula attorney, specifically to build a library. A $100,000 club was formed to match Mr. Follansbee's donation; then when the goal was reached, another $100,000 was matched.
Funds were raised by a variety of activities – everything from a Bike-A-Thon to dances and raffles – and library supporters were honored for their efforts by winning the prestigious John Cotton Dana Award from the American Library Association in 1984. This honor recognized the unique fundraising efforts that citizens made in such a short period of time to raise money to build their new library.
In 1985, Eufaula Public Library became Eufaula Memorial Library and moved into the new building created with funds raised by area citizens.
The Friends of Eufaula Memorial Library group was organized in 1987 to support the programs and activities of the library. Organizers were Mary Wendel, Nadine George, and Marguerite Schmitt. The first meeting was held on February 24, 1988 .
In 1992, McIntosh County residents voted for a one-cent sales tax, part of which helps support the library. In 2002, voters made that tax permanent.
In 1994, thanks to help from John Harkey and Friends of Eufaula Memorial Library, computers came to Eufaula Memorial Library. In 1995 Internet service came to the library. Now, in 2004, the library has 13 public access computers and computer classes are routinely offered.
In 1995, an automated circulation system and computerized card catalog were installed, with sponsorship by Eufaula Masonic Lodge along with an award from the state. The system has since been upgraded several times, with a major change to a web-based system in 2002.
In 1996, McIntosh County residents voted to approve an additional two-mill tax levy to support their libraries.
Eufaula librarians include Margaret Whinnen Rigney, 1971-72; Doris Bivin (deceased), 1972-79; Marguerite Palmer Bridges Schmitt, 1980-1993; Carol Albin, 1993-94; Shirley Thomas, 1994-2000; and Margaret Collins, 2000 to present.
The library began with a collection of approximately 4,000 books, and now has a collection of more than 21,000 items, including books for all ages and in a variety of formats, books on tape, books on CD, videos, magazines, and so on. Library users check out an average of almost 6,000 items per month, and many attend library programs including yoga classes, a writer's group, reading and discussion series like Let's Talk About It, a Genealogy Club, children's story time, Summer Reading Program, and more.
An expansion of the library is now in the beginning stages. Plans have been drawn to double the size of the existing building to allow for larger collections, a more functional multipurpose room, an expanded children's area, a literacy room, historical and genealogical areas, etc. The community most certainly will continue to be involved in planning, fundraising, and creating a larger library.
Eufaula Memorial Library is open 54 hours a week, including two evenings and a half-day on Saturday. Our mission is to be a life-long learning center, and the four staff members are dedicated to providing the best in library service.
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