FAIRFAX PUBLIC LIBRARY HISTORY
The Fairfax Library was organized by the Delphian Society in 1922. The first Library Board was appointed the following year. The Library was located in two rooms on the top floor of City Hall. The City Council recognized Library service and made the first appropriation to buy books in1923. In 1927 the Library was organized under the Oklahoma Library Commission. Mrs. Earl Fry was appointed Librarian at that time. In 1929, Mrs. Cora Lipe was appointed Librarian and served in that position for 23 years. Mrs. Warren C. Barnes was appointed librarian in 1953. She served until 1959 when Janie Phillippe was appointed librarian.
In April of 1961, National Library Week was celebrated by beginning a drive for funds to build a Library building. Construction on the building began on August 29, 1961. On August 23, 1962 the building was occupied. The formal opening of the 50’ by 50’ building was observed November 11, 1962 with an Open House. The building cost was $20,000. There were 15,000 books on the shelves. The Fairfax Study Club hosted the reception for the Open House. The Library building was given to the City with the understanding that they would maintain it and also provide funding for employee salaries, books and equipment.
Mrs. Phillippe resigned as Librarian in 1984. Judy Johnson was hired as Librarian but resigned a month later to accept a position at the High School. Carol Irons was hired to fill the Town position in August of 1984. Howardean Rhoads was hired as part-time Library Assistant in 1987. Mrs. Irons and Mrs. Rhoads are still employed at the Library.
There are presently approximately 18,00 volumes on the shelves, not counting paperbacks. The Library also has audio books, magazines, videos, CDs, microfilm, microfiche and a reader/printer.
Current priority roles for the Library are to serve as a popular materials library, having a collection of high interest, popular materials for persons of all ages. We also provide support for formal education and cooperate with area schools to provide homework help. We have public access to the internet, interlibrary book loan program and provide special programs to the community groups on request. We provide a Summer Program for children each year and have monthly story times for 3, 4, and 5 years old during the spring, fall & winter months. Requests through email and letters, for genealogy and historical information are researched and answered. A fee for copies and postage is charged for this service. We also update the local Cemetery Book before Memorial Day each year.
Fairfax has a population of 1,555 and is located in beautiful Osage County. We are proud of our Library and invite you to visit us. Library Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 6:00 and Saturdays, 11:00 to 3:00.
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