The History of The Latimer County Public Library from Its Conception in 1966 to 2006

The Wilburton Public Library opened its doors to the public in May, 1966 in a 1930’s rock structure constructed in part by the NYA (National Youth Association).  The rock structure had a total of 1,706 square feet of floor space with massive fireplaces on each end of the main room. All the books, shelving and other items were donated. Five volunteers were responsible for keeping the facility open to the public, each working one day a week.

The building was remodeled in 1968 when the library became part of the Choctaw nation Multi-County Library System. The library system name changed to the Southeastern Public Library System in 1986 after much confusion over the Choctaw Nation name. The building was and still is owned by the City of Wilburton. 

The Wilburton Public Library became the Latimer County Public Library in September, 1995 after moving into the new 10,000 square ft. facility. The land the new building was erected on was donated by Kensel and Dortha Lee Tucker. The land was donated to the Latimer County Foundation for the Future, who raised the money to build the library facility debt free. In September, 1995 the Latimer County Public Library was opened to the public.

An additional county property tax of two mills was passed by the citizens of Latimer County in 1997. The next year a fourth person was added to the staff. The library now had a full time Branch Librarian, Shirley Bambeck, two assistants and one aide. In January 1998 the library went from a 30 hour week to being open 45 hours a week.

The building was deeded over to the Latimer County Commissioners during this time with the City of Wilburton sharing the costs of running the facility which houses the library, two meeting rooms, the Historical Society and the Wilburton Alumni Society, both having their own rooms. The library is the largest area and the focal point of all who enter.

The Latimer County Public Library serves Latimer County with a population of 10,000. The library is situated one block north of City Hall and one-half block south of the Wilburton Grade School at 301 W. Ada Ave. in Wilburton.

The library has had only two head librarians in its history: Lois Powers served from 1971 to 1992; Shirley Bambeck became head librarian in 1992 and still currently serves as head librarian in 2006