The Arkoma Library opened to the public in February 1975 and in 1977, upon completion of a two-year demonstration project, became a permanent branch of the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma.  In the thirty-one years of the library’s history, many changes have been witnessed by the community beginning with bookmobile service to the present day facility.

In January 1990 the library moved into a new building.   The efforts of a small town backed by local government, local donations of funds, equipment, materials, and labor provided the impetus to work toward completion of the grassroots building project.  The formation of a group adopting the title of Arkoma Library Support Organization (ALSO) provided volunteers for the numerous fundraising activities. 

Advancing technology brought about interesting changes in the library’s history. By the early 90’s computers, copy machines, and fax machines became major fixtures at the library.  Plastic bar-coded library cards and computerized checkouts replaced the paper cards and signature checkouts of past days.

In February 1997, Arkoma voters approved a 2mill increase raising the millage to the 4-mill limit. The library offers programs to youth and adults, outreach programs to schools and nursing homes and maintains a collection of 13,000 books, visual and audio materials.

Past board members were Neal Singleton, Janice Carson, Sherry Cottrell, and Stan Cottrell.  The present board member is Nolen Branscum.  Carol Burgess has been a Southeastern Public Library System employee and Arkoma Library branch director since November 1974.

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