62 N. Sheridan becoming the North Sheridan Branch Library. Carolyn Miller was Librarian for a short time in 1967 until Bebe Spessard was appointed and stayed until the library closed in 1986
Meanwhile, in 1967 the North Harvard branch was opened at Pine and Harvard in a strip shopping center. Ella May Wall was Librarian from its opening until her retirement in 1975. Ermine Ryan then headed the branch until it closed in mid-1984.
The Library System decided to combine North Sheridan and North Harvard in a larger Library in an area that served both communities. In 1985 the City of Tulsa leased land to the Library System in Maxwell Park, just adjacent to the Recreation Center and Swimming Pool. Sparks-Martin Architects designed the building. Structural problems caused the North Harvard Branch to close sooner than anticipated. A Bookmobile was parked in the parking lot east of the Recreation Center to provide library service until the building was completed. Pat Nelson managed the Bookmobile and conducted the Summer Reading Program by partnering with the Recreation Center.
The Maxwell Park Branch Library opened in October of 1986 with Bebe Spessard as Librarian. The new 5,300 sq. ft. building at 1313 N. Canton had a meeting room and more space for its collection of 30,600 items and a much larger parking lot than previously available. The meeting room provided space for children’s story times and programs for all ages. Area organizations were also able to use the meeting room for their community activities.
When Mrs. Spessard retired in 1990, Theresa Fowler was named Librarian. She stayed a short while and was followed by Amy Stephens who transferred to another position in the Library System. Sandra Otto was Librarian from 1995 to 1997 when Fran Ambrus was appointed. Ms. Ambrus stayed until 1999 when she retired and moved to North Carolina. Marilyn Neal was appointed in December of 1999.
In November of 2000 Maxwell Park Library closed for a $76,000 renovation made possible from the Library Bond Issue approved on May 12, 1998. Woody Design Group was selected to design and oversee the renovation. The general contractor was Kenneth Petty Construction, Co. with additional renovations by Commercial Flooring Specialist, Vale Painting Col. And Tracy Woodshop. New features included: larger glass windows overlooking the park; new shelving; all new furnishing; larger lounge and study areas and bright, bold colors. The library reopened in January 2001 with a special open house on February 9 th.
In 2001 Maxwell Park was awarded a grant from the Charles W. and Pauline Flint Foundation to provide materials and programs for its American Indian Community. A Demographic Full Data Report prepared by the Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce showed 11.3% of the population within a mile of the Maxwell Park Library was American Indian, more than any other ethnic group. The grant has provided the community with numerous programs including: Comanche Codetalker, Charles Chibitty; Native Plant exhibit; “I am somebody…..I use the library” photo exhibit, storytellers and artists.
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