They quickly outgrew their tiny space in the Kellogg building and city founder J.J. McAlester offered them a bigger space in his building. At this point the city council approved a monthly appropriation of $35.00 for the library. In 1907 the library was so busy that the need for a paid full time librarian was apparent. Mrs. Phoebe E. Hayden was hired as McAlester’s first librarian. In 1910 the J.J. McAlester building was sold and the library was forced to move again. This time they were cramped into the checkroom of the Busby Theater. The Fortnightly club realizes that a permanent building is needed. They looked to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who was giving grant s for library construction all around the country. Their grant application was approved for $25,000.00 with the stipulation that a building lot be provided and that a permanent tax is passed to maintain the library. The ladies find a suitable lot on Grand Avenue for a cost of $3,500.00.Once again the ladies begin a round of fundraising and they do finally make the need $3,500.00. In 1913, work begins on the new Carnegie Library. The groundbreaking event is celebrated with a parade and the laying of the cornerstone which bears the name of the library board members.
In 1914 the new Carnegie Library opens with a 3000 volume collection. Mrs. Hayden continues to be the librarian until her death in 1936.
By the mid 1960s the successful library has once again outgrown its building. The voters approve a bond issue for a new library and construction begins in 1968.
On May 9th, 1970 the library opens in its current location at 401 North Second Street. At that time the library was located directly across the street from the McAlester High School. The High School has since relocated across town.
McAlester Librarians
1907-1936 Phoebe E. Hayden
1936-1942 Genevieve Pace
1942-1959 Mrs. Andy Gravitt
1959- 1977 Mrs. Felicia Dwyer
1977-1987 Lori Camp
1987-1988 Stephen Thomas
1988-1993 Evelyn McWaters
1993- Linda Thompson
1993-1995 Debra Bailey
1995-1999 Judith Brown
1999- Christine Sauro
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