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Cleveland Public Library

Contributed by Charles Thomas and The History of the Public Libraries in Oklahoma by Esther Mae Henke.

1934

The possibility of having a library in Cleveland was first discussed by the Rotary Club.
1936 In February the Cleveland Library opens in three rooms of a building
donated by the owner, S. C. Mullendore. The local Boy Scouts went door to door and collected over 500 books.
1937 After one year, the library’s collection totaled 1800 books and circulation averaged 1,772 per month.
1938 First book review of the title “And So Victoria”. The local theater had a fundraiser for the library. Board members sold tickets for .25 cents for adults and .10 cents for children. Library received 40% of the proceeds. Over 2,000 people purchased tickets.
1940 A fundraiser of a woman-less wedding was held.
1944 The official constitution and bylaws were drawn up and adopted.
1947 First librarian resigned after serving a 12 year tenure.
1951 The collection now totals 6500 volumes. The librarian, Mrs. Walter
Parrish, reported that the reference collection was inadequate with a new set of World Book Encyclopedia, newspapers and periodicals providing the only material not outdated. The only use made of interlibrary loan was to borrow fiction, mostly for children, from the Oklahoma Library Commission.
1956-1970 No formal board meetings were held. The library remained open during this time.
1970 Library moved to present location at 111 West Delaware.
1972 Second librarian resigned after serving a 25 year tenure.
1982 The board voted to show a film every two weeks during the summer. The basement of the First Baptist Church was used.
1983 After visiting the Skiatook Library, our Board discussed the idea of
improving our library.
1984 A raffle was held as a fundraiser. One of our board members donated a
painting she had painted. It was given away at our Christmas opening.
1986 Library records showed circulation of 1,000 books, 143 patron cards, and
72 memorials for one month.
1998 A Friends of Library Gala was held at the middle school. This was to raise
money for our soon to be new library. Guest speaker was Scott
Thompson, from KOTV-6 Oklahoma Traveler.
2002 New library opens

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