| Coweta
Public Library |
| Contributed
by Wendy Devine, Sivina Dillingham, Ann Downs, Janelle McClendon
and Susyne McCoy.
|
1963 |
The
idea of a public library in Coweta originated with the Coweta
Study Club in October. |
| 1964 |
“Have
Book-Will Travel” parade was held in the fall. Townspeople
met at
the school and marched, books in hand, to the building donated
for the new library. At the end of the march, the John F. Raper
Memorial Library was dedicated. |
| 1971 |
Ashley
Hibbard, a librarian and VISTA worker, came to Coweta. She
set up the library and trained volunteers. |
| 1972 |
Clara Hunter
became the first salaried librarian. Mrs. Hunter worked
part-time until the hiring of Alpha Clements in 1974, who became
the first full time librarian. Ms. Clements retired in 1987. |
| 1985 |
Funding
for a new library building came through an LSCA grant and local
tax dollars. |
| 1987 |
Opening
of the new library, renamed the Coweta Public Library. |
| 1990 |
Barbara
White became library director in January. Mrs. White was the
first fully qualified librarian at the Coweta Public Library. |
| 1990-1991 |
All books
and materials in the library were cataloged and a new card
catalog was established. |
| 1991-1992 |
The library
was automated. New library cards were issued, books were checked
out by computer, and the online catalog became accessible to
the public. |
| 1993 |
Citizens
of Coweta passed a bond issue to expand the library. |
| 1996 |
The new
and improved Coweta Public Library re-opened in August after
being closed for six weeks. The library now has more than twice
the space as before.
The library acquired online services through the internet. |
Top
Oklahoma Libraries |
