| Robert
L. Williams Public Library, Durant |
| Contributed
by Bill Donica and Alice Wheeler
|
1923 |
The
Women’s Club and the Lion’s Club first question
the possibility of a public library in Durant. |
| 1925 |
Judge Robert
L. Williams bought a site and presented it to the city. |
| 1927 |
The Robert
L. Williams Public Library opened its doors. First librarian
is Mrs. Lester O’Riley. |
| 1936 |
Cornerstone
was laid in December for this WPA project. |
| 1937 |
The new
building dedicated on July 11th. First book checked out by Mary
Claude Park. |
| 1948 |
Judge Williams
died. He left a sizable trust fund for further development.
Trust paid for librarian’s and assistant librarian’s
wages. |
| 1952 |
The State
Supreme Court affirmed the legality of the will. |
| 1955 |
A new addition
was added with tables and chairs, shelving, circulation
desk and air conditioning. The funding was from the will of
Judge
Williams. |
| 1958 |
A bronze
bust of Judge Williams purchased by J.R. Taylor was presented
to the library. |
| 1961 |
Mrs. Lester
O’Riley retired after 34 years. |
| 1987 |
Moved library
to old DB&T building while Utterback Room and stack space
was added. Addition was funded by Oklahoma Department of Libraries
and Judge Williams’ will. In November the J.C. Penney
building next door to the temporary library burned and did extensive
damage. |
| 1988 |
Library
moved back into newly remodeled building. |
| 1991 |
Computers
were added and employees began entering books into
database. |
| 1993 |
Circulation
computer was added, and Mary Claude Park checked out the
first book. |
| 1995 |
Two patron
computers were added for searching and the card catalog was
removed. |
| 1997 |
Online
access to the Internet established. |
Top
Oklahoma Libraries |
