| Guthrie
Public Library |
| From
The History of the Public Libraries in Oklahoma by Esther
Mae Henke
From Oklahoma Libraries 1900-1937.
|
1899 |
The
first library was organized in March by the Acorn Club for the
use of
its own members. It had 27 volumes. |
| 1900 |
When the
Guthrie Federation of Women’s Clubs was organized, plans
for
a public collection of books were discussed. A committee composed
of a representative from each of the six clubs immediately began
gathering books. On July 12th the Guthrie Public Library was
opened to the public with 300 books acquired as the result of
socials and a personal canvas of the city. The library started
in a room downtown, and later moved to larger quarters donated
by R. A. Gaffney. |
| 1901 |
Through
the efforts of Mr. R. W. Ramsey, a personal friend of Andrew
Carnegie, a grant of $1,000 was given by Carnegie for books.
Immediately the name of the library was changed to the Carnegie
Circulating Library. Later Mr. Carnegie gave $25,000 for a building,
and the city added $10,000 to this. The cornerstone was laid
in a ceremony on October 17th. |
| 1903 |
The building
was dedicated and officially opened. |
Oklahoma Libraries
|
