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Library History

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.