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The Stillwater Public Library was founded in 1922 by the
Stillwater Woman’s Club. A year later the club opened Stillwater’s
first public library in the former parsonage of the United Brethren
Church. Later that same year, the City of Stillwater agreed to
assume financial responsibility for the public library by hiring a
part-time librarian, Harriet Woodring and establishing a Library
Board and building fund. In 1926, the W. T. Keys home, located at
the corner of 6th Avenue and Husband, was purchased for $10,500 to
house the Library. In April of 1937, Stillwater voters approved the
construction of a 12,000 square foot library at the same location.
Built with a Public Works Administration grant, the Library at 206
West 6th Avenue was opened to the public on September 21, 1938 and
formally dedicated October 16. The new Library featured an
auditorium, shelving for 22,000 books, and seating for 100 people in
the reading room. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Library underwent
a number of renovations including conversion of the basement
auditorium into a children’s department, addition of a mezzanine,
and expansion of parking facilities. The Library expanded to 13,500
square feet.
On November 20, 1990 Stillwater voters passed a $4.98 million
bond issue for the construction of a new public library at 1107 S.
Duck. The new facility included the renovation of the existing
Stillwater South High School and construction of a new 27,500 square
foot building giving the Library a grand total of 50,400 square
feet. The Library opened its new doors to the public on April 8,
1994 with a formal dedication on May 14.
Today, the Stillwater Public Library provides its customers with
a fully automated catalog, photocopying machines, microfilm readers,
numerous online resources, electronic books, wireless Internet
connection, and in-house computers with Internet and Microsoft
Office products. In addition to books, the Stillwater Public Library
provides music, audio books, DVD/videos, and CD-ROMs for check out.
Special collections include Multi-Language, Graphic Novels,
Genealogy, Local government documents, and Federal tax forms. Reference and Information services are available in
person, by phone, or through use of electronic mail. Other services
include borrowing items from other libraries and providing materials
to homebound customers. Programs for children, young adults and
adults are available throughout the year, including an extensive
summer reading program. Unique to the Stillwater Public Library is
an exceptional meeting room facility designed to meet a variety of
meeting and events needs. |
