Latest News

Muskogee Public Library chosen by Library of Congress for Partnership to Create Digital Experience

The Library of Congress today announced LOCal, a new multiyear digital initiative, will expand the national library’s capacity to bring digital collections into local communities through partnerships with public libraries. The Library has chosen to partner with the Eastern Oklahoma Library System’s Muskogee Public Library as one of two public libraries chosen to co-create interactive digital experiences that connect local community members with relevant materials held in the national library’s collections. Read More.

Muskogee Public Library Receives $1.5 Million Grant from City of Muskogee Foundation

Muskogee Public Library is pleased to announce a substantial gift from the City of Muskogee Foundation that will move the library toward a complete renovation of the 52-year-old building and a reimagining of library services that will positively impact the community for years to come. Read More.

Sales tax could help Muskogee library stay open in hot, cold weather

Muskogee Public Library has the same heating and air conditioning system it had when it was built in 1972, Branch Manager Julie Poor said. Read More.

Imagine:

• a modern, bright atmosphere that inspires creativity
• an expanded children’s area, including outdoor exploration garden and a seating area for parents
• an expanded makerspace capable of hosting larger classes, field trips, crafters, and entrepreneurs
• a recording studio where hobbyists and professionals can . . .
• a co-working space for entrepreneurs and small businesses
• an outdoor seating area for reading, programs, and meetings
• a new, grand entrance on the east side of the building that provides heightened accessibility
• a meeting room that seats up to 100 people for community gatherings and meetings
• multiple “huddle rooms” for studying, meetings, and privacy
• an expanded history and genealogy department connects our past, present, and future
• and a spectacular immersive experience that brings visitors to Muskogee!

Imagine a library where the future of learning and innovation come to life — a place where digital immersion sparks curiosity, where entrepreneurs find the tools and community to launch their dreams, where hands-on STEM labs and maker spaces ignite creativity, and where young minds explore the magic of literacy and science from their very first steps. This is not your traditional library — this is the 21st-century hub of knowledge, collaboration, and opportunity we want for Muskogee.

Muskogee Public Library has always been a valuable investment in the community. Last year alone, the community received a $3,781,417 return on their tax dollars, but that’s only a starting place for the value we can create if we build a library that not only provides resources but acts as a destination.

We will transform our library to empower tomorrow’s innovators, creators, and dreamers, and we need your support to make it happen.

Why does Muskogee Public Library need major improvements?

THE PROBLEM

Muskogee Public Library’s building is outdated. Library service in Muskogee began in 1914 when the Women’s History Club worked with the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to establish a library on Broadway and D streets. Fifty-seven years later, in 1972, the City proposed a bond to construct our current location in partnership with a grant from the Library Services and Construction Act. 

That was 52 years ago, and the library building is much the same as when it was built.

The heating and air conditioning system, an original relic from the past, frequently forces us to close our doors during extreme weather conditions. In 2023, the library closed 16 times due to these breakdowns. The interior shows clear wear and tear with its original paint, floor tile, and lighting structures. Two of the four public restrooms are permanently out of order, and one or both of the elevators need frequent repair. These challenges inconvenience our patrons and hinder our ability to provide the high-quality service they deserve. 

Today’s library users require services that meet their 21st-century needs. They are global citizens who compete for jobs, education, and market share worldwide. They are active, informed, and engaged. To meet the needs of their changing world, they need collaborative spaces that challenge their ideas and inspire innovative solutions that will change the world. 

A library built in 1972 can’t meet that challenge.

THE IMPACT 

The Muskogee Public Library is more than just a building that houses books and information. It is the beating heart of our community–a symbol of equity, lifelong learning, and quality of life. Updating the Library means providing the tools, resources, and spaces for citizens to imagine more for themselves, their loved ones, and their city.

The impact of the Imagine More campaign goes beyond benefits for individual patrons. Investing in the campaign means building a stronger community by adding value to the City of Muskogee and City of Muskogee Foundation’s transformative work in affordable living, a thriving job market, and a strong sense of community. It means expanding our annual $2.7 million return for the County and City’s investment by providing resources and services that ensure all Muskogee citizens have the opportunity to engage in our world.

Together, we can do more!

CALL TO ACTION

How do we turn our imagination into reality? We work together to advocate, educate, and raise funds.

Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in Muskogee Public Library’s history. Working with KKT Architects, Inc., we can imagine and realize what Muskogee Public Library should be. 

We hope you will join us as we secure the funding to Imagine More for our library. 

Muskogee Public Library: A Cornerstone of the Community

The Financial Impact

In Fiscal Year 2024, Muskogee Public Library provided items to borrow, services, and programs to the community that are valued at $2,732,359, according to the American Library Association Library Value Calculator.

That includes

• 39,678 free wi-fi connections & hours of computer use
• 92,198 books, movies, and music borrowed
• 47,380 e-books, audiobooks, e-movies, and music borrowed
• 11,145 program attendance
• And 2,066 times the library’s meeting rooms and study rooms were used for free by community members.

Lifelong Learning

Educational community services at Muskogee Public Library include:

• GED classes
• U.S. Citizenship classes
• Cooking classes
• Hobby and craft classes, and more.

Storytime is held three-times-a-week and encourages a love of reading in our community’s small children. Teens have an advisory group and can help the library plan programs for them to learn new skills. During the summer, the library regularly holds a photography camp and technology camp. Library staff help patrons find information they need, use the library computers, watch out for phone and email scams, and much more. Learning IS the library!

Quality of Life

The library is a safe place for everyone to enjoy. It costs nothing to use the library, borrow items, use computers and wi-fi, and participate in activities and programs.

The library is for:

• The family who can’t afford to pay for painting classes anywhere else
• The kids who don’t have books at home
• The reading enthusiasts to have clubs and great discussions
• The writers to practice their skills and compete in writing contests
• The parents who want their kids to learn to love reading
• The technology-lovers who want to use a 3D printer or a Glowforge
• The senior who needs gentle exercise to improve balance
• The people who want to learn tai chi, and many more.

The library enhances the quality of EVERYONE’S life in many, incredible ways.