Checks should be made payable to Eastern Oklahoma Library System. Write EML Repair & Reno in the note line. Eastern Oklahoma Library System is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible as prescribed by law. Mail to: Eastern Oklahoma Library System, 14 E. Shawnee, Muskogee, OK, 74403.
For more information, or to inquire about other methods of contribution, please contact Executive Director Kathy Seibold at 918-683-2846 or kseibold@eols.org.
Eufaula Memorial Library Repairs & Renovation Project
The Eufaula Memorial Library was forced to close its doors on June 24, 2024, due to severe mold issues caused by water leaks and HVAC condensation. Before the building can be reopened, action is needed to remediate the mold and repair the windows, roof, walls, and flooring.
Eufaula Memorial Library is a vital part of our community, providing essential services to people of all ages and backgrounds. The library provides $232,884 in salaries and benefits to six employees. Last year, it served 33,083 visitors, who checked out 20,457 items, used computers 3,104 times, and attended programs 4,059 times. Online patrons accessed Eufaula’s Wi-Fi connection 13,158 times and checked out 20,457 e-materials. The library also hosted 163 meetings for local organizations and businesses. Monetized, this provides a $965,383 return to the community.
Sept. 18, 2024 Update:
We are ready to begin the second phase—carpet, flooring, and lighting—but still need to raise funds. We are deeply grateful for the support we have received so far. The City of Eufaula is contributing $42,083 toward the repairs and remediation, and the Eufaula Friends of the Library have pledged $10,000 toward interior improvements. The EOLS Board of Trustees is pledging $10,000. Our Eufaula Memorial Library Trust will vote on a $2,000 request at their next meeting, and two local banks have donated $8,500 collectively. We have applied for approximately $30,000 in grants and hope to obtain another $5,000 in donations.
Oct. 25, 2024 Update:
The library reopening has been said for 8:30 a.m. November 6. Though we are able to reopen, we are still seeking donations for furniture items. Please contact Branch Manager Amanda Grantham for more details at agrantham@eols.org. The Community Center location will be closed on Monday, October 28.
The land where today’s Eufaula Memorial Library stands was donated by the families of Dr. W.E. and Mary Wendel in memory of her father, Fred S. Lauhon.
In 1983, fundraising to build the new library began in earnest with a $100-a-plate dinner at Fountainhead Lodge. A $100,000 Jobs Bill grant was offered if volunteers could raise the funds to match in 120 days. The resulting four-month fundraising campaign was lauded with a John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award “for a successful, incredibly ambitious fund-raising campaign that involved the entire community in an outstanding building fund program” and the library construction was completed and the new building dedicated on Aug. 23, 1985.
Today’s library, nearly 40 years later, is in dire need of repairs and updates.
