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Muskogee Public Library’s building is outdated.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
- 22,785 free wi-fi connections
- 11,003 times a library computer was used
- 98,285 books, movies, and music borrowed
- 47,164 e-books, audiobooks, e-movies, and music borrowed
- 487 programs offered
- 11,855 program attendance
- And 1,307 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.
The modern library was moved there in April 1972 from the Carnegie Library that had been built in 1914. Rob Martindale, Muskogee Phoenix newspaper’s city editor at the time, called the new library “beautiful”—and much needed as the Carnegie library had become “a fading lady on vacation.”
“She, too, was a beauty. But, time gradually threw in the wrinkles. Increased traffic chipped away at her strength and added bookloads ran the air too thin to sustain her breathing as a library,” he extolled.
The year 1972 was a great one for Muskogee Public Library. Our two-story, modern library was completed, at 801 W. Okmulgee, and it was funded by citizens who voted yes to $750,000 in bonds and a matching grant of $465,000 from the Library Services and Construction Act.
The library was modern for the era—52 years ago. The building was completely electric, with a Westinghouse Chiller and Precision Electric Hot Water Heating Boilers for heat and air conditioning, a charging desk designed by architects, a “Myrtle” desk, and tables, chairs, and lounge furniture by Steelcase. Carpet and tile in the “Sahara Tan” color scheme brightened every room, and terrazzo tile floors graced the lobby.
It was a lovely building: 37-000 square feet dedicated to serving its community and surrounding areas.
Muskogee Public Library as we know it today was born.
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