Herman & Kate Kaiser Library

Herman and Kate Kaiser

Text from a plaque inside the library: “Herman George Kaiser 1904-1992 and Kate Kaiser 1910-1987. Herman and Kate Kaiser fled Nazi Germany in 1938, going first to England and then to the United States. Their immigration was made possible by their Uncle Sam Miller who sponsored their journey to Tulsa in 1940. Without bitterness or self-pity, they worked diligently to become productive citizens, and determined to give back to the nation and city that embraced them in their time of need. The Tulsa community remembers Kate as a hands-on volunteer at the Center for the Physically Limited, and Herman for his leadership as President of Congregation B’nai Emunah. Along with countless philanthropic contributions, Kate and Herman gave limitlessly of themselves. They serve as profound examples of the reciprocal spirit we hope defines our nation and community.” Bronze busts of Herman and Kate Kaiser, done by local sculptor Rosalind Cook, are on display in the library.

Donor Funded Facility

The library was completely donor funded through a Tulsa Library Trust Capital campaign. The Herman and Kate Kaiser Foundation funded 51% of the $2.4 million cost. Other major donors are: Robert J. LaFortune, H.A. and Mary Kay Chapman Trust, Hille Foundation, The Tulsa World, Broadhurst Foundation, Adelson Family, Schusterman Family Foundation, Henry Zarrow, Don and Rita Newman and Irv and Sharna Frank, Calumet Oil Company, Sol Robinowitz Foundation, Paul Woodul Family, Waters Foundation, Barnett Family Foundation, Coretz Family Foundation, Moran Family Foundation, Temple Foundation, Lorene Cooper Hasbrouck Charitable Trust, Sanford and Irene Burnstein, Keith and Beth Goddard, Sam Vierson Family Foundation and Hal and Rosalind Cook. In addition, donors who contributed $100 or more are listed on the wall of honor in the lobby of the building.

History

A neighborhood storefront library on the corner of 51st Street and Memorial Drive opened for operation in May of 2002. The 4,800 square foot facility was a temporary location. Bobbie Bridgewood served as the manager while the Nathan Hale branch was closed for renovation in 2002. Louix Escobar-Matute was the manager from March 2003 to September 2004. Glenda Kilmer, the current manager, has been in that position since September 2004.

On February 2, 2006, Groundhog Day, an event was held on the site honoring major donors to the project. Students from Key Elementary and the Memorial High School band provided music.
The official groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 23, 2006.

The building architects were Larry Edmondson and Associates, Inc.. Library interiors were coordinated by Kinslow, Keith and Todd, Inc. The contractor was Oakridge Builders, Inc. The building opened on June 23, 2008 and the dedication ceremony was on August 6, 2008.