Skiatook Library History
The Skiatook Library opened in 1940 with WPA funds. The City of Skiatook took over operation in 1953. The City-County System began management in July, 1962. It was housed in an old 1,500 sq. ft. storefront on the main street of town, at 110 East Rogers Blvd. Billie Shehi was librarian there until mid-1988, when she retired. A larger building, formerly a feed store at 228 E. Rogers, became available in 1976. It was remodeled to accommodate the library and a community meeting room. In 1981, the owner decided not to renew the lease, so a new site was sought.
A little further east still, at 316 E Rogers Blvd, a car agency turned into a laundromat was for sale and the Tulsa City-County Library System purchased it for a permanent home. Olsen-Coffey Architects turned it into a fine new 5,400 sq. ft. home for Skiatook’s library in 1981.
Following Shehi’s retirement, Sandy Hebermehl was librarian for a year, and Sondra Otto was the manager from 1989 to 1995. In 1995 Bobbie Crumb was hired and she remained until 1999 when she transferred to Nathan Hale Library. Leslie Jones took over and continued until she moved to Florida in 2002. Mark Carlson was then appointed. In 2008 Jennifer Armistead became the Skiatook branch manager.
A renovation project in 2001-02, part of the 1998 Bond Issue, brought new shelving, new floor covering and furniture for the building. These renovations allow for better use of space for the customers convenience and offers a pleasant atmosphere for everyone. It also received a coat of bright blue paint on the exterior.
Skiatook Library has 11 computers available to customers. The computers have access to the Internet, educational games for preschool students and Microsoft Office Suite. Customers can also access electronic databases to which the library subscribes. These databases give customers access to full-text magazine articles, biographies of famous people and much more.
The Skiatook Library will endeavor to meet the growing needs of the Skiatook community.