Zarrow Regional Library History
The City of Tulsa had a branch library in the Red Fork community, west of the River, at 2410 W. 41st St. beginning in 1929. It was a 2,480 sq. ft. building across the street from Clinton Jr. High School. Mae Swofford was Librarian there from 1951 to 1971, when she retired. Betty Kennedy then became the manager, and she remained until 1992. She saw the construction of the new West Regional Library at 2224 W. 51st, which was to take the place of Red Fork.
Designed by Imel & Graber, the 9,545 sq. ft. facility encountered numerous construction problems and delays, but it was finally completed, and opened in 1981. Opening day activities included jousting on the lawn and a hot air balloon launch. It was exciting. Laurie Sundborg was hired in 1992 to become the Librarian, and she continued in that position until October, 1995, when Barry Hensley became the Librarian.
Another exciting event occurred in May, 1999, when a tornado took the roof off of the meeting room. Damage to the rest of the building was minimal, fortunately, so we were not completely out of business. The new roof, exterior repairs and painting gave the building a new look, so it turned out better than one would hope.
In 2003, the building underwent an expansion and renovation to add 5,000 sq. ft. for a larger library service area and a teen center. Designed by Dewberry, the refurbished facility opened in October 2004. At this time, the building was renamed the Henry Zarrow Regional Library, in recognition of a very special gentleman and supporter of the library. The clever bison statue in front of the building is called “Mr. Henry the Reading Buff,” also in honor of Mr. Zarrow. In 2005, another sculpture, “Storytime for Two,” was installed. Designed by local artist Rosalind Cook, it was donated by the Zarrow family in remembrance of Mr. Zarrow’s late wife, Anne.
The renovated building has been very popular with the citizens of Southwest Tulsa, and continues to be a vital part of the community.