Eastern Oklahoma Library System (EOLS) has announced the launch of a facilities initiative to rejuvenate aging buildings and library interiors across the six-county system. This initiative is set to transform libraries into vibrant community hubs, better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our diverse communities.

“To provide the best possible facilities for our patrons, we must be proactive. The public’s use of libraries is changing. We need to meet that need with upto- date facilities that provide a space for everyone,” said Executive Director Kathy Seibold, who took the helm of EOLS in April.

Libraries continue to offer opportunities for people from all walks of life to borrow books, music, movies, e-books, and audiobooks, she said, “But today’s library patron is also using the computer and internet, job hunting, studying, having homeschool group meetings, utilizing meeting rooms for community meetings, attending programs that offer everything from arts and crafts to special interest lectures, and so much more.”

Modern libraries are one of the few genuinely public places left in the world. No other place offers people somewhere to simply enjoy a good book, watch a movie on a computer, study whatever they are interested in, learn new hobbies, and hone creative skills without an entry fee or a ticket price.

The success of this initiative is a collective effort—cities and towns are stepping up to fund and implement necessary maintenance and repairs. Seibold said that the rest of the journey will rely on the support of generous grants and donors who believe in the power of libraries to transform communities.

“We’ll be launching fundraisers for many of the interior projects at our libraries—including new carpet, rethinking and repurposing library spaces, fresh paint, and brighter lighting,” she said. “Many of our Friends of the Library groups are donating and fundraising to help us with the initiative in their libraries.”

Among the projects already underway are repairs and mold remediation at Eufaula Memorial Library, which began Monday, June 24, and requires the library to be temporarily closed. The Eufaula Chamber of Commerce, Eufaula Community Center, and Legacy on Main Street are providing space for the library to continue operations—including all their planned summer reading program events, which are muchloved by area children and families.

Warner Public Library is temporarily closed as the town works to assess and make plans to repair water leaks and mold issues there. In the meantime, Connors State College has generously lent the use of its campus library for the library’s summer reading program events in June and July.

Planning is underway to address needed improvements at Rieger Memorial Library in Haskell, and repairs and renovations at Muskogee Public Library (MPL)—all of which are supported by their respective cities but will also require fundraising to succeed.