About Us
We are located on the corner of Oak Street & 9th Street in Holdenville, Oklahoma.
We are located on the corner of Oak Street & 9th Street in Holdenville, Oklahoma.
The Grace M. Pickens Public Library has a rich and community-driven history dating back to September 27, 1929. Sponsored by the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the library opened with Mrs. Dudley B. Buell serving as board president and Mrs. Anne Sturdevant appointed as the first librarian.
With help from the Oklahoma Library Commission, the library established its early classification and circulation systems. The first essential resource—books—was gathered through a town-wide collection effort, with support from various local clubs and civic organizations.
The library's initial 600 volumes, which soon grew to 800, were generously housed in two rooms on the second floor of the old domed bank building, known then as the Warren Building, thanks to Judge and Mrs. Frank L. Warren. By May 1930, the library had expanded to occupy the entire second floor of the Warren Building
In August 1934, the Holdenville Library found a permanent home at the corner of Ninth and Oak, on land again donated by Judge and Mrs. Frank Warren. The building, constructed of native stone by WCA labor, cost approximately $7,500, with $2,500 raised by local citizens for materials.
The stone was sourced from the old city water works on the Long family property, while the site's original water tower was donated to the City of Atoka.
One key figure in securing the new building was John Ed Davis, a library board member widely credited for his leadership and dedication. In 1936, after seven years of service, Mrs. Sturdevant resigned and was succeeded by Mrs. Florence S. Culver as librarian.
By 1985, the library had outgrown its space and needed expansion. Then-Director Fran Cook began applying for grants to support the project. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries provided a matching grant, and a community fundraising drive, led by Mr. Veldo Brewer, raised $62,000.
This amount was matched by Mr. T. Boone Pickens, founder of Mesa Oil and BP Capital, in honor of his mother, Grace Molonson Pickens. In recognition of his generosity, the library was renamed Grace M. Pickens Public Library.
Mrs. Lloyd Thomas
Mrs. Paul Sturdevent
Miss Florence Shan Culver
Mrs. Lavon Bennett
Mrs. Ruth DeShields
Mrs. Jeanette Slaughter
Mrs. Debbie Thionnette
Mrs. Fran Cook
Kim Shed-McNaughton
Meetings held quarterly at 4 pm, the 4th Tuesday of January, April, July, and October.
Call to Order
Roll Call
Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Introduction of any guests.
Updates on any upcoming events or items of interest from any board members.
Discussion of any Old Business?
Discussion of any New Business?
Adjournment
Laws & Regulations Affecting Okla Libraries