November 23 – Once again, all current volunteer members of the McAlester Fortnightly Club have come together for the greater good of this community by contributing monetary donations to the upcoming renovation of the McAlester Public Library, which will begin in early 2025.
McAlester Fortnightly has been federated within the General Federation of Women’s Clubs since 1904 with the establishment of their Literary Department.
Volunteer members share a rich history with the McAlester Library, as these dedicated women founded the library in 1904 by collecting book donations from Pittsburg County residents.
On April 7, 1905, they opened a 750-book library on the second floor of the Kellogg Building on Choctaw Avenue. They quickly outgrew their small space. The city’s founder, JJ McAlester, offered them a larger space in his building.
The Fortnightly members acted as volunteer librarians housed in these various locations. The City Council then approved a $35.00 monthly appropriation for the library.
By 1907 the library was so busy that the need for a paid full-time librarian became apparent. Phoebe E. Hayden was hired as McAlester’s first librarian.
In 1910, the JJ McAlester building was sold and the library was forced to move again. This time it was housed in the cramped dressing room of the Busby Theater. The Fortnightly club realized it needed a permanent building.
They looked to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who offered grants to build libraries across the country.
Their grant application for $25,000.00 was approved in 1913 with the stipulation that a building site be provided and that a permanent tax be levied to maintain the library.
The ladies found a suitable plot on Grand Avenue, the north side of US Highway 270 near Fifth Street, where the Buffalo statue now stands.
The groundbreaking event was celebrated with a parade and the laying of the cornerstone. This building was dedicated on April 16, 1914.
Stella Arnote, president of the GFWC McAlester Fortnightly Club, donated 2,500 volumes from the Fortnightly collection.
By the mid-1960s, the successful library had outgrown its building again. Voters approved a bond issue for a new library, and construction began on the current location in 1968.
McAlester Library has been part of the Southeastern Oklahoma Library System since the late 1960s.
On May 9, 1970, the library opened at 401 N. Second St., where it has existed for more than 50 years.
The public is also welcome to contribute. Visit Lacey Sudderth or Heath Stanfield at the McAlester Public Library or call 918-426-0930.
Pittsburg County residents interested in providing various types of community service can contact Fortnightly President Brenda Calahan at 918-916-0947 for more information about Fortnightly’s programs or visit online GFWC.org .
