Wister Public Library, the smallest branch of the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma, is located in Wister, Oklahoma which is nestled in Leflore County 2 miles from Wister Lake State Park. The library is situated in the Wister City Hall and Municipal building, an original 1930’s WPA native rock building.
The libraries of the Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma strive to be the place for yesterday’s heritage, today’s information and tomorrow’s dreams. Wister Library is known for commitment and dedication to patrons and community. We constantly encourage folks to use our facility and take advantage of our services.
Wister Public Library’s informal mission statement, ‘little bitty library…great big services’, speaks volumes about the programs and services offered. We are known for our commitment and dedication to our customers and community and we constantly encourage folks to use our facility and take advantage of our services.
The library is open 5 days or 37 hours each week. There are approximately 12,000 items in the collection and over 900 registered borrowers. The population of Wister, according to the 2000 Census, is 1,002 and service area population of Wister Library is 2,714. There are 6 public access computers which are continually in use plus we have a wireless network.
Wister Public Library – 1963
Wister Public Library was originally opened in 1963 and Mrs. Ida Davidson, who worked on a voluntary basis, was the first librarian. All initial materials were donated and the library was open three afternoons each week.
When LeFlore County joined the Choctaw National Multi-County Library System in 1967 Wister Library’s doors were temporarily closed. The community was then served by the CNMCL book mobile twice each month. Despite the best efforts of the book mobile personnel, circulation dropped dramatically and the service was discontinued. Wister Public Library was re-opened February 16, 1971 after citizens joined together to clean, paint and make the building ready once again to house a library.
Lura Duncan initially worked on the CNMCL book mobile and then became the first paid librarian at Wister Public Library. She continued in this position for more than 25 years. Following Lura’s retirement Carolyn Chandler became librarian, and then Carole Duncan, Lura’s granddaughter took the position. Leslie Langley, who joined the Southeastern Public Library System in 1990 and Wister Public Library in 2000, is the current librarian and she is assisted by Sheila Pickering. With help for the community and the financial assistance of several grants Leslie and Sheila transformed the interior of the building into an inviting, cozy library and one that is thriving.
