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The McAlester Fortnightly Club has been federated within the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) since 1904 with the founding of their Literary Department. Volunteer members share a rich history with the McAlester Public Library (MPL) as these dedicated women founded the MPL in 1904 by collecting book donations from residents within Pittsburg County. On April 7, 1905, they opened a library with 750 volumes on the second floor of the Kellogg Building on Choctaw Avenue. They quickly outgrew their tiny space. City founder, J.J. 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 monthly appropriation of $35.00 for the library. In 1907, the library was so busy that the need for a paid full-time librarian was apparent. Mrs. Phoebe E. Hayden was hired as McAlester’s first librarian.
In 1910, the J.J. McAlester Building was sold and the library was forced to move again. This time it was housed in the cramped checkroom of the Busby Theater. The Fortnightly club realized that a permanent building was needed. They looked to philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, who offered grants for library construction all around the country. Their grant application for $25,000.00 was approved in 1913 with the stipulation that a building lot be provided and that a permanent tax be passed to maintain the library. The ladies found a suitable lot on Grand Avenue (North side of Hwy 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 April 16, 1914. Mrs. Stella Arnote, President of the GFWC McAlester Fortnightly Club donated 2,500 volumes of books from Fortnightly’s collection.
By the mid-1960s, the successful library had once again outgrown its building. Voters approved a bond issue for a new library, and construction began at the present site in 1968. McAlester Library has been part of the Southeastern Oklahoma Library System (SEOLS) since the late 1960’s. On May 9, 1970 the library opened at 401 N. 2nd Street where it has remained for more than 50 years. Ref:https://www.seolibraries.com/about/hours-locations/mcalester
Once again, all current Fortnightly volunteer members have gathered together for the greater good of this community by contributing monetary donations toward the impending renovation of the McAlester Public Library set to begin in early 2025. The public is welcome to contribute also. Visit with 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 may contact Fortnightly President, Brenda Calahan, at 918-916-0947 for further information regarding Fortnightly’s programs or view GFWC.org online.