Sallisaw Library Making Improvements

Work continues on the new pavilion at the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library, which officials hope to complete by the first of May. The old gazebo was removed, making room for more benches and new landscaping.

 

The Friends of the Stanley Tubbs Library have embarked on a $20,000 fundraising campaign to place a new digital, information sign on the front lawn of the library, which would appear much like this enhanced photograph.

The local library is getting a much-needed facelift with some improvements that are underway, including a new gazebo and a new digital sign.

A new gazebo is under construction at Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library downtown, according to Keith Miller, city building development director.

“We found out we had some rot; it was really becoming dilapidated,” Miller said, adding that the gazebo is used by many organizations for events and activities on the library lawn. “That’s really the hub of where things happen downtown.”

City Manager Keith Skelton had Miller’s design approved by the Sallisaw city commissioners, and construction began recently on the new gazebo, which is to the west of the library building.

Miller said the new gazebo will include new and updated electrical wiring with more receptacles and outlets, including the Mayor’s switch, which is used for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. More LED lighting is included in the new gazebo design as well, Miller added, noting that IPS Construction received the bid.

Funds for the $19,200 project include $7,000 from GRDA, with the remainder coming from allocations in the city budget, according to Miller.

“We opened up some more room by taking down the old gazebo,” Miller explained. “More benches will be added and a little more landscaping. He (Skelton) really wants to dress it up. We use that library lawn for a lot of things.”

Another change to the library lawn landscape is in the works.

The Friends of the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library have begun a fundraising campaign to purchase a new digital information sign for the library.

Carrol and Linda Copeland, who both work tirelessly for the nonprofit support organization, said the state-of-the-art sign will stand outside the library and will be used to promote the library and inform residents of the library’s many activities.

“You’d be surprised at the number of people who don’t even know there’s a library there,” Carrol Copeland said. “We’re hoping to get this in so we can publicize happenings at the library, kid’s classes and cool stuff coming up.”

The sign -- which will be provided at a discount by Dub Harrison with Harrison Signs, who is related to the Tubbs family for which the library is named – features a double-sided, 3-foot by 6-foot LED sign on an 8-foot tall base. Library staff will be able to change the messages on the sign via computer. Estimated cost is $20,000.

“This is our biggest undertaking,” Copeland said, adding that the first-Thursday fundraisers at Mazzio’s Pizza bring in less than $20 each month for the Friends organization. “But it’s something that’s needed.”

A donation account has been established at National Bank of Sallisaw under the Friends of the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library. Donation jars are available at several businesses in Sallisaw, including Mazzio’s and Maria’s. Copeland said the organization has also applied for several grants.

But they are asking for the community’s help in making the sign a reality.

“Every little bit helps,” he said, adding that the Friends organization already has $2,000 toward the $20,000 goal.

Donations are tax-deductible; cash donations can be made to the NBS account, the donation jars or by contacting Carrol Copeland on Facebook or 918-315-4089.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

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