Southeast Oklahoma Library System

10/06/2026

1926 → 2026

A lot has changed in a century.

Silent movies learned to talk.
Radio gave way to television.
TV gave way to the internet.
Letters became phone calls.
And phone calls became texts.

The world has gotten louder and faster, but thankfully, some things have remained. For 100 years, children have wandered into the same quiet, comforting corner of the Hundred Acre Wood, met some special friends, and shared some simple, sweet adventures. And when those children grew up, they shared these stories with their children, who then shared them with theirs. And we think that's something worth celebrating!

So, if you have a soft spot for one of classic children's literature's favorite silly old bears, stop by your local library this October and pick up a limited-edition commemorative library card, available now at all SEOLS library locations while supplies last!

A Very Happy 100th Birthday to Winnie-the-Pooh!

09/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19T14uhjse/

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER!

The McAlester Public Library will be closed beginning Wednesday, September 30, as we make the final preparations for a day more than two years in the making!

While the McAlester location is closed, you can still access our entire catalog and online resources through our website. You can also visit any of our other Pittsburg County locations in Hartshorne, Kiowa, or Quinton for library services.

Then, on Wednesday, October 14 at 9:30 a.m., the doors officially reopen as we celebrate the Grand Reopening of the McAlester Public Library!

Join us as we kick off the day with a ribbon cutting and welcome the community back inside your new and improved library. We’ll have performers, special programs, storytimes, demonstrations, giveaways and so much more throughout the day!

We know this temporary closure may be an inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience as we put the finishing touches on the library.

Mark your calendar for October 14 and come see what’s been happening behind those doors. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

09/17/2026

Mark your calendars for a special evening in Indianola!

Oklahoma Book Award-winning author Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer will be at the Indianola School Auditorium on Thursday, October 8, for a program featuring her book, Otis W. Leader: The Ideal American Doughboy.

The evening begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Indianola Community & Senior Citizens Center and the Indianola and Choate Prairie Cemeteries.

It’s a great opportunity to hear from an Oklahoma author and learn more about an extraordinary piece of Oklahoma and American history.

See the flyer below for all the details, and make plans to attend!

08/25/2026

Today, the world feels a little less bright. Dolly Parton has passed away.

There will be so much said about this legend in the days ahead...about the music, the style, the humor, and the unmistakable voice that made her an icon. But here at Southeast Oklahoma Library System, we also know Dolly as something else...a champion for literacy.

Inspired by her father, who never had the opportunity to learn to read or write, Dolly started her Imagination Library in 1995 with a simple dream to put books into the hands of children. And that she did! What began in Tennessee grew into a worldwide literacy movement that now sends more than 3 million free books every single month to children from birth to age five. Millions upon millions of little hands have opened a book because of Dolly Parton. Millions of opportunities have been created to discover that magical thing that happens when a child learns to love reading. THAT is a legacy beyond measure.

So we can think of no better tribute than to keep that dream going...for her. If there is a child under five in your life, check to see if they can be enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and sign them up TODAY in honor of Dolly! We know there's nothing she would love more than to see the Imagination Library explode with signups in the wake of such heartbreaking news.

Thank you, Dolly. For your music and for your heart. There will never be another like you. We will miss your light. And, especially from all of us who believe in the power of books, thank you for also seeing the importance of helping the next generation learn to read. For everything you have done for this world, we will always love you ❤️

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth until they begin school in participating areas.

07/27/2026

We're Hiring!

Do you love books, organization, and making a difference behind the scenes? If so, we'd love to have you on our team!

SEOLS is seeking a Part-Time Technical Services Assistant to help prepare and process library materials so they're ready for patrons to discover and enjoy. This position works closely with our Technical Services Librarian to organize incoming materials, maintain accurate library records, and support the daily workflow that keeps our libraries running smoothly.

Starting pay: $17.74 per hour

This position will remain open until filled.

Apply online at: https://www.seolibraries.com/about/employment

EOE

07/24/2026

Service Update

We're currently experiencing intermittent internet outages and slow connections at our library locations.

Because of this, you may experience:
• Difficulty reaching us by phone
• Limited access to public computers
• Delays checking out materials and other library services

Our internet provider is aware of the issue and is working to restore service as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Our staff will do everything we can to help you and make sure your needs are met whenever possible while we work through these temporary interruptions.

We'll share updates as they become available.

06/26/2026

All of this rain won't rain on our parade!

As everyone in Oklahoma knows, it's been quite a rainy season for our great state, and what can that impact? Construction progress for one. Various delays, including rain, have impacted construction on our library system's most ambitious project to date...the complete renovation of the McAlester Public Library, the largest library in our system.

"I feel it’s important to focus on what’s most important – completing this project completely without cutting any corners," Michael Hull, Southeast Oklahoma Library System Executive Director, recently shared with the announced delayed date for a grand reopening from summer to fall. "When we do reopen, we want to ensure that everything is fully functional and of the highest quality for the great people of McAlester. And when we remember that efforts to refresh the library started twenty-one years ago, another two months of waiting do not seem unreasonable for such a large and ambitious project."

So bear with us, McAlester! Your library is coming along nicely and there's a strong team, with even newer additional resources being brought in, making it all happen! And we promise you all...it WILL be worth the wait!

06/22/2026

Apparently, reading has quietly become one of the latest and biggest dating green flags. 💚 Not to brag, but we libraries kiiiiinda already knew it.

Now we're not saying a library card guarantees romance...but we are saying it gives you access to thousands of conversation starters. So stop by your local library, pick up a promising book, and be ready for YOUR next potential "meet-cute."

Happy reading...oh, and may all your plot twists be good ones. 😉

It might be time to update your photos to include a book in the frame.

06/19/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, All Southeast Oklahoma Library System libraries will be closed on Friday, June 19th.

We'd like to encourage our library communities to take this time to learn about the significance of one of our country’s newest federally recognized holidays that honors such an important chapter in American history as well as the ongoing pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality.

06/18/2026

Taking a moment to say goodbye to "America's Hans Christian Andersen"...

When creating the latest “Summer Reading Program 2026” issue of our library system’s “Beyond Words” magazine, we knew dinosaurs would be stomping through libraries all across our country during summer months with this year’s theme, “Unearth a Story.” So who else would we want to feature in our magazine but Jane Yolen, children’s author to over 400 books with around 30 of them being about dinosaurs (the brilliant “How Do Dinosaurs…” series)?

As our latest issue hit the stands, we have learned of Jane’s passing this last week. So, in her honor, we would like to encourage our library communities to pick up the latest issue of “Beyond Words” (available at your local library or through our digital flipbook here --> https://online.fliphtml5.com/trmqw/zqkx/ =1) and turn to page 8. Then visit your local library and check out one of Jane's books for the young readers in your life during SRP 2026 to celebrate this gifted children’s author and her lasting legacy. For those of us who know about the magic of writing, when your words are published and sent out into the world, a part of you lives forever. Thank you for your contribution to the world of children's literature, Jane.