Southeast Oklahoma Library System

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.

06/03/2026

Join Us for a Community Resource Fair in LeFlore County!

Southeast Oklahoma Library System is proud to partner with local organizations to connect our communities with valuable resources, services, and support.

Library staff from Patrick Lynch, Heavener, Wister, Arkoma, and Spiro Public Libraries will work together to host this special event featuring information on health, family services, employment, housing, senior services, veterans' resources, and more.

📅 Monday, June 22, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Patrick Lynch Public Library, Poteau

This free event is designed to connect LeFlore County residents with organizations that can help meet a variety of needs. Stop by, ask questions, gather information, and discover resources available throughout our community.

05/29/2026

Want to know why SEOLS libraries are the amazing places they are today? It's because of incredible women just like these two!

Behind every thriving library system is a strong Board of Trustees — leaders in our local communities — who step up and advocate for library services, ensure responsible stewardship of public resources, and help guide our mission! And today we want to show you two faces of our board who have worked so hard for our libraries behind the scenes and thank them for their service!

Lori Chrestman, Wilburton Trustee, and Cheryl Wood-Myers, Latimer County Trustee, both joined our board back in 2020 and have each just completed two terms with us. Thank you both for your years of service, leadership, and unwavering support of our libraries, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!