Peggy Helmerich Library

Groundbreaking for the New South Tulsa Library was held on March 7, 1990.   Open house for the completed library was held on February 10, 1991.  Special remarks were given by Senator David Boren, Mayor Roger Randle and Country Commissioner Lewis Harris.  The unveiling of the new sign revealed the name Peggy V. Helmerich Library.  Mrs. Helmerich expressed surprise at the honor bestowed upon her.  She is a major supporter of Tulsa City County Library, the Tulsa Library Trust and served as Library Commissioner for several years.

The 9,800 square foot library was set on three acres with room for 35,000 volumes in the collection.   It was designed by Wallace and Bates Architects. The Helmerich Library was one of four new facilities funded by a 1988 Tulsa County bond issue. Total cost for the land, design, construction and furnishings of the new library was $1,038,433.

It wasn’t long before the library use outgrew the building.  It had become the fourth busiest branch and was in need of expansion. On May 12, 1998 Tulsa County voters approved a $22 million bond issue aimed at all libraries in the system which increased the size of the building to 14,200 sq. ft and collection to 70,000. The library received new interior colors, redesigned circulation desk, new furnishings, enlarged children’s area with a story time room, enlarged book collection area, new teen area and living room-like lounge areas.  Over one hundred trees and seasonal plants and flowers offer a park-like setting for those who come to the library. The cost for expansion was $700,000.  The expansion was completed in July, 2003 with the Grand Re-opening held on September 7, 2003.

The beautiful landscape is enhanced with sculptures encouraging the love of reading.  Teaching Teddy by Ramon Parmenter of Joseph, Oregon was unveiled on December 2, 1993.  The life-sized bronze sculpture was a gift from the Tulsa Library Trust.  The library was fortunate to have the sculptor come to Tulsa for the installation and presentation to the community.

Library customers are greeted at the entrance with the sculpture of a grandfather reading with his grandchildren.   A Legacy of Literature by Tulsa sculptor Rosalind Cook was unveiled and dedicated on September 12, 1999 for Grandparent’s Day.  Donated by the Peggy V. Helmerich Library Endowment, it is to celebrate the lifelong learning and joy of reading instilled by parents and grandparents in children of all ages.

Little Bookworms bronze sculpture was donated by the Peggy V. Helmerich Special Project and installed in the summer of 2007.  It rests outside the window in the Children’s area where parents and children can enjoy while reading a good book together.

The library is generously supported by The Friends of Helmerich Library.  Their annual book sale allows contributions to enrich not only Helmerich but all TCCL locations and departments.  Customers enjoy a lovely bench at the entrance and programs made possible through their gifts. Donations to other locations include: sponsorship of Summer Reading Program; bookmobile; grants to nine locations/departments; and Connor’s Cove.

Branch Manager:
Marilyn Prosser              1991 – 2004
Louix Escobar-Matute     2004 – 2006
Marilyn Neal                   2006 - present