About

The Chickasha Public Library was founded in 1905 as a Carnegie Library, and was the first free public library in what was then Indian Territory. Three women’s clubs, the Sorosis Study Club, New Century Club, and the Chautauqua Circle, with the support of mayor R.F. Soffern, requested a grant from Andrew Carnegie in 1903 for the purpose of building a public library. They received the grant, and immediately formed the Carnegie Library Committee, began fundraising, secured the land, purchased the land, and solicited book donations for the initial collection.

The current building was built on the same site of the Carnegie Library in 1964, and was renamed the Chickasha Public Library. During the 1980s and 1990s, the library expanded its services to add computer and internet access. The library building was remodeled in 2003 to add more space, and the children's area was remodeled in 2016.

Today, the Chickasha Public Library continues to provide a wide variety of free resources to the residents of Chickasha and Grady County, including books and ebooks available for checkout, computer and internet access, programs for all ages, and a knowledgeable staff who can help people find information about a wide variety of topics.

Library Policies

To view the Library's policies, please click here.

The library closes on the following holidays and some weekends directly before or after holidays:

New Year’s Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday
9:30 am - 7:00 pm

Friday
9:30 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday
CLOSED

Mission

The mission of the Chickasha Public Library is to provide the community with a broad array of high demand titles in all formats, services that satisfy the need for information related to work, school, and personal life, common meeting areas for interaction and discourse with others, and instruction to develop skills in finding, evaluating, and using information effectively.

Staff

Lillie Huckaby, Library Director

Hello, I’m Lillie Huckaby. I was born in Pueblo Colorado. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree at Northwest Missouri State University I taught Kindergarten for 18 years, that was a lot of fun. Then I moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma and became a librarian. I received my Master of Library and Information Studies degree from the University of Oklahoma, go Sooners. I worked as the Children’s Librarian here at Chickasha Public Library for 10 years, that was a lot of fun. In the summer of 2014 I became the Director of Chickasha Public Library, this has been interesting. I teach Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance here at the Library and I host Chapter Chat here among my other myriad duties.

Contact email: lillie.huckaby@chickasha.org

Ondreea "Drew" Cooper, Youth Services Librarian

I am a mom to amazing identical twin sons and two awesome daughters in law, and Mimi to the most adorable grandson. I love reading, DIY home repairs, hiking, climbing, and overlanding. My favorite books are historical nonfiction, mysteries, and thrillers.

I have a master’s in marine biology and oceanography and I love sharks. I moved to Oklahoma in 2021 and am a former exceptional education teacher. I was also previously a Youth Services Librarian for a library system in South Carolina.

I love everything about being a Youth Services Librarian, especially developing relationships with children and their families.

Contact email: ondreea.cooper@chickasha.org

Michelle Skinner, Reference Librarian/Interlibrary Loan

Hello, I’m Michelle Skinner. I have worked at the Chickasha Public Library since 2012 and I am also a piano teacher, as well as a pianist and organist at the First Presbyterian Church. I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma. I also wrote A History of the Chickasha Public Library, 1905-2020: The First 115 Years and I love all things creative and intellectual.

Contact email: michelle.skinner@chickasha.org

Denise Parr, Administrative Assistant

Brande Bradford, Circulation Supervisor

Hello, I’m Brande Bradford. I have worked at the Chickasha Public Library since 2012. Most days you can find me at the front desk at the library, but I also enjoy attending events like the Rock Island Art Festival and the Grady County Fair. I graduated from Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri with an Associate of Arts degree. Outside of work I enjoy listening to books and podcasts, knitting and collecting unique art.

Sydny Dockery, Library Assistant - Circulation

Hello, my name is Sydny. My interests include reading, collecting books, painting/drawing, and spending time with my pets. I have a bachelor’s degree in art from USAO. My favorite thing to do at the library is to create posters and graphic designs for upcoming events and decorations around the library.

Witness by Sydny Dockery