News
Genealogy Workshop – February 21
The Library is hosting a free genealogy workshop on Wednesday, February 21 at 2 p.m. This hour-long program will cover topics such as genealogy books and resources in the Library, free online databases that are available from the Library, other free online resources, and ideas for organizing family history information.
Some of the books in the Library’s genealogy section include Chickasha city directories, yearbooks from Grady County schools, several books about the history of Chickasha and other Grady County communities, histories of local organizations, and individual family histories. Additionally, there is a section about the history and cultures of Oklahoma that has individual county histories, information about the Dawes Roll, and pre-statehood census records.
The Library’s online databases include access to Ancestry Library Edition on Library computers, and Heritage Quest, which is accessible on any internet-capable device with your library card number. The Chickasha Newspaper Collection on the Gateway to Oklahoma History contains freely accessible digitized copies of Chickasha newspapers on the Gateway to Oklahoma History. If you have ever wondered how to search for relevant information online, there will be a discussion of search tips and what kind of information and documents can be found on each of these databases, as well as some other free websites that could be helpful in finding information about a specific person.
Finally, there will be some ideas about how to organize an ever-growing collection of family history research in order to keep track of everything while also making sure none of the information is lost.
“Whether you are just beginning your genealogy research, or are already a dedicated researcher with a pile of documents and sources, this workshop can provide information that can help you to take advantage of free resources that can help you search more efficiently and to find some unexpected treasures,” says Michelle Skinner, Reference Librarian.
There will also be time for questions and answers during the program, and people are welcome to browse the Library’s collection of physical and online genealogy resources afterwards. In case of inclement weather, this workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 28. For more information, call the Library at 405-222-6075, or email michelle.skinner@chickasha.org.
12th Annual Chocolate Celebration is Tues., Feb. 13
by the Friends of the Library
The 12th annual ‘Chocolate Celebration’ fundraiser, sponsored by the Friends of the Chickasha Public Library, is Tues., Feb. 13, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Epworth Church Life Center, 4th and Iowa in Chickasha.
Tickets are available NOW and are $6 for a gift box of six individual servings selected by YOU! A box of chocolate treats is a tasty and thoughtful gift for someone special!
Chocolate-lovers can purchase tickets at the Chickasha Public Library, from the table sponsors as well as the Friends’ Board of Directors. A few tickets may be available at the door.
This FUN event is open to the community. Park in the north parking lot and enter through the double doors on the north side of Epworth Church.
To date, fourteen individuals, groups, and businesses have volunteered to be table sponsors and provide approximately 200 individual servings of chocolate treats at their tables.
If you would like to be a 2024 table sponsor, contact Angie at 405-779-6969 ASAP and let her know so we can reserve a space for you to be a part of this special event.
Also, if you are not a table sponsor but would like to help, the Friends are welcoming donated items for the Bake Sale. These sweets are priced and sold individually as whole cakes, plates of cupcakes, cookies, brownies, candy, etc. Please contact Angie and let her know you will be donating to the Bake Sale.
Corporate sponsorships are always appreciated, too! To be a corporate sponsor please mail a check to the ‘Friends of the Library – Chocolate Celebration’, 527 W. Iowa Ave., Chickasha, OK 73018.
THANK YOU to these Corporate Sponsors for 2024: Arvest Bank; Bob Lowe, Inc.; Century 21/Mosley Agency; First National Bank & Trust Co.; LaForge Properties; P.E.O. Chapter FV; Rotary Club of Chickasha; Standley Systems; American Association of University Women; Angel, Johnston & Blasingame; Chickasha Kiwanis Club; Chickasha Optimist Club; Churndashers Quilt Guild; DeHart Air Conditioning; Liberty National Bank; Onin Staffing; P.E.O. Chapter CR; P.E.O. Chapter DV; Richard’s Printing; Rick Johnston Insurance Agency, Inc.
Proceeds from the 12th annual Chocolate Celebration 2024 will be used to purchase new interior signage for the Chickasha Public Library.
Take Your Child to the Library Day on February 3
Saturday, February 3, 2024 is National Take Your Child to the Library Day, and the Chickasha Public Library is participating with fun, free activities for children from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a special library-themed Storytime for all ages from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., as well as crafts, a chance to win a library book bundle, and more.
Stop by the front desk and meet Youth Services Librarian Ms. Drew Cooper, and learn about all of the programs and services for children at the Chickasha Public Library, including Storytime, Summer Reading, and book clubs for children and teens. Take some pictures with some special guest book characters. Families can browse for books, read stories together, and parents and legal guardians can also sign up their children for their own library cards.
According to Youth Services Librarian Ms. Drew Cooper, “Libraries are an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. And Take Your Child to the Library Day is the perfect time to discover some library magic. From science exploration to craft programs, book clubs to storytimes, our library offers something unique and delightful for youth of all ages.”
Take Your Child to the Library Day has been celebrated since 2011, and it is a great way to help children develop a love of reading while creating family memories together. Be sure to stop in again soon – because every day is a great day to take your child to the library. To learn more about the Chickasha Public Library, call 405-222-6075, email library@chickasha.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the Library in person at 527 W. Iowa, Chickasha.
Financial Literacy Mini-Clinic
There will be a Financial Literacy Mini-Clinic held on Tuesday, January 9, 16, 23, and February 6 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s meeting room. This program is led by Leslie A. Sledge, NACCC-certified financial counselor and credit restoration specialist. It is free to attend, and no registration is required.
The Financial Literacy Mini-Clinic will cover the following topics:
- January 9: A Strong Financial House Built on Credit Worthiness
- January 23: Debt Elimination
- February 1: Saving
- February 6: Saving for Retirement / Investments for the Future
There will be a special guest during the final program. For more information, call the Library at 405-222-6075.
December is Food for Fines Month at Chickasha Public Library
December is Food for Fines month at the Chickasha Public Library! A donation of non-perishable food items will clear any amount of overdue Library fines. No minimum donation is required.
Food for Fines donations do not cover lost or damaged book fees, however, any accounts that are currently unable to check out due to having more than $6.00 in fines can be cleared for future checkouts. Any overdue books that are returned will also have their fines waived.
“Food for Fines brings the community together in several ways: foremost by providing food, but also by allowing Library users to clear fines and check out items, and by returning overdue books to the Library so that others can read them,” said Library Director Lillie Huckaby.
There are still a few days left to clear any overdue fines. All of the donated food items will benefit the Chickasha Emergency Food Pantry. Even if you do not have fines, you are still welcome to donate food to the Food for Fines food drive by bringing it to the Library during the month of December.
This is the twenty-third year for the Library to host Food for Fines, and it is a great way to help the community.
For more information, call the Chickasha Public Library at 405-222-6075.
Blood drive – December 7, 2023
Reminder – The Chickasha Public Library will be hosting a blood drive today, Thursday, December 7, from 12:30-5:30 p.m. If you would like to make an appointment, call 877-340-8777 or visit osbi.org. Walk-ins are always welcome, and donors will receive a long-sleeve holiday T-shirt.
Value Line database now available
Are you curious about investing or the stock market? The Library now has access to Value Line, a database with daily stock market updates, analyst evaluations of over 90 industries, research tools, and information that will help understand fluctuations in the stock market.
According to its website, Value Line is the “uncontested authority in reliable, unbiased information. Value Line puts you in the driver’s seat with accurate and insightful investment research on companies, industries, markets and economies. From the latest data, sophisticated tools and proven ranks to expert analysis and guidance, Value Line gives you the power to evaluate investments with confidence.” Make smarter, more profitable decisions with Value Line.”
Value Line’s extensive data includes 6,000 stocks, 18,000 mutual funds, 200,000 options, and other securities. Whether you are looking to understand the basics of investing, or an experienced investor who wants more in-depth financial research, there is a variety of ways to access investment opportunities.
To access Value Line, go to the Chickasha Public Library webpage, click on E-Resources, Value Line, and then enter your library card number. Value line is freely accessible on any internet-capable device.
Riders of the Orphan Train – Oct. 26, 2023
Riders of the Orphan Train is Thursday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the Library’s meeting room. The experiences of the 250,000 children who were sent west between 1854 and 1929 to find new homes will come to life with music, video, and storytelling. This program is free and open to the public.
Blood drive – October 5, 2023
The Chickasha Public Library will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday, October 5, from 12:30-5:30 p.m. in the meeting room. To make an appointment, call 877-340-8777, or visit osbi.org. Walk-ins are always welcome, and donors will receive a glow in the dark Vein Drain t-shirt (while supplies last) and one free entry to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Friends of the Library hosting Fall Used Book Sale
By Susan Gearhart, Friends of the Library
It’s ‘Used Book Sale’ time, and you are invited to come, browse, and shop for 2 weeks! The Friends of the Chickasha Public Library’s annual sale is Mon. through Sat., Oct. 9-21, 2023. There are no sales on Sundays.
The book sale is held in the Library’s community meeting room at 527 Iowa Ave., in Chickasha, OK.
Hours of the sale coincide with the ‘open hours’ of the Library: Mon. through Thurs. 9:30am–7pm; Fri. 9:30am–6pm; Sat., 10am-2pm.
Over 200 boxes of books that have been donated to the Friends and the Library will be filling the tables! Shoppers will find Children, Teen, and Adult Fiction Books, Non-Fiction Books, Reference Materials, Book CDs and DVDs.
The Friends encourage those purchasing books to make a financial donation instead of paying individual prices on each of their selections. A suggested donation is $1 per book, except for children’s books.
Proceeds from the ‘Used Book Sale’ will be used to purchase new interior signage and for library programming.
Memberships in the ‘Friends of the Chickasha Public Library’, as well as financial donations to the Friends non-profit 501(C)3 organization, help support the mission of the organization. They may be made at any time at the Library or mailed to the Friends of the Library, 527 Iowa Ave., Chickasha, OK 73018.
For memberships, please include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address, if available, with your information. Annual memberships are from July 1 through June 30.
For more information about the ‘Used Book Sale’ and any Library event, please call the Library at 405-222-6075.