And the best library in Oklahoma is....

Muskogee Phoenix | Library named best in Oklahoma

Jan Bryant got her wish. When she started in 1999 as head librarian at Muskogee Public Library, she decided she wanted it to become the best library in the state.

The readers of Oklahoma Living magazine recently voted for Muskogee’s library to hold that title. Bryant said she originally imagined getting an award from someone like a library association, but she had no complaints about this kind of recognition for her staff.

“Best library” was one of eight categories in which readers voted. The monthly magazine has a circulation of 310,000 and is published by the state’s electric cooperatives.

“The best thing we offer is good service,” Bryant said. “And that’s possible because of our good staff. That’s probably the key.”

Betty Himes, adult services librarian, said every day at the library brings something new and unexpected.

“We see working professional people, mothers who are home schooling, kids who need a safe place after school, and the homeless,” she said. “These books belong to the community.”

Himes attributed much of the library’s success to her co-workers.

“It’s as nice a group of people as I’ve ever worked with,” she said. “It’s a delight to be part of an organization that has an attitude you can buy into.”...