Literary Clubs

From its earliest days, new residents of Oklahoma interested in providing cultural and social improvements in their cities and towns started various kinds of literary clubs. These clubs often held debates, literary lectures, and sometimes established libraries. Among them were Shakespeare Clubs in Collinsville and Tulsa, the Fortnightly Club in McAlester, Reading Clubs in Idabel, Clinton, Muskogee, and Study Clubs in Geary and Purcell.

Although not organized strictly for literary purposes, many of the Federation of Women’s Clubs in the state were very influential in getting libraries established, and sometimes staffing them on a volunteer basis. Those particularly active were in Alva, Hugo, Lawton, Pauls Valley, Sallisaw and Stillwater.

For other clubs active in starting libraries, see “Women’s Groups.”