How well do you know your local library staff? They’re fun people, but also very knowledgeable and able to help you with any number of things—including academic research, how to wrangle a computer, and how to play guitar.
You’ll find them sorting books, helping a patron find something online, creating craft supplies, reading to groups of children, cataloging pickleball paddles, and leading exercise classes on any given day.
Library Assistant Heath “The Social Media Guy” Allen is the wit behind the great videos posted on Facebook (facebook.com/checotahpubliclibrary) and Tiktok (@eolslibrariesok).
“He has transformed our social media presence with his intelligence and humor,” Branch Manager Kenny Matthews said. “We are constantly receiving positive feedback about his posts.”
Librarian Erikah Parcher is working hard to establish relationships in the community and will be instrumental in executing next year’s exciting summer reading program. “They are also running our successful teen DND game and the kids seem to love what they’re doing,” Matthews said.
Clerk Laura Robbins has been with the library the longest, and she continues to bring that experience to the table while providing fun ideas for the future. Her Adult Pinterest crafts continue to be the most consistently wellattended programs the library provides each month.
“Jamie VanWinkle came to us from Warner, but she is a vital part of Checotah,” Matthews said. “She always has a way of making everyone feel welcome, and that welcoming attitude extends to her work with our story time programs.”
And Clerk Rene Rula is “so hard working, friendly, and warm,” he said. “She has worked hard to make our story time fun, and is always going above and beyond for the kids.”
Every Friday folks, young and old, can be found playing Dungeons and Dragon around a table at the library. Everyone is welcome to join, no matter their skill level. Adults play at 2 p.m. and teens at 4:30 p.m.
On Mondays and Wednesdays, seniors can enjoy free, low-impact exercise classes at 1 p.m. Branch Manager Kenny Matthews gives free guitar lessons to all ages on Wednesday afternoons from 3-4:30 p.m.
Matthews has been playing guitar for about 30 years, he said. “I just really wanted to share that skill with people. Plus, there is already a history of guitar lessons at this library, and I felt like I could supplement Shelby Minner’s large classes with smaller, focused classes.”
Matthews said he hopes to someday eradicate an outdated image of libraries and librarians.
“Libraries are really good at filling gaps in our communities. We are constantly involved in programs and groups that help the cities and counties in which we operate,” he said. “Yes, we are still repositories of knowledge, of course. From those who are looking for jobs and housing to people wanting to learn how to homestead, the people in your local library can help you find the information you are looking for.”
And the library has quite a few interesting items besides books that can be borrowed. The library’s “Library of Things” includes laptops, headphones, webcams, pickleball paddles, and a disc golf set. There’s also a slew of card and board games that can be borrowed, including Scrabble, Apples to Apples, Chameleon, Skip-bo, Catan, Risk, Ticket to Ride and many more. There’s a full list of those items at eols.org/library-ofthings.
Last but not least, Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library is the first library in the state to have pickleball courts. Not that the library staff necessarily can help anyone with their game skills.
“I know how to play. Do I play it well, though?” Matthews said. “Eh. I do okay. I played a little at the opening. I love watching all the people who come out and can play well though. People really seem to be enjoying it.”
For more information on library programs, visit eols.org/events.
