Yukon Public Library
a.k.a. Old Public Library
512 Elm St., Yukon, OKThe Yukon Public Library is historically significant because (1) it was a completely privately supported effort to provide a public educational facility and (2) it served as the center for cultural events for the developing city of Yukon.
Starting in 1905 with twenty-six books, the Yukon Ladies Library Club organized the first public library for that: town.. Continuing these . private efforts, this club was able in 1927 to construct the nominated building with a design by Sorey and Vahlberg, an architectural firm from Oklahoma City. The private organization continued operation of the facility until 1979 when this responsibility was transferred to the city of Yukon.
The library served as a center for social and cultural activities as well as a public education facility in Yukon as the city grew. The importance of the contribution of the library and its support group has been recognized with a new modern facility being named after the club's long time librarian. Though the building is no longer used as a library, its connection with the history and development of the city of Yukon warrants its consideration.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.