Blackwell Public Library
🏢 City of Blackwell · Blackwell, Oklahoma
Blackwell Public Library
Blackwell Public Library proudly serves Kay County from the corner of West Padon Avenue and 1st Street in Blackwell, a building that opened in October 1931 — 'Dedicated to the Cause of Education' — and has operated continuously ever since. The library holds a time capsule in memory of longtime director Linda Mayden, sealed until 2047.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 10am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 123 West Padon Avenue, Blackwell, OK 74631
Phone: (580) 363-1809
Website: blackwell.okpls.org
Plus Code: 8684RP25+V6 (Blackwell, OK)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Blackwell Public Library
The Blackwell Public Library has more than a century of history in Kay County, northern Oklahoma. Its origins trace to a reading room above L&B Drug (later Lenker Drug), founded with space donated by Dr. Allen Lowery, and the library's formal charter dates to April 5, 1921, when Blackwell voters amended the City Charter to establish a public library by an almost 2-to-1 margin. The present building at the corner of West Padon Avenue and 1st Street opened fully paid-for in October 1931, inscribed 'Dedicated to the Cause of Education.' The first librarian was Sybil Neal, followed by Mrs. R.M. Parkhurst, who served 26 years and built the reading room into a real library. Today the library offers a collection of books, microfilm, public computers, free Wi-Fi, printing, fax and copying, a meeting room, and the innovative Dial-a-Story service — a toll-free number (580-789-2900) where callers hear stories read aloud by staff and community members. A Story Walk in the library's outdoor pavilion changes periodically, and a summer food program provides free food boxes to children aged 1–18 every Wednesday.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Building opened October 1931, 'Dedicated to the Cause of Education' — approaching its centennial in 2031
- Library charter passed April 1921 by Blackwell voters with a nearly 2-to-1 margin, one of Oklahoma's earliest city library charters
- Dial-a-Story toll-free line (580-789-2900): recorded stories read by library staff and community volunteers
- Story Walk in the outdoor pavilion — changing illustrated story displays for all ages
- Summer food program: free food boxes for children ages 1–18, every Wednesday 2–3 p.m.
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Blackwell cardholders can download, stream and learn free through Oklahoma's statewide digital programs:
📚 Services
- Dial-a-Story at (580) 789-2900 — toll-free recorded stories for children
- Story Walk in the outdoor pavilion (updated periodically)
- Summer food boxes for children ages 1–18, Wednesdays 2–3 p.m.
- Microfilm reader and microfilm collections
- Public computers, free Wi-Fi, printing, fax and copying
- Meeting room (reservations available)
- Monthly Book Club — last Wednesday of the month
🎸 Programs
- Summer Reading Program for children and teens
- Summer Food Program (every Wednesday in June)
- Monthly Book Club — last Wednesday of the month
- Children's and teen programming throughout the year
- Community events coordinated by the library's Director of Operations
📍 Nearby Libraries in North-Central Oklahoma
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Blackwell · Browse all Oklahoma libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Blackwell Public Library, and when did its current building open?
The library's charter dates to April 1921, making it over 100 years old. The reading room began above L&B Drug before moving to City Hall in 1923 and then a residence in 1926. The present building at 123 W Padon opened in October 1931, fully paid for before its opening day. It will celebrate its 100th birthday in October 2031.
What is the Blackwell Public Library's Dial-a-Story service?
Dial-a-Story is a free toll-free phone service at (580) 789-2900. Callers are connected to a menu of stories read aloud by library staff and community members. The stories are updated periodically, making it a fun way for children to hear a new story any time — day or night.
Does the Blackwell Public Library have a time capsule?
Yes. The library holds a time capsule purchased in memory of Linda Mayden, who served as Head Librarian/Director from 2007 to 2017. The capsule will remain sealed until 2047, when it will be opened in a ceremony and its contents put on display.
What are the Blackwell Public Library's hours on Saturdays?
The library is open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.