Press Release
July 28, 2016
Contact: Larry O’Dell
Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-6676
lodell@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org
Budget Cuts Force Oklahoma Historical Society to Close Library on Mondays
OKLAHOMA CITY — Responding to deep and repeated budget cuts since 2008, the Oklahoma Historical Society Board of Directors has voted to close the Oklahoma History Center Research Library on Mondays starting August 1.
According to Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn, the closing is only one part of a system-wide reduction in services to the community. “This year,” said Blackburn, “the cuts have forced us to eliminate another 20 staff positions, defer maintenance for historical properties and reduce operational budgets at 21 museums and sites across the state.”
Closing the library at the Oklahoma History Center on Mondays was a last resort, said Blackburn.
“Although our budget allocation from general revenue has been cut almost 40 percent since 2008, we had maintained traditional hours of operation by pulling resources out of collections care and resorting to part-time, seasonal employees,” said Blackburn. “Due to the high level of personal service in the library, this last cut could not be absorbed without reducing hours.” The museum galleries and offices at the Oklahoma History Center will not be affected by the closure. The library will be open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about hours of operation, call 405-522-5225.
The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
