Being one of the only remaining Bartlett-Carnegie Public Libraries in the state is not the only thing about which the Sapulpa Public Library can boast.
Along with the multitude of other attributes and features encompassed in our local gem of a library, its Director for the last 15 years, Dr. Martha Stalker, is a true public servant with a real passion for books, reading, and learning.
Remaining the cool, quiet sanctuary in which so many of us thrived as kids, a glance at past and upcoming events shows that the library is also the hub of a variety of programs and services Stalker has implemented or overseen over the years, including the storied Summer Reading Program, poetry contests, Steampunk events, “adulting” classes, a state-of-the art genealogy department, family movie nights, modern resources, and of course, lots and lots of books from every genre and era.
Library Board Member and Director of Sapulpa Arts Sheri Ishmael-Waldrop tells Sapulpa Times that “[Stalker] has been devoted to the Sapulpa Public Library for 15 years, and I am so happy to have served as part of her Library Board for six of those. I have watched as she and her staff have worked to grow the readership, added community events, celebrated 100 years of the Bartlett-Carnegie Sapulpa Public Library, and so much more.”
Unlike the shushing and scolding schoolmarm librarian of old, Stalker has been innovative, open to fresh ideas, and flexible to the inevitable changes facing a century-old institution.
“During the pandemic, she led her staff in developing online and virtual curriculum to keep her patrons engaged and learning,” says Ishmael-Waldrop. “The City is lucky to have had such a caring community leader.”
Dr. Stalker told Sapulpa Times that although she does look forward to “staying up an hour or two later, sleeping in an hour or two later, going bike riding…having more of a variety in life,” she will stay involved with the library through its Friends of the Library group and becoming a patron.
Inspired by a conference she attended while pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership and Executive Management, she also has visions of “getting local libraries together to make it easier on their budgets.” She’s quick to note that this would not be a County System, but rather a “connection” for those who would benefit from participating.
Stalker also praised the City, saying that it “really does work with the Library well. They fund it well. Even though there are still things we need and it goes fast, we’re able to be supplied with enough books to keep the public [satisfied].”
Ultimately, her passion is as simple as loving books, reading, introducing a new world to a young reader, and opening up new portals to learning to those who seek them, and one thing is certain—Dr. Stalker’s legacy will continue to influence our library for years to come.
Make sure to stop by to bid farewell to Dr. Stalker and to welcome new Director Kristin Haddock on Monday, January 3rd!
