Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

J. W. Martin Library

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

1. J. W. Martin Library Marker

Inscription.
A state bond issue provided funds for a new library, erected in 1962-63 in a joint project with a new science building. With more funds available in 1967, a two-story addition of the library was built on the west. It extended to the Education Center and connected the two buildings on the second level. With interior renovations made at the same time, the capacity of the library was doubled. A lighted fountain in front of the building became the feature of a mid-campus mall. On January 27, 1983, the building was officially named the “J. W. Martin Library,” honoring the school’s president who had led in acquiring the facility.
Donated by
Ray and Cherie Lau and Family
January 2012

Erected 2012.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is January 27, 1983.

Location. 36° 47.787′ N, 98° 40.123′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It can be reached from the intersection of Oklahoma Boulevard (U.S. 64) and 7th Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located near the north/main entrance of the subject building. It is

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near the center of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 709 Oklahoma Boulevard, Alva OK 73717, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and Cherokee Outlet.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Joe J. Struckle Education Center (within shouting distance of this marker); ΦΛΧ Commemorates Veterans of Foreign Wars from Northwestern State College (within shouting distance of this marker); Fine Arts Building (within shouting distance of this marker); McKeever School (within shouting distance of this marker); Herod Hall (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Castle on the Hill — Its Destruction (about 500 feet away); Castle on the Hill — Its Cornerstone (about

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

2. J. W. Martin Library Marker

Looking southeast; the J. W. Martin Library front/main entrance is in the background. The marker is on the right side of the walkway, behind the bench.

500 feet away); Castle on the Hill - Its Design (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alva.

Also see . . . Northwestern Oklahoma State University - About the Library.

Excerpt: Construction was complete by the end of 1963, and the library opened in April of 1964. The prominent sculpture in the center of the building, entitled Quest, is the creation of Duayne Hatchett, art professor at Tulsa University. The library’s front lawn originally featured a lighted fountain.
The library was eventually named the J. W. Martin Library in honor of the university president who presided over its construction. It continues to serve the NWOSU community, providing research and reading materials to the Alva campus as well as the satellite campuses in Enid and Woodward.
The J. W. Martin Library houses over 114,000 volumes of printed material. The digital collection, available through our research databases, is even larger, giving you access to millions of resources including peer-reviewed articles and eBooks.
The University Archives and Tyler Collection are located on the second floor of the library. Our archives
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

3. J. W. Martin Library (1967 extension)
This two-story west side extension connects the Martin Library (on the left) with the Struckle Education Center (on the right).
focus on the history of Northwestern Oklahoma and this university.

(Submitted on February 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

J. W. Martin Library (<i>north/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

4. J. W. Martin Library (north/front elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.