Roots come together in the Old Schoolhouse
The first Oakhurst library service was established in 1910 in
what was then known as Fresno Flats Station and was located in
various grocery stores in the area. In 1960 the collection was
moved to the old Fresno Flats school building, which is now a
part of Fresno Flats Historical Park. This school was built in
1874 at the corner of what is now Civic Circle and Road 426 and
was the second school in Madera County while it was still part
of Fresno County. In 1977 the new library was built at its present
spot on Civic Circle next to the Fresno River, and an addition
was built with LSCA funds in 1992.
Happenings at the Library
The library is constantly looking for new ways to bring out the
best in local culture. The kids can enjoy preschool story time
every Thursday at 10:30, craft classes with local volunteer artistes
, and summer reading programs for K-8. With monthly poetry presentations,
folk concerts, lectures, local art exhibits and the sounds of
their grand piano, everybody should find something to appreciate
at the library.
The Rich Indian History in Oakhurst
Before the Gold Rush, this area was a meeting place for the Mariposa
Miwok, North Fork Mono and Chukchansi Yokuts Indian tribes. Afterward
the gold miners brought back stories of the other riches to be
found in the "Fresno Flats" area. Those interested
in more information should start with the extensive collection
of materials at the library, including manuscripts, personal
papers,video recordings, oral history tapes and much, much more.
Supporting The Library
If you would like to support the Madera County Oakhust Branch
Library, please contact: Friends of Oakhurst Library,
P.O. BOX 1226, Oakhurst, CA 93644.
