By Eric Thompson
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — South Broken Arrow’s new library moved a step closer to becoming reality Tuesday as Tulsa City-County Library held a groundbreaking ceremony for the William K. and Natalie O. Warren Library.
The replacement branch is expected to be completed in 2028, according to FOX23 reporting published by KRMG. The existing South Broken Arrow Library will remain open throughout construction, allowing residents to continue using its services while work proceeds.
The William K. Warren Foundation donated the land for the project. In its earlier announcement, the library system said the new facility would be located across the street from the current branch at 3600 S. Chestnut Ave.
The project represents a substantial expansion. Designed by Ethos Architects, the new building will cover approximately 20,000 square feet, compared with roughly 6,000 square feet at the existing location.
Plans include a drive-up service window, an adult patio and a maker space. An outdoor children’s amphitheater will add another setting for library activities.
Inside, the building will provide collaboration areas, flexible classrooms and a dedicated storytime room. The library system also plans to expand the branch’s collection by 40 percent.
Those additions respond to demand in a growing part of the community. Tulsa City-County Library has identified the existing South Broken Arrow location as one of the busiest branches in its network of 24 public libraries.
The replacement combines public funding with private contributions. Broken Arrow voters approved $4 million toward the library through a general obligation bond proposition that received 69 percent support.
Additional donors identified by the library system include the Broken Arrow Community Foundation, local financial institutions, businesses and individual supporters.
The branch is the fourth replacement project included in the system’s “MY Library, OUR Future” fundraising campaign. The campaign established a combined goal of $56 million for its four locations.
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For residents, Tuesday’s ceremony marks the beginning of a more visible phase of the project. The announced completion date remains an expectation rather than a guaranteed opening date.
Until the new building is ready, the existing branch will continue serving the neighborhood. Families can keep using the current location while following future library announcements for construction progress and eventual opening details.
Sources: FOX23/KRMG and Tulsa City-County Library.
