Inside the Library at Carlton Landing

📚 Inside the Library at Carlton Landing: A New Chapter for Community

There’s something new and quietly beautiful at the heart of Carlton Landing — a place that feels like it’s been here all along, even though it just opened.
It’s the Library at Carlton Landing, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about spots in town.

I recently sat down with Pastor Cole Feix of Carlton Landing Community Church to hear the story behind this new library — how it came to be, what it represents, and why it feels so perfectly “Carlton Landing.”

A Library Built for Connection

When Cole and his wife Laura first moved to Carlton Landing, they were drawn to what so many of us love about this community — the shared meals, the front porch conversations, the slow pace, and the sense of belonging.

As the church grew, so did the need for more space. New children’s classrooms, offices, and meeting areas were all part of the plan. But tucked inside those plans was a dream that had been quietly waiting — a library.

Cole had run a bookstore and library before, and the idea of creating a space like that again — especially one that could serve families and spark a love of reading — never left him. “I wanted a place that would inspire wonder,” he told me. “A place that reflects beauty and encourages curiosity.”

That dream eventually took shape inside the church’s new office building — a light-filled, thoughtfully designed space that feels both timeless and welcoming.

A Space that Reflects Carlton Landing

The design of the library is one of its most memorable features.
Natural light floods in through tall windows. A chandelier draws your eyes up toward the vaulted ceiling. Every detail — from the furniture and rugs to the soft, lake-inspired colors — was chosen to make the room feel calm, inviting, and full of quiet beauty.

Cole worked with local designer Crystal Connor and architect Jim Hassenbeck, both of whom have helped shape the look and feel of Carlton Landing. The result? A space that truly mirrors the town’s character: simple, beautiful, and community-centered.

And yes, there’s even a classic library ladder — the kind that makes every book lover want to slide down the shelves like Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

More Than Books

The Library Company of Carlton Landing now holds over 3,000 books, including history, fiction, art, children’s books, and theology.
Many came from Cole’s personal collection, while others have been donated by generous locals.

But the vision is bigger than just books. The library was founded as its own nonprofit, giving it the flexibility to grow, host events, and welcome everyone in the community — whether you’re here full-time, visiting for the weekend, or renting a vacation home by the lake.

Cole hopes the library becomes “a seedbed for great conversations.” Plans include story times, book talks, author events, and cozy gatherings that bring people together around shared ideas and simple joy.

And in true Carlton Landing fashion, there are no screens — intentionally. The library was designed as a space to slow down, read, and connect face to face.

A Library That Fits the Heart of Carlton Landing

If you know Carlton Landing, you know it’s a town built on values like simplicity, beauty, and relationships.
This new library embodies all of that.

It’s a place where visitors can browse shelves of handpicked books, kids can curl up with a story, and families can step into a space that invites reflection and wonder. It’s also a tangible reminder that “a life well lived” includes time for the mind and heart — not just activity and adventure.

As Cole said, “So much of life here is about relationships and rhythm. The library gives us another way to connect — through ideas, stories, and shared quiet.”

Plan Your Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Carlton Landing, Oklahoma, make sure to stop by the library inside Carlton Landing Community Church. You can browse the shelves, sign up for a membership, or simply take a moment to enjoy the peaceful setting.

📖 Learn more: thelibrary.company
📷 Follow along: @thelibrary.company

Whether you’re a book lover, a curious traveler, or just someone who loves discovering new corners of small-town life — this is one spot you won’t want to miss.

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