Oklahoma schools launch pandemic recovery efforts

May 14, 2021

Dear Oklahoma Public Library Directors and Branch Managers–

The message below was sent to ODL's CYA listserv by Youth Services Consultant Adrienne Butler. Some of you are on this list, but we wanted to make sure that all directors and branch heads were kept in the loop! 

CYA listserv members can respond and communicate via that vehicle. If you have any comments or questions about the State Department of Education's summer learning plans, contact ODLinfo or Adrienne Butler.

We also shared the message below with SDE, and included additional information on the important role public libraries play in summertime learning.

Bill Young

Public Information Manager

All —

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is using a minimum of $14 million dollars in federal stimulus funds to support summer learning activities and youth programs to help students recover from the pandemic disruption to their education.

SDE is encouraging schools to provide summer programs, and your local school district may be receiving funds or programs thanks to the state’s American Recovery Plan Act grant. This is a grand opportunity to partner with your local school and/or school district.

As librarians at public libraries, We have planned programs, activities, and performers ready to go. We provide services for all members in the family.

Reach out to your local school and/or school district to partner with them. Let teachers know what your plans are for summer and how everyone in our communities, towns, and cities can benefit.

This could mean sharing indoor programming space (for social distancing), providing outdoor programming (on the playground), or possibly working with a school's Summer Food Program.

Read the press release from Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and keep up to date with the Ready Together Oklahoma Action Plan.

Share your thoughts, ideas, and suggestion here on the listserv on how you plan to partner with your local school and/or school district.