Dear Readers,

As we embrace the vibrant summer season, our libraries are buzzing with exciting developments. Reflecting on Bike Month back in May, we celebrate the Mustang Public Library for its innovative bike checkout program, promoting community health and wellness. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce the opening of Immigration and Citizenship grants and Health Literacy grants, offering vital support to our communities. Lastly, we are excited to join the Vinita community and partners in celebrating the reopening of the newly renovated Vinita Public Library on July 8, 2024. The library now features state-of-the-art facilities and ADA-compliant upgrades to better serve you.

All of these topics and more are covered in this month's newsletter—Keep scrolling to read more and stay informed about all the wonderful opportunities at your local library.

Natalie Currie 

Director, State Librarian and Archivist 

Immigration and Citizenship Grant

Application open June 28-July 26

The FFY24 Immigration and Citizenship grant aims to support Oklahoma’s immigrant population in their journey toward obtaining citizenship. By offering citizenship classes through public libraries and community-based, non-profit literacy organizations, we provide accessible and trusted resources for immigrants to learn about the naturalization process, prepare for citizenship exams, and integrate more fully into the community. These classes not only offer vital information but also create a welcoming environment where individuals can ask questions and receive personalized guidance.

The funds can also be used in additional ways outside of citizenship classes as long as it strengthens local library/literacy initiatives that benefit individuals seeking citizenship including such things as providing citizenship instruction, purchasing materials, and collaborating with local organizations to offer classes for adult English language learners. Eligible organizations may apply for immigration and citizenship grants of up to $14,000 and will be awarded by contractual agreement through the period of July 31, 2025. Apply on ODL's grant management portal, Foundant, by clicking the button below.

Health Literacy Grant

Application open July 8-August 9

The Oklahoma Department of Libraries' FFY24 Health Literacy grants aim to enhance the health literacy of Oklahoma residents, empowering them to engage in and apply information that promotes personal and family health and wellness. Through these grants, public libraries and adult literacy organizations can apply for up to $7,000 for a story trail or up to $5,000 for health literacy activities, including fitness classes, healthy eating programs, information sharing, and innovative projects. By prioritizing story trails, these grants not only support healthy habits but also foster early literacy, with the goal of establishing a story trail in every county across Oklahoma.

All FFY24 project activities must be completed by August 31, 2025. Apply on ODL's grant management portal, Foundant, by clicking the button below.

These grants are made possible through funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Libraries and the Library Services and Technology Act. Applicants must create an account through Foundant. Once you have logged in, you will be asked to provide your library’s information first, then your information. Written and video tutorials on using Foundant are available on the login page under Resources. 

For more information, please contact Brooklynn Bors by email at brooklynn.bors@libraries.ok.gov or call 405-522-3205.

The annual report is now open for libraries to apply! This yearly report is crucial to the understanding of how libraries are doing, where they need to go, and how far they've come over the past year. In addition to data gathering, the annual report is how the Oklahoma Department of Libraries determines state aid. 

This year, ODL is using a new annual report software called LibPAS from Counting Opinions. We're holding a training TODAY at 2pm as well as another training explaining the Counting Opinions software on July 17. Click the buttons below to join the training sessions on Zoom.

Email or call Sadie Bruce at sadie.bruce@libraries.ok.gov or call 405-522-3322 for additional information. 

A major disaster declaration has been made by FEMA for the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred between May 19 and 28 in Oklahoma. Public Assistance is now available in 4 counties: Blaine, Delaware, Mayes, and Rogers counties. Individual Assistance is now available in 8 counties: Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Delaware, Jackson, Mayes, Muskogee, and Rogers counties. Emergency protective measures may include, but are not limited to:

• Temporary emergency repair (blue roofs and other work) or stabilization of an eligible facility if it eliminates or lessens an immediate threat.
• Wet vacuuming, damp wiping, or vacuuming with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) equipment of the interior space.
• Removal of contaminated gypsum board, plaster (or similar wall finishes), carpet or floor finishes, and ceilings or permanent light fixtures.
• Cleaning of contaminated heating and ventilation (including ductwork), plumbing, and air conditioning systems or other mechanical equipment.
• Removal or relocation of collections to prevent damage or loss.

Individual Assistance is also available to individuals and households. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program was expanded to include quicker access to needed funds including simplifying assistance for self-employed individuals such as self-employed artists and entrepreneurs. Learn more about this update in the Press Release. If your organization or community was affected by the storms, here are a couple action items and resources to help. 

1. Were any cultural institutions or arts organizations affected? If so, how? Please encourage those impacted to fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms:
   Cultural Institutions
   Arts Organizations
   Individual Artists and Performing Groups
2. Cultural institutions, arts organizations, and artists and performing groups can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202.661.8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
3. Members of the public and individual artists who have questions about saving family heirlooms and personal collections can email the National Heritage Responders at NHRpublichelpline@culturalheritage.org.
4. Visit the HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures website for additional guidance. On their website, you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged
   
   For any additional questions, email Sarah Caruso with the Heritage Emergency National Task Force at fema-hentf@fema.dhs.gov.

Mustang Public Library Featured in
Library Journal for Bike Initiative

Did you know May is National Bike Month? Library Journal recently published an article featuring Oklahoma's Mustang Public Library for their bicycle check-out program. Launched in April of this year, people within the Mustang community can now check-out a bike and ride around the surrounding parks.

The bike check-out program is an excellent example of how libraries utilize funds from ODL's Health Literacy grant to purchase and support health-focused initiatives in their communities. Click the button below to read the Library Journal article.

Vinita Public Library Moves
Into Renovated Library Building

After two years of planning, the Vinita Public Library is excited to welcome back customers to a newly remodeled library building on July 8. Renovations and remodeling were made possible by a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant to update the library to be ADA compliant. Additional donations from the White Foundation, Logan Family and Jay Klein family helped to complete updates and purchase new shelving. A donation from Kay Stockbridge helped to purchase new modular shelving for the children's area. Furthermore, a technology grant from Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Services helped to purchase 5 new computers and new wireless scanners

Additional updates include a new glass vestibule with push-button electric doors, an ADA accessible restroom, new flooring throughout, kitchen and processing room, new circulation desk, ADA accessible sidewalks and deck in the courtyard, and more. 

The library will reopen on Monday, July 8 at 11am and resume regular operating hours.

Sharing stories from the public library field is a powerful advocacy tool for securing support from state and federal governments. These narratives highlight the tangible impact libraries have on communities, showcasing how they foster literacy, provide access to information, and support lifelong learning. By humanizing the data and statistics with real-world examples, these stories can effectively convey the value of library services, inspiring lawmakers to allocate funding and create policies that support and enhance library programs. Click the button below to share your story so we can advocate on behalf of your organization. 

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Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.

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