Dear Readers,

As we embrace October, we find ourselves in the midst of two important celebrations: American Archives Month and the kickoff of our beloved "My Favorite Book" program. Both initiatives highlight the vital role of storytelling—whether through the written word or the preservation of our history.

American Archives Month provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the work being done to safeguard Oklahoma's rich history. In this month’s newsletter, we’ve included the story of former librarian Susan Chase, a reminder that every community member has a part to play in preserving our past. Susan's dedication to uncovering the final resting place of Peter Hildebrand, a pivotal figure in the Trail of Tears, exemplifies the profound impact that diligent research and community engagement can have. Thanks to the resources available through our State Archives, individuals like Susan are helping to ensure that the stories of Oklahomans, both past and present, remain alive.

In tandem with this celebration of history, we are thrilled to launch the "My Favorite Book" contest. This annual event invites young readers from grades 4 to 12 to connect with their favorite authors by writing heartfelt letters about how these works have shaped their perspectives. With exciting cash prizes and opportunities for schools and libraries to get in on the action, we hope to inspire a new generation of writers and storytellers. We encourage teachers, parents, librarians, and students to participate in this meaningful program. Together, let’s celebrate the power of words and the importance of preserving our stories for future generations.

Happy reading,

Natalie Currie 

Director, State Librarian and Archivist 

On Friday, September 27, the state of Oklahoma in partnership with Google launched the Grow with Google initiative at the Lawton Public Library. Local legislators attended the event, along with representatives from ODL, OMES, and Google, all in support of expanding access to Google certification courses at no cost through libraries across the state.

The celebration would not have been possible without Governor Stitt’s vision of a modern and skilled workforce, aided by his relationship with Google. Through public-private partnerships like Grow with Google, we are enabling Oklahomans to gain the technological skills that will not only help them succeed in today's economy, but also prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. We would also like to recognize the invaluable guidance of Secretary of Education Nellie Sanders as she activated the governor’s vision for a modern Oklahoma workforce by inviting public libraries to the conversation. 

Left to Right: Natalie Currie (ODL), Rep. Daniel Pae, Rep. Trey Caldwell, Shane Cole (Google), Emily Gise (OMES), Kristin Herr (Lawton Public Library),

and Ashley Welke (ODL).

Public libraries can get involved by downloading the media kit and sharing information about the program on your website and social media. Learn more about Grow with Google by visiting our website. There will also be an overview and time for Q&A at the October PLDC meeting.

Calling all teachers, parents, librarians, and students—it's time for the annual "My Favorite Book" contest! This is a fantastic opportunity for young readers to connect deeply with the stories that have touched their lives. Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author—living or from the past—explaining how the author’s work changed the way they see themselves or the world. This is not just any writing contest; it's a chance for students to pour their hearts into letters that express their unique, personal reactions to a favorite book, short story, or essay.

The contest features three competition levels: Level 1 for grades 4–6, Level 2 for grades 7–8, and Level 3 for grades 9–12. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each level: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Additionally, each first-place winner gets to select their school or public library to receive a $1,000 cash prize.

Submissions are open from October 1 through December 20, so encourage the young writers in your life to take part in this meaningful experience, and let’s celebrate the power of words together.

To learn more or to access the application form, visit the webpage for "My Favorite Book."

Preserving Oklahoma’s Storied Past

with the State Archives

One retired librarian has discovered a historical figure's final resting place with help from ODL's Archives and Records team, ensuring that the site will be preserved and its significance documented. Susan Chase is a former librarian from Grove who occasionally fills in at her library when staff is short-handed. Although retired, Susan still finds ways to tell and preserve Oklahoma’s stories. She spends time recording forgotten gravesites and documenting people's final resting places.

Her ongoing dedication to safeguarding the past prompted her to research the burial place of Peter Hildebrand, the first conductor to lead displaced Cherokees along the Trail of Tears' northern route towards Oklahoma. Susan says she took on the project after hearing stories from volunteers who tend one of Grove’s historic cemetery grounds.

Map of Hilderbrand Cemetery (1939)    

Looking for resources to guide her search, she reached out to Alyssa Vaughn, Archivist at ODL. Alyssa scanned grave permits, a map, and letters on file that pertained to the cemetery; she also supplied Peter's grave permit, proving that his remains had been relocated to make way for Grand Lake's construction.

"So much history gets lost," Susan observes. "It was important to help find proof of where Peter is buried."

Community members like Susan and the volunteers she spoke with at the Hildebrand graveyard are preserving Oklahoma landmarks and unearthing history. She discovered what she believes to be Peter Hildebrand’s family burial ground and submitted her findings to the Trail of Tears Association, a nonprofit which preserves the stories of indigenous people who were forcibly removed under the Indian Removal Act in 1830.

She says Alyssa at the Oklahoma State Archives provided the resources that made her discovery possible. In celebration of Archives Month, ODL recognizes the crucial role played by research librarians and archivists in the preservation and validation of Oklahoma's stories. State-provided tools like Digital Prairie enable Oklahomans to connect with their history. To learn more about a century's worth of documents, publications, and archives available on Digital Prairie's online database, visit digitalprairieok.net.

The entrance to Hilderbrand Cemetery, photographed by Susan Chase.

Sharing ODL customer 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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