News & Upcoming Events
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Dear Library Staff,
Our thoughts are with the communities that have been affected by wildfires in parts of our state, and conditions may continue to present challenges over the next few days. Please stay alert and take necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your families, and your communities. We want to acknowledge the important role our libraries play in providing support during such times, and we are here to assist you in any way we can as you continue to serve your customers. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Stay safe and take care,
Natalie Currie
Director, State Librarian and Archivist
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On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued this Executive Order. The EO directs multiple federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to reduce functions outside the scope of what is statutorily required and to reduce resources for statutory functions to what
is minimally required.
The IMLS Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Grants to
States program that provides federal funding to the Oklahoma Department
of Libraries is statutorily required. At this time, there are no known impacts expected to current federal funding received by ODL and utilized to enable access to information, strengthen libraries, and help build thriving communities. ODL is moving forward with currently planned projects
as expected.
We are closely monitoring the situation and providing accurate information
to key decision makers. Additional updates will be provided if there are status changes. As always, please continue to build excellent relationships with your local, state, and federal-level decision makers.
It is important to note that congressional reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act that sets the congressional authority for IMLS, LSTA, and the Grants to States program expires at the end of this federal fiscal year, September 30, 2025. It’s more important than ever for decision makers to understand how much Oklahomans value and depend on library services and the importance of federal funding to continuing core library services, especially for small and rural libraries.
For more information on the LSTA Grants to States program administered
by IMLS and how those funds are used to provide core library services in Oklahoma, visit these resources:
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It’s not too late to sign up for ODL’s Resource Roundup! Free books and supplies are available to Oklahoma library staff through April 25 on a first-come, first-served basis.
As we prepare for renovations at the Allen Wright Memorial Library, we’re giving away items we no longer need and can’t store. Looking to expand a specific collection? Sign up for a time slot or two in order to explore this wide selection of reading material and equipment!
Bring your own bags or boxes. ODL staff cannot hold items but are more than happy to answer questions at 405-522-3205 or statelibrary@libraries.ok.gov. Sign up below!
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The Oklahoma Department of Libraries along with the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book, is delighted to announce the 36th Annual Oklahoma Book Awards on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. This special evening will celebrate Oklahoma’s literary heritage and honor authors, designers, illustrators, photographers, and poets for their outstanding 2024 works.
The Oklahoma Book Awards is a program of the Oklahoma Center for the Book, an office within the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and one of 56 centers affiliated with the Library of Congress’s National Center for the Book. This year, Oklahoma artist and illustrator Mike Wimmer will receive the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award, and guests will enjoy a book signing, great food, and entertainment.
We look forward to celebrating Oklahoma’s literary achievements with you! For tickets and sponsorships, visit the event webpage, call (405) 522-3562, or email info@libraries.ok.gov.
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Public libraries offer a wide range of resources, and staff often take on projects requiring legal research. To support librarians across the state, ODL is excited to introduce "Oklahoma Legal Research for Public Librarians"—a dynamic new training designed to build confidence in navigating case law, Oklahoma Statutes, and more.
This virtual program is hosted by the Southwestern Association of Law Libraries (SWALL), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering community among law librarians. State law librarians will guide attendees through essential research tools, methods, and legal structures, helping demystify complex legal topics.
This two-hour training will be held live via Zoom on Tuesday, March 25th, starting at 1:00 p.m. CT. It will also be recorded and made available through Niche Academy. To register or learn more, visit the program webpage.
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The next meeting for librarians working in correctional facilities across the state will be held Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. Hear from guest speakers and share insights into meeting the educational, informational, and recreational needs of incarcerated Oklahomans. Join remotely on Zoom to connect with librarians working in the same field. Mark your calendars, and we look forward to your participation!
For more information, please contact Rachel Walker at Rachel.Walker@libraries.ok.gov.
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Public Library Academy classes are currently open for staff in Oklahoma public and tribal libraries to enroll. Build a strong foundation for excellent library service with Public Library Academy certification classes through ODL—essential training that equips you with the knowledge and skills to run your library effectively and serve your community with confidence. This program is made possible by funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Act.
Spring 2025 Semester
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*Pre-requisite for all other classes
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How to Think Like a Librarian*
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April 1 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Garland Smith Public Library
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April 1 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Sapulpa Public Library
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Computers and Electronic Resources
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April 9 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tahlequah Public Library
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April 10 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Champion Public Library
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Legislation Affecting Public Libraries
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April 16 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Clinton Public Library
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April 16 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Hugo-Choctaw Public Library
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Interpersonal Skills
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April 22 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Jay C. Byers Memorial Library
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April 23 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Altus Public Library
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Reference and Readers' Advisory
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April 29 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Seminole Public Library
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May 1 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Elk City Carnegie Public Library
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Current Trends in Libraries Webinars
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RA for All: Demystifying Genre
April 18 | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This training is open to anyone and will outline the basic appeals of the major genres, providing you with talking points to help customers find new reads in their favorite genre.
Last year's webinar on Trauma-Informed Librarianship will be available on Niche Academy until April 19th. Individuals seeking initial certification only need to watch one Current Trends in Libraries webinar.
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