Dear Readers,

As we get ready for fireworks and Fourth of July celebrations, it's also a good time to pause and appreciate the people who serve—both in the military and in our communities every day. From educators and library staff to first responders, thank you for all you do to make Oklahoma a better place.

Even though school’s out, there’s still plenty of learning (and fun) to be had! Libraries across the state are rolling out their Summer Reading programs, and this year’s theme—Color Our World—is all about creativity. With events, challenges, and activities for all ages, it’s a great time to stop by your local library and dive into something new.

This month, we’re also highlighting a powerful story about library services in Oklahoma’s correctional facilities. It’s inspiring to see how reading and learning continue to make a difference for people preparing to rejoin their communities, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.

As always, we love hearing from you! If you’ve had a great experience with a library program or service, let us know. Your stories help us show how libraries are meeting real needs all across the state.

Here’s to a summer filled with learning,

Natalie Currie 

Director, State Librarian and Archivist 

By supporting libraries housed in correctional centers, this agency is expanding access to reading and educational materials for incarcerated customers. Whether it means providing new books through IMLS funding or organizing meetings for library staff who serve in these facilities, ODL will continue to promote learning opportunities—especially in the lives of Oklahomans serving time or preparing for reentry into their communities. 

At the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center (LARC), this support has made a vital difference. Since 2021, individuals at LARC have logged over 1 million minutes every summer learning at the library. Pioneer Library System boosts this engagement by providing additional resources, book club meetings, and an annual Summer Learning Challenge.

"Everyone should have the privilege of choosing a book and turning its pages," shares Debra Glasscock of Mack Alford Correctional Center. "Regardless of the genre selected, reading improves comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and creativity." She goes on to explain how vital these spaces for learning are to incarcerated library customers.

Our IMLS-funded Materials Acquisition for Institutions program ensures that correctional and juvenile facility libraries are equipped to meet the interests and needs of those they serve. The demand for resources is high, and feedback from locations across the state is powerful.

Joshua Finkbeiner, library clerk at the Allen Gamble Correctional Center, says: "The selection of books sent are hard to keep on the shelf due to popular demand. A good book is so impactful... Idle time, which is sold by the ton here, can lead to bad decisions, but with so many adventures in hand, better choices can be made. Any number of the books you sent may have saved a life, so thank you."

This news only strengthens our dedication to investing in library access for all Oklahomans. ODL will continue collaborating with IMLS and partners like the Pioneer Public Library System to help individuals stay connected to learning, build positive habits, and prepare for successful reintegration.

Sharing ODL customer stories is a powerful advocacy tool for securing support from state and federal government. These narratives highlight the tangible impact archives and 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 and archives and records management, inspiring lawmakers to allocate funding and create policies that support and enhance these programs. Curious about what we've featured in the past? Check out our new Agency Stories page. 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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