Resources & Upcoming Deadlines for Library Staff

 

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ODL

August 15, 2025

     
     

News & Upcoming Events

     
     
New Funding Opportunities header
 

 

Apply for the Route 66 Grant Program

Applications for this grant open today! Libraries serving areas traversed by Route 66 have an opportunity to request funding for projects that foster development and preservation along this iconic highway. 

 

Celebrate your library's legacy by applying before 5 p.m. on September 30, 2025. Visit this link and reach out to Project66@ltgov.ok.gov with questions.

 

 

 

 

Early Childhood Care and Education Grant

The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation (OPSRF) is offering grants to support high-impact projects that boost family engagement across the early childhood care and education system. Funded by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five, $1.1 million is available for community-led initiatives organized by libraries and nonprofits.

 

Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on September 8, 2025. Visit the OPSRF website for application instructions and details. Contact Emma Bigheart at ebigheart@okschoolreadiness.org with questions.

 


 

 

 
 
Learning Together header

 

 

August Training Spotlight

This month, we're excited to spotlight the new Library Foundational Training (LiFT) courses—fresh replacements for the ABLE series. Designed for staff who are new to the field or transitioning into new roles, LiFT trainings are geared towards small and mid-sized libraries.

 

First in the LiFT lineup is the Collection Management Series. Check out this self-paced course about building and maintaining your library’s collections to gain knowledge that you can apply right away.

 

 

 
 

 

Community of Practice Meetings

Health Literacy Community of Practice meetings kick off soon, starting at

2 p.m. on September 23. All libraries are welcome! Join ODL in expanding the support network for libraries that promote health literacy.

 

Discover resources, share experience, and hear from experts in various health-related fields. Get inspired by projects such as Mustang Public Library's bike check-out program or Moore's Back-to-School Health Fair.

 

Meetings will continue monthly on every fourth Tuesday. Let's gather around the shared goal of developing healthier and happier communities. Connect with Katherine Witzig at katherine.witzig@libraries.ok.gov to learn more.

 
 

 

 

 

Fall 2025 Library Certification Classes

Calling all public and tribal library staff—Registration is now open for Public Library Academy certification courses! Cultivate skills that will help you serve your community with confidence and excellence.

 

Funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act make this program possible. Find out about the courses and enroll to build expertise in administration, outreach, and more!

 

   

 

 

 

 

Policy in Practice Workshops

Explore the ins and outs of library policy while networking with field experts. Take advantage of trainings on policy writing, legal procedure, records keeping, and State Aid. Save the date for this unique opportunity to create

a roadmap tailored to your community's needs with hands-on support.

 

October 28 - October 30, 2025

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Oklahoma Historical Society

800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. Oklahoma City, OK

 

For information on the various sessions, click here. Attendees are welcome to sign up for any and all sessions that speak to their library’s interests via the registry link. Email courtney.rutledge@libraries.ok.gov with questions.

 

 

 

 
Programming and Resources header

 

 

Help Oklahoma get #VoteReady

Your library plays a critical role in supporting civic engagement and voter participation. We’re calling all Oklahoma libraries to register as National Voter Registration Day partners before August 31. Take a few minutes to make a big impact.

 

By simply registering as a partner, you are supporting voter awareness and participation in your neighborhood with trusted tools and a united national campaign behind you.

  1. Register here. Our goal is for all Oklahoma libraries to become a partner in 2025.
  2. Get prepared. Official partners gain access to a rich toolkit: poster templates, sample press releases, social media graphics, volunteer resources, and more.
  3. Engage your Community. Host voter registration tables, share trusted information, and get residents #VoteReady.
 

 

 

Register before August 31 and receive more information leading up to National Voter Registration Day!

 

 

 

 

Let's Boost Family Literacy!

To mark what would have been Barbara Bush’s 100th birthday, the Barbara Bush Foundation is rolling out resources that help families learn together.

 

Available online, Literacy Explorer Kits include fun, themed activities designed to help families learn through play together. Libraries and families alike are encouraged to use these kits and share them!


 

 

The Foundation is also accepting entries until September 12 for the Literacy Everywhere contest. Families can submit a literacy-related photo or video for a chance to win $1,000 and a Capital visit. 

 

 

 

 

Summer Reading 2025

As the season comes to a close, we have one final opportunity to build on the excitement of reading and learning. Through the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge, students in grades K–8 who read 12 books of their choice by September 5 can submit their form to receive a personalized certificate, a small prize, and a chance to visit our Nation’s Capital.

 

This is a great way to extend the momentum you’ve built, highlight the vital role of libraries, and help prevent the “summer slide.” For promotional materials and the submission form, visit www.wh.gov/read.

 

Share Your Thoughts!

 

ODL’s Summer Reading survey opens today! Your responses help us showcase the impact your program had on your community this summer. The survey will close on September 15, so be sure to complete it before then. Share your success with ODL and send program photos to Trisha Hutcherson at trisha.hutcherson@libraries.ok.gov.

 

                     

 

 
 

 

Last Call: Learn How to Teach Tai Chi

This is the last day to sign up for free Tai Chi instructor training, offered to library staff by the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). Learn to lead Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes and connect senior customers with this life-changing resource. Check out these training times:

  • October 2 and 9: two half-day sessions from 12-4 p.m.
  • October 11-12: two half-day sessions from 12-4 p.m.
  • October 24: full-day session from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Classes are virtual, with around 20 hours of self-paced learning beforehand. To register, share your library's name and mailing address with Madelyn Maxwell at madelynm@health.ok.gov. Sign up today!

 

 

 

 

Medicare Information Sessions

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is partnering with libraries statewide to offer Medicare Prepared: Important Updates for the Annual Open Enrollment Period—a free, one-hour hybrid session led by Ray Walker. These sessions will help customers understand Medicare and make informed decisions during open enrollment. Take the opportunity to host during one of these sessions:

  • Tuesday, September 30 at 10 a.m.

  • Wednesday, October 8 at 5 p.m.

  • Thursday, October 16 at 2 p.m.

Hosting requirements are minimal: a screen to display the virtual session, a space for local attendees, and a staff member to assist with basic tech support and relay questions. Fill out the interest form to get started!

 

 

 

 

 

Allen Wright InterLibrary Loan Update

While collections at the Allen Wright Memorial Library are unavailable during the renovation, ODL is committed to providing interlibrary loan (ILL) services with materials sourced from other lending libraries.

 

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to connect customers with the resources they need! Our team anticipates a seamless continuation of ILL services throughout this process.

 

For any questions regarding your interlibrary loan requests, please contact David Hankey at david.hankey@libraries.ok.gov and 405-522-3473.

 

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Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.