October is National Archives Month! Let's celebrate another amazing year of the State Archives—home to special collections that preserve government records from Oklahoma's past for state employees, researchers, and the public. Archives and records management staff also oversee current records retention for state agencies. Their vital work streamlines access to key items and information.

 

Right now, unique resources like governors' speeches, case files, and state author profiles are available on ODL's Digital Collections website. Start your next research adventure and visit our digital archives!

 

 

 

 

Help Us Celebrate Young Writers

Letters are rolling in for this year's My Favorite Book contest! Educators, parents, librarians, and mentors—give your students a chance to show off their writing skills and the books that touched their lives in this rewarding statewide competition.

 

Kids from grades 4-12 are invited to write a personal letter to an author—past or current—for a chance to receive a cash prize and present their letter at the State Capitol. First-place winners will also be able to donate a $1,000 prize to the public or school library of their choice.

 

The Center for the Book is now accepting submissions through December 12. Help us share this valuable program with the young readers and writers in your life and encourage them to submit their letter soon!

 

 

Submit Your Work for the
Oklahoma Book Awards

Authors, poets, illustrators, photographers, and book designers with an Oklahoma connection are invited to enter the 37th Annual Oklahoma Book Awards. Eligible titles must be published in 2025 and either feature Oklahoma, state themes, or be created by someone who lives—or has lived—in the state.

Entries open October 15, 2025, and close January 7, 2026. Each submission requires an entry form, six copies of the book, and a $25 fee per category.

The awards are presented by the Oklahoma Center for the Book, which celebrates and promotes Oklahoma’s rich literary heritage. To learn more about the Center and find full entry guidelines, visit our website.

 

 

 

The Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO) invites Friends chapters from across the state to attend the 2025 Splash Conference—a half-day event packed with fresh ideas, practical inspiration, and community building. Registration is just $10 and provides access to programs on leadership, stewardship, and more. Attendees will also hear from special guest speaker and Oklahoma Book Award-winner Cullen Whisenhunt.

 

Mark your calendars to be at the Northwest Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 18. Registration closes October 11, so don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and lead.

 

 

Muskogee Public Library is one of just two locations chosen nationwide by the Library of Congress (LOC) to participate in their LOCal pilot program. A branch in the Eastern Oklahoma System, this local library shows how services are constantly evolving to build vibrant communities. Muskogee staff have partnered with the LOC digital innovation division to co-create an immersive experience for customers.

 

What will that look like? Wendy Burton, Marketing Manager at Eastern Oklahoma Library System (EOLS), shared on behalf of the system that they have plans for an interactive space where guests can step inside one of the LOC digital collections.

 

Based on similar projects, this exhibit is sure to bring in the crowds. Take the BAND at Cleveland Library for example—fluffy robots that greet customers, dance, and roam the halls. Past team-ups with the Library of Congress include Poet Laureate Joy Harjo's Living Nations, Living Words: a story map and anthology of Native poets.

 

LOC Digital Innovation Division staff chat with local artists and artisans

during a recent co-creation planning visit to Muskogee.

 

The Muskogee LOCal project is made possible by grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and other supporters. Muskogee's library mission goes beyond opening doors to the imagination—as Wendy explained:

 

"The role of libraries will always build on the services we are known for (reading materials, educational resources, and classes), but libraries have also evolved to meet technological needs and welcome younger demographics."

 

Wendy continued, stating that libraries are "community centers that not only serve but also uplift and brighten the community." She looks forward to the project launch, because it will put them on the map as a destination library and spark engagement with the Muskogee community as a whole.

 

Stay tuned for updates on this thrilling initiative! Libraries large and small help connect us with emerging technologies and helpful tools, keeping Oklahoma on the technological forefront.