To mark our nation's 250th anniversary, the Carnegie Corporation of New York has gifted celebratory grants to hundreds of historic libraries. Thanks to this special initiative, Carnegie libraries in Oklahoma will start the year with $10,000 they can put towards serving their communities.

 

"My hope is that this gift serves as a recognition of your commitment, our founder’s legacy, and the importance of this milestone in our nation’s history," said Corporation President Louise Richardson after thanking libraries for their vital role in society.

 

Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish immigrant and industrialist, invested heavily in spaces of learning. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, nine of the libraries he helped found in-state are still at work today: Collinsville, Elk City, El Reno, Frederick, Hobart, Perry, Sapulpa, Tahlequah, and Wagoner.

 

Eligible grant recipients are invited to share stories highlighting their place in library history and showing the funds at work as part of a digital maps project, Carnegie Libraries Across America. 

 

Share Your Story with ODL

Sharing ODL customer stories highlights the tangible impact archives and libraries have on communities, showcasing how they foster literacy, provide access to information, and support lifelong learning. By sharing real-world examples next to data and statistics, these highlights tell the larger story of how individuals and their communities thrive when connected with library or research services. Curious about what we've featured in the past? Check out our new Agency Stories page. Click the button below to share your story!

 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Oklahoma Center for the Book! Founded in February 1986, the Center promotes reading, literacy, and libraries while celebrating Oklahoma’s rich and growing literary heritage. One of 56 affiliates of the Library of Congress National Center for the Book, it encourages reading for pleasure among Oklahomans of all ages.

 

In partnership with the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book, the Center has hosted beloved programs such as Read Across Oklahoma, the My Favorite Book Program, and the Oklahoma Book Awards. It has also represented the state at the Library of Congress National Book Festival through the Great Reads from Great Places program, sharing Oklahoma’s literary legacy with audiences nationwide.

 

For four decades, the Oklahoma Center for the Book has celebrated authors, readers, and the power of the written word—and its story continues. Check out the anniversary logo and more on our website.

 

 

Calling all libraries—remember to fill out the interest form for this unique chance to connect with state legislators and decision-makers! On April 29 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., library advocates will meet at the State Capitol, showcasing the many ways libraries uplift their communities and foster learning.

 

Share your library's story and request a table today! To get started, fill out an interest form by February 27. 

 

 

This grant opportunity is contingent upon continued federal fiscal year  2025 funding through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). 

 

 

Don't miss the 15th annual Big Talk From Small Libraries conference on February 27! This free event is tailored specifically to smaller libraries serving 10,000 or less.

 

Join online to get inspired and hear from experts in the field on topics ranging from technology to programming and new services. Register today and learn more about this exciting opportunity from the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Nebraska Library Commission.