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Resources & Upcoming Deadlines
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America250 Program Planning Manual
We’re excited to finally share our America250 Program Manual, created to support Oklahoma libraries in planning community-centered programs to celebrate our nation's 250th birthday this summer. This resource is designed to inspire creativity and collaboration—not prescribe one-size-fits-all programs.
Each program concept includes a description, step-by-step instructions, ways to adapt it to your audience, and an appendix with curated resources. Find support in developing programs that spark engagement, bridging national conversations at the local level during America250.
Spotlighted among these programs is a project with the Oklahoma Historical Society. Libraries can access Moments That Made US, a free, customizable, print-on-demand panel exhibition exploring the ideals of the Declaration of Independence through key moments in national and regional history. The modular exhibit is designed for organizations of all sizes and allows libraries to select panels, incorporate local history, and tailor the display to their space without the cost or logistics of a traveling exhibition. Installation guidance, customization templates, and marketing assets are included.
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Check Out Special Olympics Backpacks
Libraries have an opportunity to provide Special Olympics Young Athlete backpacks for check out! Inside, customers will find the book We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio, an activity guide, items like poly dots and scarves, and more ways to make exercise fun.
Young Athletes is a sport-and-play program from Special Olympics Oklahoma for kids with disabilities ages 2-7. Share this chance to build motor skills and confidence at home with families in your community. Fill out the interest form to get started. Email eli@sook.org with any questions.
 
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Introducing the Civic Makers Lab
Brand new from the Urban Libraries Council, this initiative channels the power of libraries into strengthening civic engagement among young adults.
Sign up for hands-on training and a chance to receive $15,000! Learn how to become a civic learning facilitator, helping your customers get involved in local democracy.
Applications close on March 4. For more details, check out the Civic Makers Lab webpage and register for the info session on February 17.
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New Youth Services Grant Opens February 20
We are thrilled to announce the ODL Early Literacy and School Readiness Grant, complete with a helpful training for youth services staff! Discover the power of everyday interactions and receive funding to develop literacy programming for children 0-4 and their caregivers.
Don't miss the related training from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 4 at Stillwater Public Library. Attendees will learn about the five elements of Every Child Ready to Read that support foundational literacy skills. With a fresh understanding of developmental stages, register once the grant opens to purchase learning materials, strengthening your early literacy program.
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Next Steps: Filing E-Rate Form 471
The E-Rate Form 471 filing window is now open. File on or before April 1 in order to apply for discounts from USAC. Take this opportunity to ensure staff and customers are connected to online resources and more!
Visit the ODL E-Rate webpage for more information. For assistance with filing Form 471, email rachel.walker@libraries.ok.gov.
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Build Confidence With EBSCO Trainings
Calling all library staff—check out these quick and easy trainings from EBSCO! Whether you're new to the databases or just looking for a refresher, take this chance to get to know Explora and EBSCOhost. Please register in advance.
Empower Student Research with Explora | March 4, 1 p.m.
Take a tour of Explora, EBSCO's mobile-friendly interface designed to support student research and classroom instruction. Learn about different search options and explore useful functions from text-to-speech to the citation tool.
Meet the New EBSCOhost | March 18, 1 p.m.
Learn how to get the most from EBSCOhost databases such as Academic Search Premier, Business Source Elite, MEDLINE, and MasterFILE Complete. Explore the latest feature releases, improvements in accessibility, and more.
EBSCO Experience Manager (EEM) & EBSCOadmin Overview for Administrators | April 1, 1 p.m.
Find out how to navigate these administrative tools to manage search customization, authentication, and reporting for your EBSCO resources.
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February Training Spotlight
Check out this collection of webinars on new books and services. Questions? Contact Paige Harkins at odl.education@libraries.ok.gov.
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Spring 2026 Graphic Novels & Manga Preview (Booklist)
February 17, 1-2:30 p.m.
Discover upcoming releases from publishers, featuring everything from early reader comics and manga series to other customer favorites. Register today!
The HarperCollins Spring/Summer 2026 Adult Preview (Library Journal)
February 18, 1 p.m.
Explore favorites from HarperCollins Publishers in fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and fantasy with this exciting webinar hosted by Library Journal.
Info2Go! Libraries as Cooling Centers: Every Library Can Be One!
(Idaho Commission for Libraries) | February 19, 12-1 p.m.
Libraries everywhere are adapting to offer shelter from extreme heat. Find inspiration on seamlessly adding this vital role to existing library services.
MacKids School & Library Spring 2026 Preview (Booklist)
February 19, 1 p.m.
RSVP now for the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group Spring 2026 Preview, where they’ll share upcoming picture books, middle grade, and YA titles.
Preparing for Tomorrow: The Benefits of Future Thinking in Libraries (Indiana State Library) | February 25, 9-10 a.m.
Find out the many ways that thinking strategically about the future can support library organizations, staff, customers, and local communities.
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Trainings From Niche Academy
Watch these brief, on-demand trainings to gather new ideas for adult programs, coding, and crafting tools.
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