Your ODL April Newsletter

Oklahoma Department of Libraries sent this bulletin at 04/01/2026 10:00 AM CDT

 

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April 1, 2026

 

Monthly Newsletter

 

I N   T H I S   B U L L E T I N

 

From the Director

Read Across Oklahoma 

News & Announcements

Resources

 

From the Director - April Letter
 

 

Dear Readers,

 

Spring is in full swing! Last week, Read Across Oklahoma brought Kindergarten classes from all over the state to celebrate America250 at the OKC Zoo. The beautiful day outdoors featured storytelling from Oklahoma-based children's author Bart Taylor, and it was a joy to see so many young readers excited about books.

 

April is also Records and Information Management (RIM) Month, an annual international event dedicated to highlighting the importance of effective records management, data governance, and information security. To mark the occasion, we’re launching a new Archives and Records bi-monthly newsletter focused on archives and records retention. If you receive ARM updates from us, look for the first edition in your inbox on April 15, with future issues arriving every other month.

 

Check out more fun ways library customers of all ages can keep learning year-round. Even as the school year wraps up, there’s a lot to look forward to—whether it’s perfect Story Trail weather or the kick-off to Summer Reading.

 

Happy Learning,

 

  
 

  Natalie

Natalie Currie 

Director, State Librarian and Archivist 

America250 
 

 

Sparking a Love of Reading and American History in the Next Generation 

2026 was certainly an exciting year for Read Across Oklahoma. This early literacy program is the largest in the state—and at its main event, we marked America's 250th birthday with a special theme while continuing to celebrate the Oklahoma Center for the Book's 40-year anniversary. 

 

At the OKC Zoo, selected classes enjoyed everything from rope tricks and live storytelling to book giveaways during this fun day spent exploring our nation’s history and the stories that shaped it. 

 

Guest author Bart Taylor read Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals (Yorkshire Publishing) to early readers, introducing them to leaders from American history through the wit and wisdom of Oklahoma’s own Will Rogers.

 

  

 

“This is my first year being a part of this event. It was exciting to welcome so many students to the OKC Zoo, whose support has been terrific," Center Director Michelle Hall shared. "Bart Taylor’s enthusiasm for Will Rogers really captivated the audiences, and the support from our sponsors made it a day I’m sure everyone will remember!” 

 

This event, a program of the Oklahoma Center for the Book within the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, is made possible by the generosity of organizations such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Krueger Charitable Foundation, the Oklahoma City Zoo, Target, and Tinker Federal Credit Union. Thanks to their contributions, guests enjoyed special activities and free Zoo admission at a fun-filled day of literacy and learning.

 

    
 

 

 
April Agency Story header - 2026

 

Setting Oklahoma Students Up for Success with Statewide Online Resources

Libraries connect Oklahoma schools with reliable, age-appropriate study tools at no cost, setting students up for success! With everything from HelpNow's live tutoring to EBSCO's research databases at their fingertips, young learners can turn curiosity into creation.

 

This year, five students from Shawnee Middle qualified for the Oklahoma National History Day competition; they built their award-winning projects with these helpful tools. Their success is just one example of how libraries invest IMLS funds directly into helping the next generation of leaders, professionals, and educators learn with confidence.

 

ODL Digital Resources ensure that the impact is widespread, reaching students across the state with trusted tools needed for test prep and other learning milestones. Digital resources open doors to learning in libraries and schools across the state. Learn more by visiting our website.

 

 

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!

 

  

News & Announcements

 

 
National Library Week 2026 header - April 26
 

It's time for National Library Week! From April 19-25, libraries everywhere will be celebrating with the theme "Find Your Joy" and Honorary Chair Mychal Threets. According to the American Libraries Association, the event is "an invitation for people of all backgrounds to discover what sparks joy in them at the library."

 

This April, choose joy by stepping through library doors, exploring digital services, or attending a Library Week event.


  

Resources

 

Resource Sharing Header

  
ODL Library Pulse Webinar header
 

Library staff—join ODL virtually on May 7 at 1 p.m. for this helpful training! "Delivering Better Outcomes through Service Design" is a unique opportunity to hear from consultants at Harmonic Design, exploring new approaches that benefit both your team and your customers.

 

The recorded presentation will be emailed to all registrants afterwards, so be sure to sign up even if the webinar falls on a busy day.


 

  
 

 

  

 

 

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Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.