Resources & Upcoming Deadlines for Library Staff

Oklahoma Department of Libraries sent this bulletin at 05/15/2026 10:00 AM CDT

 

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May 15, 2026
     
     

Resources & Upcoming Deadlines

     
     
Resources and Programming header - May 26
 

Rural and Small Libraries Conference Grant

Apply for this funding opportunity to attend the 2026 Conference of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) in Montgomery, AL, September 17-19. The conference will celebrate connection and innovation, sharing resources tailored to smaller teams.

 

Applications are due June 19. Please consult the terms and conditions before applying. To create a Foundant account and get started, visit our Grants Management webpage.

 

 

  
 

 

Continuing Education Grant

The window just opened for applications from public library staff. Submit a funding request by July 20 for support attending the educational opportunity of your choice! Trainings can be in-person or virtual.

 

Requests will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted—check the terms and conditions and apply through Foundant today!

 

 

The ARSL Conference and Continuing Education LSTA grants, offered through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, are for the purpose of educating library professionals and supporting library service in the state.

 

  
 

 

Health Literacy Grant

Starting May 24, ODL will accept applications for up to $5,000 in support of health literacy programs. Applicants may also request up to $7,000 for Story Trail development. This is a support opportunity for eligible libraries and organizations helping Oklahomans invest in healthy futures. Applications are due on June 24, 2026.

 

 

This grant opportunity is contingent upon both continued federal fiscal year 2026 funding through LSTA and project approval by the ODL Board.

 

  
Professional Development header - May 26
 

Workforce Development Community of Practice

10 a.m., Tuesday, May 19—Mark your calendars for this month's meeting! Attend via Teams to explore how libraries can strengthen partnerships with local employers and meet community needs.

 

Who better to join us than Ryan Zaloudek, the Enid Chamber of Commerce President and CEO? Together, we'll talk about ways that communities coordinate workforce development efforts, discussing the roles of Chambers, Main Street organizations, and regional partners.

 

 

  

 

 

May Training Spotlight

Discover ways to build and support your community with this collection of webinars! Email odl.education@libraries.ok.gov with any questions.

 

  
 

Engaging New Voices in Advocacy: Youth, Trustees, and Everyday Patrons 

May 20, 10-11 a.m. | Nebraska Library Commission

Register for this session that will showcase ways to build trust and visibility locally by engaging community members as partners in library advocacy. 

 

 

Effective Health Communication and Health Literacy 

May 27, 12-1 p.m. | NNLM

Explore the key components of sharing health information and leave this training with health literacy tools from a variety of trusted sources.

 

 

Measuring Trust: How to Collect Meaningful and Actionable Data

May 28, 2-3 p.m. | WebJunction

Register for this webinar to discover research-backed tips and resources that support staff as they promote trust in library communities.

 

 

Libraries and Friends of the Library: How to Stay Friends

May 28, 10-11 a.m. | Nebraska Library Commission

This session will explore strategies for building, and even repairing, relationships between libraries and the Friends groups that support them.

 

 

Supporting Community Mental Health in Libraries

June 4, 12-1 p.m. | NNLM

As libraries continue to serve as vital community health hubs, find out how mental health support is being reimagined in the Libraries for Health pilot.

 

 

 

  

 

 

Trainings From Niche Academy

These short, on-demand trainings provide insight into more ways to connect with local needs and uplift your community.

 

 

 

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Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.