Your ODL August Newsletter

 

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August 3, 2026

 

Monthly Newsletter

 

I N   T H I S   B U L L E T I N

 


From the Director


Sparking Workforce Development


Resources


 

From the Director
 

Dear Readers,

 

August's newsletter is all about your career goals! Discover in this month's newsletter tools designed to help you build marketable skills and explore professional development opportunities. ODL supplies digital career tools, so that Oklahomans have free access at home or the library. Learn more about how to access these tools in our spotlight section below.

 

In Communities of Practice, libraries are making a difference together. This month's story illuminates the amazing impact and connections being made by our Workforce Development group. 

 

Keep reading for career support and library resources. It's a joy to watch Oklahomans grow together. Thank you for investing in the local community, pursuing new goals, and letting us be a part of your learning journey.

 

Happy Learning,

 

 
 

  Natalie

Natalie Currie 

Executive Director, State Librarian and Archivist 

Sparking Workforce Development 

 

Libraries play a powerful role in helping people reach their career goals. ODL works with libraries across the state to create opportunities for growth and connection through digital resources. Check out different ways the agency equips libraries with workforce development tools.

  

Visit ODL's Digital Resources Webpage for a list of all our digital resources!

 

 

 

Agency Stories - August 2026

 

Communities Connected: Libraries Inspire Oklahoma's Workforce

This year, ODL launched another highly successful community of practice. These groups help library staff connect to meet statewide and local needs. Workforce Development joins Health and Youth Services—each topic centered in a space where libraries can share resources and build strong support systems with local partners.

 

The Workforce Development group has met twice so far, but its impact is clear. Libraries across Oklahoma are celebrating strong partnerships, from Altus' work with the Jackson County Health Action Team to Mustang's collab with the Chamber of Commerce.

 

In rural Oklahoma, Bristow Library co-hosted a job fair, promoting career opportunities as Saint Francis started expanding healthcare access—and employment—across two counties. Guymon offers monthly lunches where local organizations can discuss community needs, shared goals, and more.

 

By uniting local partners and serving as trusted points of contact, libraries help customers launch their careers into a new chapter. They are promoting job-search resources and marketable skills both online and face-to-face. Visit your library to learn more! Library staff—join us as we make a bigger difference together in communities of practice.

 

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 Oklahomans 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 to share your story!

 

 

Resources

 

Resource Sharing Header

 
Library Pulse: Canva For Libraries Webinar header
 

Register for a virtual webinar that reveals how designing with Canva helps libraries save time and connect with their communities. With this dynamic tool, create engaging content whether you're reaching job-seekers or promoting Summer Reading. 

 

This opportunity isn't one to miss! Join us on August 13 from 1-2 p.m.

 

 

 

 
Voting Guides Library Survey header
 

With National Voter Registration Day coming up, local libraries have an opportunity to play a critical role in supporting voter participation. Help customers prepare for upcoming elections with trusted resources. Complete the survey to request voter guides!

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

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Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.