Your ODL November Newsletter

Oklahoma Department of Libraries sent this bulletin at 11/02/2026 10:00 AM CST

 

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November 2, 2026

 

Monthly Newsletter

 

I N   T H I S   B U L L E T I N

 

From the Director

News & Announcements

 

From the Director - November 26
 

Dear Readers,

 

As we enter into a season of gratitude, connection, and crisp autumn days, I hope this time overflows with traditions shared, from family stories to favorite recipes. The upcoming holiday is a perfect opportunity to recognize staff across the state, some of whom are pictured above. Oklahoma’s libraries are the welcoming and vital spaces they are thanks to all of you. ODL is dedicated to supporting your team in uplifting local communities.

 

On that note, we shared in October that the E-Rate federal funding program was being reviewed by the FCC. Multiple public comments were submitted by the agency, and we encourage libraries to join us in sharing how this program impacts libraries and learning by November 12. This takes no longer than five minutes through the quick reply option. Learn more in the E-Rate section below.

 

I'm also thrilled to share that Health Literacy Grant programming was featured in a Community Spotlight by "Information Literacy," an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) website. I hope you take the time to read about the impactful work happening because of these grants.

 

Please enjoy this month's newsletter with the 2027 Oklahoma Book Awards launch and a heartwarming Thanksgiving story, plus agency news worth celebrating! 

 

Happy Learning,

 

  
 

  Natalie

Natalie Currie 

Director, State Librarian and Archivist 

BacktoSchoolHacks 

Agency Stories header - November 2026

 

Volunteer Gives Retired Library Books New Homes at Ardmore Community Resource Center

One Metropolitan Library System volunteer from Ardmore gives library books new life, sharing them with food pantry clients to help build home libraries. Susan Gonzalez' special mission brings joy all year round, but especially during the holidays.

 

Children's books and cookbooks are favorites among resource center customers. A frequent visitor at library sales, Susan picks up reading material to share whenever she can. Her work combines a passion for stories and learning with a deep love for her neighbors. This Thanksgiving season, we are grateful for library staff and volunteers like Susan Gonzalez who invest in building up their communities.

 

Share Your Story with ODL

ODL customer stories highlight the tangible impact archives and libraries have on communities, showcasing how they foster literacy, provide access to information, and support lifelong learning. By linking real-world examples to data and statistics, these highlights reveal how individuals and communities thrive when connected with library and archive services. Check out our Agency Stories page to learn more. Share your story today!

 

  

News & Announcements

 

 
Strong Support for the E-Rate Program header - ODL November 2026
 

The FCC received thousands of initial comments in response to its broad review of the E-Rate program, with the vast majority of comments supporting continued funding. More continue to pour in ahead of the November 12 deadline.

 

Schools, libraries, and service providers have emphasized the program’s essential role in providing internet access and highlighted the financial burden that reduced support would place on these vital places of learning. Join the E-Rate conversation today!

 

Choose the best fit for your feedback with these options:

  • Quick Reply Compass: This brief process allows a library to submit a reply agreeing with key points from the American Library Association and the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband Coalition.
  • Reply Comment Compass: A library can review initial comment filings, build a short draft of comment responses, and file them.
  • Community Comment Compass: Library staff members or customers can share E-Rate impact and experiences in their own words.

Visit our "E-Rate and Oklahoma Libraries" webpage for details, impact stories, and more!

 

 

 

  
Oklahoma Book Awards Call for Entries: You Might be Our Next Book Awards Winner
 

Attention authors, poets, illustrators, photographers, and book designers! You are invited to enter the 38th Annual Oklahoma Book Awards. Presented by the Oklahoma Center for the Book, these awards celebrate and promote Oklahoma’s rich literary heritage. 

 

Each submission requires a completed entry form, six copies of the book, and a $25 fee per book or category submitted. Titles must be published in 2026 and contain Oklahoma themes or belong to a creator with Oklahoma ties.

 

The Center for the Book will launch the 2027 Oklahoma Book Awards in the coming days—please visit our website for information. Spread the word!

 

 

 

  
ODL Health Literacy Grant Program Featured by IMLS
 

Libraries play an important role in helping communities build health literacy. Through the ODL Health Literacy Grant, libraries across Oklahoma have created opportunities for community members to practice healthy habits—like Story Trails that encourage families to read and get moving together. 

 

The Institute of Museum and Library Services just featured this vital program on a national level. Check out the Community Spotlight page to learn more!

 

 

 

  
Congrats, ODL Grant Recipients header - November 26
 

Citizenship & Civic Engagement

These ODL grants support library programs that help citizens get civically engaged and eligible individuals pursue citizenship. Congrats to the ten libraries and community partners selected! Visit our website to learn more.

 

 

image: guests attend an event led by James Beard finalist

and Chopped contestant, Chef Crystal Wahpepah

 

  
 

 

Health Literacy Program

This program helps library programs and adult literacy organizations connect Oklahoma residents and their families with health and wellness support. Congratulations to the 30 sites awarded the FFY26 grant! Click to check out Health Literacy programming and this year's grant recipients.

 

 

To discover Statewide Programs and grants made possible by LSTA funding, visit our website or email statewideprograms@libraries.ok.gov.

 

  

 

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Questions? Email info@libraries.ok.gov.