Oklahoma Department of Libraries

09/14/2026

We love hearing how these devices are making a difference in Oklahoma libraries! 💻📚 Thanks for sharing this story from Antlers Public Library and the impact their new AWE AfterSchool Edge is already having for young learners.

For more than a decade, children at the Antlers Public Library have learned and played on our AWE AfterSchool Edge educational computer. After years of use, the touchscreen on our older machine stopped working. Thanks to an Oklahoma Department of Libraries Technology Grant, the library was able to replace it with a new AWE AfterSchool Edge with a fully functioning touchscreen.

They are already hearing great feedback on what a difference the new computer is making.

👏 One mom said the touchscreen has made it much easier for her daughter to interact with the computer:
👏 “We LOVE it! They love the touch screen. She can actually interact with it, because it was so hard for her to understand how to use the mouse.”
👏 Another parent loves that something her child sees as a game can also be a learning opportunity:
👏 “That child in particular just loves anything that appears to be a game. And so if it is a ‘learning’ game, I'm all for it!”
👏 "She really likes the touch screen. It's so much easier to use.”
👏 The AWE computer is not connected to the internet. Two parents independently related that knowing this made them feel even better about their children using it.

The AfterSchool Edge provides educational activities in subjects such as reading, math, science, art, music, and more—all in an environment designed especially for young learners.

09/11/2026

📚🦁 Turn reading into an adventure!

Looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend? With Read for Adventure, Oklahoma families can read a great book and earn a voucher for up to four free general admissions to the Oklahoma City Zoo!

Start by checking out one of 30 Read for Adventure books from a participating Oklahoma library. Then read together and get ready for your next adventure!

Vouchers are available while supplies last and are valid through June 30, 2027.

🦒 See the book list and find a participating library:
okczoo.org/READFORADVENTURE

09/10/2026

📚 Heading to the FOLIO Splash this October? Be sure to catch Jim Ross and Shellee Graham while you’re there!

At 12:30 p.m., Jim and Shellee will discuss Route 66: The First 100 Years, winner of the 2026 Oklahoma Book Award for Design, Illustration and Photography. A book signing will follow at 1 p.m.

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Southwest Oklahoma City Pioneer Library System
2201 SW 134th St., Oklahoma City

The FOLIO Splash brings Friends of Libraries groups from across Oklahoma together for a day of learning, networking, and sharing ideas. It’s an opportunity to connect with other Friends, hear what’s working in libraries around the state, and take home new ideas to support your own library.

And if you’re attending, be sure to stop by at 12:30 p.m. to hear from Jim and Shellee!

Learn more: okfriends.net/splash

09/10/2026

📚 Your library card can do a lot. 📚

Of course, it gets you books—but that’s just the beginning! Depending on your local library, your card may connect you to eBooks and audiobooks, movies and music, online learning, research resources, technology, job and career help, programs, activities, and more.

And the best part? Getting started is easy.

Don’t have a library card? Find your local Oklahoma library and sign up this September: Oklahoma.gov/libraries/find

09/09/2026

🍎✏️📚 Library staff, parents, and teachers, check out these useful tips and tricks for navigating some of our most popular digital resources. From study help to research aids, these online tools support learning at every stage.

Whether you need homework help, test prep, reliable research sources, or classroom resources, ODL provides access to tools that can help students succeed:

💻 Brainfuse HelpNow offers live tutoring, homework help, test prep, writing assistance, and more.

🔎 EBSCO Explora makes it easier for students and educators to find reliable, age-appropriate information for research and learning.

Not sure where to start? We have guides, tutorials, and other resources to help you navigate both.

Learn more:
Brainfuse: Oklahoma.gov/libraries/brainfuse
EBSCO: Oklahoma.gov/libraries/ebsco

These resources are available statewide through ODL with LSTA funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

09/08/2026

📚 Fans of Oklahoma history and great books won’t want to miss this upcoming event with author Caleb Gayle!

The Oklahoma Historical Society will host author Caleb Gayle for a special guest lecture on Thursday, September 24, from 7–9 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center.

Gayle is the author of Black Moses: A Saga of Ambition and the Fight for a Black State, winner of the 2026 Oklahoma Book Award for Nonfiction. The book explores the story of Edward McCabe and his efforts to create a Black state in Oklahoma Territory.

The evening will include a lecture, Q&A, book signing, and reception.

📅 September 24 | 7–9 p.m.
📍 Oklahoma History Center

The event is free and open to the public; registration is requested.

Learn more and register: okhistory.org/calendar/event/black-moses-guest-lecture-with-author-caleb-gayle

09/08/2026

💼 Your library card could be one of the most useful tools in your job search!

With Brainfuse JobNow, you can get feedback on your resume, practice common interview questions, explore career resources, and connect with a live job coach.

During Library Card Sign-Up Month, make sure you know everything your library card can do for you, including helping you take the next step in your career.

💻 Visit your local library’s website and look for Brainfuse JobNow to get started.
Info at Oklahoma.gov/libraries/brainfuse.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we recognize the hardworking people who show up day in and day out, doing the work that keeps our communities going and makes a difference in our everyday lives.

From educators and healthcare workers to farmers, construction crews, public servants, small business employees, and countless others...Thank you for all that you do. 👏

In observance of Labor Day, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries will be closed today. We’ll reopen for regular business hours tomorrow.

09/04/2026

📚 For one Oklahoma family, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helped turn books arriving in the mailbox into excitement about reading, regular library visits, and memories made together.

Their story is a reminder that the impact of a book can go far beyond its pages helping build a love of reading that can last a lifetime. 🦋

Read their story, “Love and Literacy: Remembering Dolly Parton,” and discover more stories about the people, programs, libraries, and archives making an impact across Oklahoma.

➡️ Oklahoma.gov/libraries/stories

09/03/2026

📚 Studying doesn’t have to be a solo activity!

With Brainfuse HelpNow, students can connect with live tutors, get feedback on writing, prepare for tests, and build stronger academic skills, all with help available online.

During Library Card Sign-Up Month, make sure everyone in your household has a library card and knows just how much it can do!

💻 Visit your local library’s website and look for Brainfuse HelpNow to get started.
Info at Oklahoma.gov/libraries/brainfuse