“The State of Oklahoma recognizes that public library services are necessary to the cultural, educational, and economic development of the State and to the health, safety, and welfare of its people. Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is critical to meeting our charge of ensuring adequate library services for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries’ close relationship and collaboration with IMLS allows these federal dollars to be spent in targeted ways that directly respond to the unique needs of Oklahoma communities.” 

-Natalie Currie, Director, Oklahoma Department of Libraries 

Project Examples

Citizenship and Immigration
Historically, libraries and literacy programs in many Oklahoma communities have played a significant role in assisting non-native speakers with a range of language skills. Literacy services for English language learners typically include one-to-one tutoring and classes to help students with reading, writing, and conversing in a new language. Through this project, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries made grants to seven libraries that provided services ranging from citizenship classes, conversation classes, English/Spanish classes, study pairs, and one-to-one tutoring. These services were delivered both face-to-face and virtually and reached adults from 44 countries of origin. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and a transition to virtual learning, 63 individuals became new citizens during the project.
IMLS Funds: $100,598 

Health Literacy
Oklahoma ranks low among states in citizen health, life expectancy, and exercise and physical activity, according to an annual report from the United Health Foundation. In response to these and other failing health scores, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries provided health literacy education, programming, and resources throughout the state. Twenty-six libraries and literacy programs received LSTA-funded grants to initiate or expand health and wellness efforts for adult learners, at-risk populations, children, teens, adults, seniors, and families. The resulting programs, held at libraries, parks, and virtually, addressed healthier eating and exercise options, mental health and stress, CPR training, and understanding health challenges such as Alzheimer's. Some of the grant recipients also placed tablets in nursing homes so residents could communicate with family members during the pandemic.
IMLS Funds: $223,295.26 

Digital Inclusion Grants
CARES Act stimulus funds allowed the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) to address and reduce gaps in digital inclusion in Oklahoma, particularly in rural locations. ODL awarded grants to 51 public libraries, tribal libraries, museums, and literacy organizations, with attention to rates of poverty, unemployment, and broadband availability. Applicants designated specific items such as hotspots, tablets, laptops, Wi-Fi extenders, desktop computers, and data plans to increase the internet and technology offerings in their communities. As a result, library users were able to attend telehealth appointments, complete educational courses, and mitigate isolation by staying in touch with family and friends. Museum and literacy organization programming could also continue uninterrupted in service to their missions. 
IMLS Funds: $297,546 

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: Enable Access to Information - Oklahoma residents will have convenient access to relevant, high-quality information resources in formats that they can use to achieve their educational, occupational, and personal/recreational goals.  

• Projects include:   
  • Institutional and other collection development  
  • Databases, and other e-content  
  • Digitization of historical and State Library resources   
  • Assessment of State Library, Archives and Records Management storage operations  
  • Interlibrary loan and resource sharing support   

Goal 2: Strengthen Libraries - Oklahoma residents will be served by local libraries that employ knowledgeable, community-focused staff members who incorporate the best professional practices and up-to-date technologies to deliver relevant, high-quality library services.  

• Projects include:  
  • Continuing education for public librarians  
  • Certification for public librarians  
  • Oklahoma Department of Libraries computer lab  
  • Website development and other technology initiatives  
  • Library statistics to inform decision-making   

Goal 3: Help Build Thriving Communities - Oklahoma residents will have opportunities to reach their full potential, by achieving their educational, occupational, and personal goals and by participating in and contributing to the vitality of their communities.  

• Projects include: 
  • Literacy skills development  
  • Summer Reading Program   
  • Read Across Oklahoma program  
  • Health literacy programs  
  • Citizenship and immigration programs   
  • Community building initiatives   

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool. 

Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.