Youth Services
ODL Youth Services assists libraries as they serve patrons from ages 0-18 through providing summer reading materials and assistance, training and professional development, program planning guidance, and help with other youth services related needs.
News & Updates
Summer Reading
The 2026 Collaborative Summer Library Program theme, Unearth a Story, invites Oklahoma libraries to inspire curiosity and discovery through dinosaur-themed programs, activities, and reading challenges. Libraries can engage patrons of all ages with hands-on learning experiences, family events, creative programming, and opportunities to explore stories from the past while uncovering new adventures through reading.
Collaborative Summer Library Program
Supporting summer reading programs in libraries across Oklahoma, ODL provides access to high-quality programs, materials, and professional development through the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). Applications open in the fall. Stay up-to-date on application windows, guidelines, and news by subscribing to the ODL newsletters.
Receive latest youth service updates, news, ideas, and resources by joining the OKYL sharing group. Email Trisha Hutcherson at Trisha.Hutcherson@libraries.ok.gov to join.
Summer Library Program Performers and Presenters
Libraries offer a summer full of engaging performers and presenters to support learning and help prevent the summer slide.
Disclaimer: ODL provides this list as a resource only and does not vet or endorse individual performers.
The submission form to join the list opens for a limited time each fall. Please check this webpage for the exact dates and the live link starting in September.
Hunger Free Oklahoma
Oklahoma libraries serve as crucial community resource hubs to connecting families with vital resources and services to help ensure Oklahoma children have free access to healthy meals.
Hunger Free Oklahoma now offers an easy way for libraries to support this mission: a free online ordering portal where libraries can choose materials like posters, bookmarks, and more. HFO will ship the items directly to you—no cost, no hassle.
Connecting with Books
Read for Adventure with Your Local Library and the OKC Zoo
The Read for Adventure program encourages children and families to discover the joy of reading while connecting with wildlife and nature through books.
Participants who check out and read at least one title from the selected reading list receive a voucher good for up to four free general admission tickets to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
The program promotes literacy, library engagement, and family learning experiences by pairing reading with a visit to one of Oklahoma’s most popular educational attractions.
The featured book list includes a variety of animal-, dinosaur-, and nature-themed titles for young readers, with books ranging from picture books and nonfiction to popular series. Vouchers are limited to one per family, available while supplies last, and expire June 30, 2027.
Book availability may vary by library. Please check with your participating local library to see which titles are currently available.
Encourage Young Readers to Join the Second Lady's 2026 Summer Reading Challenge
June 1 – September 4, 2026
The Second Lady's 2026 Summer Reading Challenge encourages children entering kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books of their choice between June 1 and September 4, 2026. Participants who complete the challenge and submit their reading log through the White House website will receive a digital certificate, a personalized letter, and a commemorative bookmark. Readers will also be entered for a chance to win additional prizes, including a trip to Washington, D.C., and the White House.
My First Library
My First Library is an early literacy initiative promoting family reading. Since 80% of brain development occurs by age three, early reading is vital for a lifetime of literacy. To achieve this, the project provides quality children's books each month to children in Southwest Oklahoma.
Providing books and engaging parents/caregivers is the core strategy. Participating teachers introduce the monthly book with participating sites, read it aloud, and give one to each child to take home and build their home library.
Youth Services Grants
Grant applications open in the mid-year. Stay up-to-date on application windows, grant guidelines, and funding news by subscribing to our newsletter or visiting Foundant Grants Management.
Ways to Engage
Communities of Practice
Sign up to join monthly communities of practice meetings that bring together libraries across Oklahoma to promote early literacy, support families, and boost life-long learning.
Receive latest youth service updates, news, ideas, and resources by joining the OKYL sharing group. Email Trisha Hutcherson at Trisha.Hutcherson@libraries.ok.gov to join.
Follow ODL Youth Services on Facebook or join the Youth Services Facebook group.
Questions? Please email statewideprograms@libraries.ok.gov.
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