News & Updates
Summer Reading
This year's Color Our World theme celebrates arts and creativity, offering a wealth of engaging resources to inspire both children and families. We look forward to seeing how you bring this theme to life in your communities. Thank you for your dedication to fostering a love of reading and learning during the summer months!
ODL Youth Services works collaboratively with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to bring high-quality programs, materials, and professional development to Oklahoma libraries.
If you are an Oklahoma youth librarian and have questions about Summer Reading, want to receive email updates, or need access to the online CSLP manual to receive free summer reading materials, contact Trisha Hutcherson at Trisha.Hutcherson@libraries.ok.gov. These materials are provided through the support of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Upcoming Summer Reading Themes
2025: Color Our World – Art
2026: Unearth a Story – Dinosaurs
2027: Theme – Mystery/Detective/Suspense
Summer Library Presenters
The performers listed here have been compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) as a resource for libraries. ODL does not vet, endorse, or conduct background checks on these individuals or groups. It is the responsibility of each library to evaluate, contact, and verify the credentials and suitability of any performer they choose to hire.
If you are a performer/entertainer interested in presenting your program at public libraries in Oklahoma, learn more.
Read for Adventure
Read for Adventure Continues!
Thanks to the Oklahoma City Zoo and OG&E, all participating libraries receive:
One copy of Juniper's Butterfly Garden
100 OKC Zoo ticket vouchers
Posters and bookmarks
The current zoo ticket vouchers are valid through June 30, 2025. Additional vouchers will be available with a new expiration date of June 30, 2026.
This program is a great opportunity to promote literacy and outdoor exploration across Oklahoma.
Children who check out Juniper's Butterfly Garden receive a voucher for four guests to visit the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden for FREE!
Reservations are not required for entry into the Zoo, and Read for Adventure vouchers can be redeemed at any Zoo ticket window.
Promote the literacy project on your social media! You can promote the opportunity on your social media channels. Use this Social Media Image.
More information, coloring pages and list of participating libraries: OKCZoo.org/READFORADVENTURE
Hunger Free Oklahoma partners with organizations across the state—including libraries—to help ensure Oklahoma children have free access to healthy meals.
Libraries play a key role as community “bridges,” connecting families with vital resources and services. 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.
Learn more and explore available materials at: hungerfreeok.org/library
Sponsored by
Acknowledgements
Requirements for all libraries using any Oklahoma Department of Libraries or IMLS provided materials.
Wording example
This activity was supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library Services and Technology Grant, and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Questions? Please email Trisha.Hutcherson@libraries.ok.gov.
If you are an Oklahoma librarian and work with patrons age 0 to 18, sign up for the ODL Youth Services updates. Email Trisha Hutcherson with your contact information.