Oklahoma Center for the Book

The Oklahoma Center for the Book (OCB) is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is organized to focus attention on the vital role of books and reading in our lives. The Center promotes the past, current, and future works of Oklahoma authors; promotes the literary heritage of the state; and encourages reading for pleasure by Oklahomans of all ages.

When the Library of Congress announced the granting of permission to States to become part of their program, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries assembled an advisory group and wrote a proposal. The Oklahoma Center for the Book became the fourth state center on February 28, 1986.

The Center partners with the non-profit Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book on a variety of literary events. For more than 30 years, the two organizations have co-sponsored the annual Oklahoma Book Awards.

Oklahoma Book Awards are given each year in fiction, non-fiction, children/young adult, poetry, and design/illustration categories for work written by an Oklahoman or about Oklahoma.

Along with the annual Book Awards, the Center honors an Oklahoman who has contributed to the state's literary heritage by giving the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is named for Norman historian, Arrell Gibson, the Center's first president.

From time to time, the Ralph Ellison Award, honoring a deceased Oklahoma writer, is presented. The award is named after the first recipient, Ralph Ellison, author of the ground-breaking novel Invisible Man.

In addition to these activities, the Center brings readers and writers of all ages together at libraries and bookstores across the state for special events. The Center often supports other literary activities through grants and staff assistance.

President - Kelley Riha - OKC Metro Zone
Vice-President - Jeanne Devlin - OKC Metro Zone
Secretary - Wiley Barnes - Southeast Zone
Treasurer - Gini Campbell - OKC Metro Zone

Bob Burke, OKC Metro Zone
Glenda Carlile, OKC Metro Zone
Margaret Carlile, Northwest Zone
Betty Casey, Tulsa Zone
Rudy Ellis, Southwest Zone
Betty Falato, OKC Metro Zone
Judy Haught, Northwest Zone
Troy Milligan, OKC Metro Zone
Richard Rouillard, OKC Metro Zone

Interested in joining the Friends of the Oklahoma Center for the Book?
Support Oklahoma authors, readers, and literary programs by becoming a Friend! Membership helps fund statewide literacy and book-related events, including the Oklahoma Book Awards.

• Library of Congress Center for the Book
• Oklahoma Authors Collection

For questions about Oklahoma Center for the Book, email info@libraries.ok.gov.