Read Across Oklahoma brought a day of reading, learning, and adventure to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden on March 26.

This year’s America250: Telling America’s Stories theme celebrated our nation’s history and the stories that shaped it, featuring Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals by Bart Taylor (published by Tulsa-based Yorkshire Publishing).

The first 1,500 children who attended received a free book, with a variety of titles available thanks to the generous support of the Krueger Charitable Foundation.

Young students from across the state joined as special guests, enjoying zoo admission, a picnic lunch, and special performances by best-selling author Bart Taylor.

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff, incredible volunteers, generous supporters, and the Oklahoma Center for the Book for making Read Across Oklahoma such a success. Your efforts helped create a meaningful experience for children and families and put books into the hands of young readers.

The celebration continues—look for library visits this summer. As part of the America250: Telling America’s Stories celebration, Bart Taylor will bring Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals to life with an author presentation and live roping demonstration at select Oklahoma libraries.