OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved HR 1054, filed by Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, to designate April 2026 as Library Month in the State of Oklahoma. April 29, 2026 is also Library Day at the Capitol, hosted by Rep. McCane in partnership with the Oklahoma Libraries Association and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. 

“I am so excited to host the first ever Library Day at the Capitol to help advocate for our libraries and library staff,” said McCane. “This is an opportunity to come together as a community of passionate supporters, dedicated professionals, and engaged citizens who believe in the essential role libraries play in strengthening our communities. Libraries and library staff have the opportunity to share the real impact libraries have on education, workforce development, access to information, and quality of life for people across our state. I’m thrilled to partner with the Oklahoma Libraries Association and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to help connect Oklahomans with library representatives and take advantage of all the services they provide, while honoring librarians who work daily to bring people together through community and knowledge. Together, we can ensure that libraries continue to thrive and serve as vital resources for generations to come.”

From workforce development and educational programming, to access to technology and vital community resources, libraries play a key role in supporting all Oklahomans. The presence of public libraries in communities has a direct positive impact on educational outcomes. Libraries also provide what is known as a “third place” which is a space separate from home and work where communities can come together.

“Oklahomans expect strong returns from the investments they make in their communities - and libraries consistently deliver,” said Director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Natalie Currie. “Across our state, library services drive measurable outcomes in education, workforce, and technology adoption. Library Day at the Capitol gives legislators a clear, firsthand look at how those investments are working for the communities they serve. 

“To improve literacy in Oklahoma, the work must start early. From birth to Pre-K, children build the foundation for reading success. Libraries are essential partners in that effort, equipping parents and caregivers with the tools they need to support learning at home and prepare children for school.”

Library Day at the Capitol is a come-and-go event where Oklahomans can connect with library professionals across the state and learn more about the wide range of services they provide to communities. 

"We're excited to showcase the impact STEM programming is making in the lives of children at southeast Oklahoman libraries,” said Michael Hull with the Southeast Oklahoma Library System. “In addition to fostering a love of reading, we're engaging youth with cutting edge learning opportunities that can make lifelong and career setting pathways. We hope our elected officials will take the time to visit our bookmobile and learn about the impact we make in rural communities by bringing information and a love of learning."

Many public schools got the opportunity to speak with Oklahomans about the role their public school libraries play in their communities.

“We are excited to showcase Oklahoma libraries and the impact they make for Oklahomans of all ages,” said Becky Ollar with Tulsa Public Schools. “Public, school, academic, tribal, and specialty libraries are all vital parts of our communities that support literacy, lifelong learning, workforce development, and equitable access to the resources for all Oklahomans.”

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