Contact Name
Ms. Natalie Currie
Contact Title
Director
State Library Address

Oklahoma Department of Libraries
200 N.E. 18th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-3298
United States

Contact Email Address
natalie.currie@libraries.ok.gov
Grants to State Programs

The Grants to States Program

The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.

    Allotments
    YearAllotment Value
    2019 $2,006,878.00
    2020 $2,040,924.00
    2021 $2,065,385.00
    2022 $2,211,786.00
    2023 $2,501,254.00
    5 Year Plan Text

    Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.

    5 year plan
    Attachment Size
    oklahoma5yearplan.pdf 811.48 KB
    5 Year Evaluation Text

    At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.

    5 year evaluation
    Attachment Size
    oklahoma5yearevaluation.pdf 3.41 MB
    Natalie Currie, Director Oklahoma Department of Libraries

    “The State of Oklahoma recognizes that public library services are necessary to the cultural, educational, and economic development of the State and to the health, safety, and welfare of its people. Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is critical to meeting our charge of ensuring adequate library services for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries’ close relationship and collaboration with IMLS allows these federal dollars to be spent in targeted ways that directly respond to the unique needs of Oklahoma communities.” 

    -Natalie Currie, Director, Oklahoma Department of Libraries 

    Project Examples

    group of award recipients stand for photo

    Citizenship and Immigration
    Historically, libraries and literacy programs in many Oklahoma communities have played a significant role in assisting non-native speakers with a range of language skills. Literacy services for English language learners typically include one-to-one tutoring and classes to help students with reading, writing, and conversing in a new language. Through this project, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries made grants to seven libraries that provided services ranging from citizenship classes, conversation classes, English/Spanish classes, study pairs, and one-to-one tutoring. These services were delivered both face-to-face and virtually and reached adults from 44 countries of origin. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and a transition to virtual learning, 63 individuals became new citizens during the project.
    IMLS Funds: $100,598 

    Participants practicing yoga poses early in the morning.

    Health Literacy
    Oklahoma ranks low among states in citizen health, life expectancy, and exercise and physical activity, according to an annual report from the United Health Foundation. In response to these and other failing health scores, the Oklahoma Department of Libraries provided health literacy education, programming, and resources throughout the state. Twenty-six libraries and literacy programs received LSTA-funded grants to initiate or expand health and wellness efforts for adult learners, at-risk populations, children, teens, adults, seniors, and families. The resulting programs, held at libraries, parks, and virtually, addressed healthier eating and exercise options, mental health and stress, CPR training, and understanding health challenges such as Alzheimer's. Some of the grant recipients also placed tablets in nursing homes so residents could communicate with family members during the pandemic.
    IMLS Funds: $223,295.26 

    Oklahoma Department of Libraries logo

    Digital Inclusion Grants
    CARES Act stimulus funds allowed the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL) to address and reduce gaps in digital inclusion in Oklahoma, particularly in rural locations. ODL awarded grants to 51 public libraries, tribal libraries, museums, and literacy organizations, with attention to rates of poverty, unemployment, and broadband availability. Applicants designated specific items such as hotspots, tablets, laptops, Wi-Fi extenders, desktop computers, and data plans to increase the internet and technology offerings in their communities. As a result, library users were able to attend telehealth appointments, complete educational courses, and mitigate isolation by staying in touch with family and friends. Museum and literacy organization programming could also continue uninterrupted in service to their missions. 
    IMLS Funds: $297,546 

    Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

    Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

    Five-Year Plan Highlights

    Goal 1: Enable Access to Information - Oklahoma residents will have convenient access to relevant, high-quality information resources in formats that they can use to achieve their educational, occupational, and personal/recreational goals.  

    • Projects include:   
      • Institutional and other collection development  
      • Databases, and other e-content  
      • Digitization of historical and State Library resources   
      • Assessment of State Library, Archives and Records Management storage operations  
      • Interlibrary loan and resource sharing support   

    Goal 2: Strengthen Libraries - Oklahoma residents will be served by local libraries that employ knowledgeable, community-focused staff members who incorporate the best professional practices and up-to-date technologies to deliver relevant, high-quality library services.  

    • Projects include:  
      • Continuing education for public librarians  
      • Certification for public librarians  
      • Oklahoma Department of Libraries computer lab  
      • Website development and other technology initiatives  
      • Library statistics to inform decision-making   

    Goal 3: Help Build Thriving Communities - Oklahoma residents will have opportunities to reach their full potential, by achieving their educational, occupational, and personal goals and by participating in and contributing to the vitality of their communities.  

    • Projects include: 
      • Literacy skills development  
      • Summer Reading Program   
      • Read Across Oklahoma program  
      • Health literacy programs  
      • Citizenship and immigration programs   
      • Community building initiatives   

    IMLS Data Collection

    State Library Administrative Agency Survey
    The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool

    Public Libraries Survey
    The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.