Dear Librarian,

As you probably know, Oklahoma won the First Book contest and will win 50,000 books for Oklahoma pre-school children. The big book giveaway is scheduled for September 19 (yes, this is a new date) at the Oklahoma City Omniplex.

Those libraries and organizations that have registered with First Book will receive an email some time tomorrow. The email will include an application for books and related information.

If your program intends to apply, you need to respond to the e-mail immediately! Books will be given away on a first come, first served basis. If you wait to respond, it could be too late. We were advised that on some occasions the books are obligated in an hour!

Leslie Gelders

Literacy Coordinator

Oklahoma Department of Libraries

Dear Librarian,

Congratulations to everyone who helped Oklahoma win the national First Book contest. As a result of our efforts, the state will receive 50,000 new books to give to children at-risk for low literacy.

The First Book contest tallied more than 133,000 votes. More than 34,000 of those votes selected Oklahoma as the state to receive the windfall of books.

This contest provided a wonderful demonstration of what can happen when many organizations join together to share the gift of reading.

The big book giveaway is tentatively scheduled for September 20 in Oklahoma City.

Many of you have been curious about how the books will get into the hands of children. Eligible organizations throughout the state may apply to receive a portion of the books for giveaway to young readers. Eligibility requirements are:

• programs that predominantly serve children from low-income families; and,

• programs that do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or physical or mental disability.

Is your library eligible? Perhaps. Your library may be located in an area that predominantly serves low-income children, or you may have an early literacy program targeting these youngsters, or you may be aware of organizations in your community that would be eligible. First Book will make the determination of eligibility as well as the quantity of books to be distributed to qualifying organizations.

To be considered for participation, organizations must register at http://register.firstbook.org

The next step will be to fill out an application in order to receive free books.  Very soon, First Book will be forwarding a link to this application form to those who are registered. So, if you are interested, please register as soon as possible.

Once the online application process begins, selection of free book recipients will be made on a first come, first served basis.

Organizations approved to participate will need to have someone attend the Oklahoma City event on September 20 in order to pick up their free books.

Congratulations, again. We did it! I am so proud to be State Librarian of Oklahoma—where there has been this tremendous outpouring of support for children and literacy.

Sincerely,

Susan McVey, Director
Oklahoma Department of Libraries

Continue stuffing the ballot box. Here is a copy of Leslie Gelder’s e-mail. Keep up the good work Oklahoma!

July 18, 2007

Dear Literacy Leaders, Library Staff, and Book Lovers,

There are only 14 days left in the First Book contest. The great news is that Oklahoma is still in first place to win 50,000 free books for children at-risk for low literacy.

Interest in this effort has been overwhelming! Numerous individuals and organizations are supporting the cause. At least two radio stations and a newspaper have featured the story. Members of the DAR and Telephone Pioneers are voting, and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation has sent out numerous e-mails. Additionally, several state agencies are forwarding information to employees and to their networks.

Now, more than ever, we need to make a final push to victory. Louisiana has slowly “snuck” into third place (they won the contest last year.) Be sure to vote today and every day until July 31. Help spread the word to groups and individuals who will support the effort.

Vote by visiting http://www2.firstbook.org/whatbook/index.php

Thank you for your interest and support.

Leslie Gelders

Literacy Coordinator

Oklahoma Department of Libraries

This was posted on the OLA Listserv. Now, it’s our turn.

Folks–

First Book is holding a contest where one state will receive 50,000 books for at-risk children. Oklahoma’s literacy community is trying to win the contest, and Oklahoma is currently in the lead. But we have to keep our lead through July. I thought Oklahoma libraries would also like to join in the fun and effort.

To help, all you have to do is log onto the site provided below and “vote” for your favorite childhood book. You can vote one time each day through July 31.

http://www2.firstbook.org/whatbook/index.php

Remember to vote every day, and tell all of your Oklahoma friends! Thanks!

William R. Young
Public Information Manager
Oklahoma Department of Libraires

Okay, here we go:

I have 10 Nancy Drew Get A Clue special screening movie passes. The passes are for Monday, June 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at the AMC Quail Springs, 2501 West Memorial, OKC. These are compliments of FOXCW Oklahoma City and our CSLP-CA & NY representatives. Each single pass admits two people. Arrive early as seating is first come, first serve. The movie is rated PG.

Now, here’s what you have to do:

Go post in the forums. Either start a topic or reply to a previous post. The rule is to post something of substance. As the administrator I am able to see who posted and when to determine the winners. The first 10 people to post will receive one ticket. Once you win a ticket your library/branch will no longer be qualified to win again. You can still post in the forums, though. {hint, hint}

For those whose firewalls don’t allow posting on forums, you can e-mail your post to me. Have the forum name that you want it posted. The time on my e-mail will count as your post on the forums.