Oklahoma Library Association
Non-profit organization that promotes libraries
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) is a non-profit organization that promotes libraries and library services and provides professional development for library personnel in the state of Oklahoma. OLA is a chapter of both the American Library Association and the Mountain Plains Library Association.[2] OLA hosts workshops throughout the year and holds an Annual Conference.[3] OLA is the official sponsor of the Sequoyah Book Award, the third oldest U.S. state children's choice award. [4]
| |
| Abbreviation | OLA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1907 |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Purpose | "To strengthen the quality of libraries, library services and librarianship in Oklahoma."[1] |
| Michael Hull | |
| Website | OLA Website |
History
OLA was formed on May 16, 1907 by a small group of librarians from the University of Oklahoma and nearby normal schools as well as public libraries. The meeting was hosted by the now-defunct Carnegie Library in downtown Oklahoma City.[5] These librarians were interested in forming a statewide library association to ensure the "statewide extension of tax-supported library service" and "to explore a more economical way of transporting...books."[6]
OLA has sponsored the Read Y'all celebrity poster literacy campaign and the Mildred Laughlin Festival of Books.[7][8][9] OLA used to publish a newsletter called Oklahoma Librarian, which ceased in 2018. [10]
Notable Members
- Ruth Brown
- Ruby Canton, daughter of lawman and former outlaw Frank M. Canton
- Milton J. Ferguson
- Edmon Low
- Allie Beth Martin
- Lotsee Patterson
- Pat Woodrum