Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma

LET’S TALK ABOUT IT, OKLAHOMA! is a series of Book Talks presented each Fall, following various themes each year. In 2016, from all the themes offered, We’ve chosen “Oklahoma Experience, In Our Own Words” which features five books that tell an Oklahoma story. The meetings are open to Adults and High School Students, who borrow one of the ‘reading copies’ of the current title. About every two weeks, we have a different book. After folks read the story, they come to the meeting in which a local scholar, perhaps a professor from an area University will come and present a talk or a lesson about the book. Sometimes, they pass out a questionaire or statements of things for us to consider about the book.
The group varies from four people to 16, though more are welcome to drop in and enjoy the informal meeting. Water, or light refreshments may be offered, and everyone present gets to add their ‘two cents worth’ about the book being discussed. Lots of side stories and personal annecdotes are shared amongst a group of folks of all ages and backgrounds who drop by to talk books that evening. All people attending don’t agree on everything, but we enjoy the give and take. Of course all our opinions are not necessarily the thoughts of the sponsoring agencies.
This is a project that is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Oklahoma Humanities council. The library applies for a grant each year in order to present this series to the community. The grant helps pay the speaker and travel fee for the Scholars who explain the book to us.
We are planning next year’s talk schedule.