Shawnee Public Schools Director of Library Services and Middle School Librarian Cherity Pennington pauses for a photo in the United Arab Emirates. Pennington was invited to speak at the first ALA Sharjah School Librarians Conference in April. Photo courtesy of Cherity Pennington

Kitt Wakeley

Seminole State College Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz was recently named a finalist for the 2025 Oklahoma Book Awards. The event will take place on May 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Photo provided by SSC

A new Oklahoma Literary Sites Register plaque for the late author Tony Hillerman is unveiled during a dedication ceremony at Shawnee Public Library on March 15 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth year. Shown, from left, are Anne Hillerman, author and daughter of Hillerman; Lisa Wells, Pioneer Library Systems Director; Mary Sims, Shawnee library branch manager; Dr. Bill Hagen, Emeritus Professor of English at OBU; and, Angie Lewis, President of Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Literary site dedication for Tony Hillerman at Shawnee Public Library

Tecumseh Chamber Director Kimberly Elliott has been selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program. Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues. Photo provided

Kaylen King

Jan Parker