TCCL News & Events

Families are invited to experience the colorful history and rich traditions of American Indians during Tulsa City-County Library’s 2009 Festival of Words.

This free event is scheduled for March 7, 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Central Library, Fourth Street and Denver Avenue. The program is co-sponsored by the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, Cherokee Builders Inc., Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa World, Tulsa Library Trust and American Indian Resource Center.

Activities are ongoing throughout the library with American Indian puppet shows, demonstrations by artists Jon Tiger and Shan Goshorn, an exhibition stomp dance, Keetoowah Cherokee Youth Choir performance, flute playing and traditional storytelling, as well as children’s crafts. Other cultural demonstrations include finger-weaving belts, Cherokee baskets, cornhusk dolls and searching the Dawes Rolls.

Authors Annette Arkeketa, Will Hill, Joe Nevaquaya and Charles H. Red Corn are featured during the “American Indian Author Panel Presentation,” 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. in Aaronson Auditorium. Each emerging author will discuss their writing process, inspirations and challenges they face in publishing their art. Their books will be available for purchase and signing.

“The Festival of Words is the perfect opportunity for families to visit the library to discover the traditions of American Indians and their relevance today,” said Teresa Runnells, American Indian Resource Center coordinator. “The workshops, craft making, storytelling and author presentations will enlighten people to the oral traditions and cultural heritage.”

While you are at the festival, check out an armful of books from the American Indian Resource Center on Central Library’s second floor. The American Indian Resource Center provides cultural, educational and informational resources, activities and services honoring American Indian heritage. The center features access to more than 7,000 books, periodicals, and media for adults and children by and about American Indians, including historical and new releases, videos and compact discs.

For more information on the American Indian Festival of Words or other library programming, call the AskUs Hotline, 596-7977, or visit the library’s Web site, www.tulsalibrary.org.