TCCL News & Events

Join ventriloquist/magician Jeff Cauthen for a hilarious time of reading and fun at six libraries in June and July to complement Tulsa City-County Library’s summer reading program.

Laugh with a variety of wacky characters as they sing and tell stories. See a cartoon drawing literally come to life right before your eyes. Children ages 5 to 12 can catch Mr. C’s free show at:

• Schusterman-Benson Library, 3333 E. 32nd Place, 746-5024, June 26, 2-3 p.m. and 3:15-4:15 p.m.
• Brookside Library, 1207 E. 45th Place, 746-5012, June 30, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
• Skiatook Library, 316 E. Rogers, 596-2830, July 10, 1-1:45 p.m.
• Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford, 596-7280, July 23, 10-10:45 a.m.
• Owasso Library, 103 W. Broadway, 591-4566, July 28, 1:30-2:15 p.m. and 2:30-3:15 p.m.
• Collinsville Library, 1223 Main, 596-2840, July 29, 2-2:45 p.m.

While you’re at the library, sign up for the children’s summer reading program, called “Catch the Reading Bug.” Presented by the Tulsa Library Trust, Tulsa World, NewsChannel 8, Tulsa Zoo and Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the free program is ongoing through Aug. 3. Children who complete the program by reading eight books and visiting the library four times will receive a medal of achievement and a book of coupons, valued at $50, for free:

• Admission to the Tulsa Zoo
• Admission to the Oklahoma Aquarium
• Admission to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum
• End-zone ticket to University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane football game
• Admission to Tulsa 66ers game
• Round-trip bus ride on Tulsa Transit
• Hamburger, milk or juice from McDonald’s
• Cinnamon sticks from Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
• Kid’s meal from Mimi’s Café
• Glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme
• Chicken nuggets from Wendy’s

Children who complete the program and have completed kindergarten or are in first through sixth grade may enter a drawing for exciting prizes, including:

• Computers with printers and Internet service, provided by the Tulsa World
• Bicycles with helmets, provided by the Tulsa World, with special assistance from Lee’s Bicycles
• Fishing trip with KOTV Channel 6 meteorologist Dick Faurot and fishing gear, provided by Bass Pro Shops
• Season subscription for a family of four to the Imagination Series, featuring national children’s theater productions, provided by the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust
• Tickets to the 2008 Kids’ World Festival provided by Tulsa Global Alliance

Remember, summer reading isn’t just for entertainment. By providing kids with fun, thought-provoking books, you can help your children keep their reading skills up over the summer.
Contact your neighborhood library or visit www.tulsalibrary.org for more information about the summer reading program.

Take a trip back to a time when segregation forced African-Americans to establish their own towns to maintain a peaceful existence in early Oklahoma.

Tulsa City-County Library’s African-American Resource Center and the Tulsa Library Trust invite you along the 2008 Historic All-Black Town Tour. The journey starts Saturday, 7 a.m. at Rudisill Regional Library, 1520 N. Hartford, and returns at 6 p.m. Ticket cost is $35 and includes two meals.

The annual bus tour will visit historic all-black town sites Boley and Clearview, as well as the Oklahoma History Center’s African-American exhibit.

Two men who wanted to test the idea of black governance, W.H. Boley and Lake Moore, created the town of Boley in 1903; the cultural hub displayed many grocery stores, businesses, hotels and restaurants. Into the early 20th century, Boley claimed the first black bank and the first black owned telephone and electric companies. By 1911, Boley also enjoyed the largest population of any all-black town in the United States with 7,000 inhabitants. The town today, with an approximate population of 750, still celebrates its rugged, individualistic roots with the annual Boley Black Rodeo.

Passing through Clearview, known previously as Lincoln, was the Fort Smith and Western Railroad and a brief yet important detail of African-American history. In 1913 in the small black town in Okfuskee County, the “Back to Africa” movement inspired visions of wealth and prosperity that would materialize if the African-American population moved to the Gold Coast of Africa. The economy of Clearview vigorously prospered throughout the early 20th century with several factories and recreational facilities. This prosperity however was halted with the tragedy of the Great Depression and the discontinued service of the railroad.

At each stop, riders will learn the significance and importance of these sacred locations. Local historians will share history of all-black towns in Oklahoma during the bus ride between stops. Local author Hannibal Johnson and historian Robert Littlejohn will share their knowledge as tour guides for the trip.

To reserve a seat, visit the Rudisill Regional Library or call 596-7280.