Media release
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Read Across Oklahoma, the state’s premier literacy event for young children, will take place Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. This year’s theme, “America 250: Telling America’s Stories,” celebrates our nation’s history and the stories that shaped it. The featured book, Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals by Oklahoma author Bart Taylor, published by Tulsa-based Yorkshire Publishing, introduces young readers to American presidents through the humor and perspective of Oklahoma’s own Will Rogers.
Schools from across the state will be represented, with hundreds of students invited to attend the Oklahoma Department of Libraries’ annual event. Selected kindergarten classes will attend as special guests, receiving paid admission to the OKC Zoo, a copy of the book, and the opportunity to participate in a special reading by the author, along with activity stations throughout the park. Teachers and students receive copies of the book in advance, allowing them to explore and read together in the classroom and at home, an essential step in strengthening early literacy skills.
“As we approach the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the people and stories that have shaped our nation,” said Natalie Currie, executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. “Sharing the story of Oklahoma’s own Will Rogers helps young readers connect with history while highlighting the power of storytelling to bring our nation’s past to life.”
As the primary financial supporters of Read Across Oklahoma, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Tinker Federal Credit Union work with ODL to inspire a love of reading among children, many of whom will be visiting the OKC Zoo for the first time. The public is also encouraged to join the celebration! The first 1,500 children with paid OKC Zoo admission or a ZOOfriends membership pass will receive a free book and can participate in engaging learning activities throughout the park as part of the event, which runs until 1 p.m.
This event, a program of the Oklahoma Center for the Book within the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Center and is made possible through the generosity of our sponsors, whose support helps create a memorable experience for students. Thanks to their contributions, attendees can enjoy special programming, free OKC Zoo admission, and a fun-filled day of literacy and learning. We are grateful to organizations such as the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Krueger Charitable Foundation, the Oklahoma City Zoo, Target, and Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Read Across Oklahoma will take place March 26, 2026, at the Oklahoma City Zoo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to attend, participate in the activity stations throughout the OKC Zoo, and hear a story read by the author. For more information about Read Across Oklahoma, visit oklahoma.gov/libraries/read or contact the Oklahoma Department of Libraries at [email protected].
Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals by Bart Taylor tells the true story of Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers and his remarkable friendships with five U.S. presidents. Known for his quick wit, homespun wisdom, and world-class roping skills, Rogers used humor and kindness to bridge political divides and connect with leaders across party lines. The program will feature Bart Taylor reading the book aloud, sharing interesting facts about Will Rogers’ life and character, and demonstrating the rope tricks that made him famous, bringing his humor and skills to life for young audiences.
