In 2007, Oklahoma celebrated its Centennial. That celebration included two reading promotions: Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma, a celebration of Oklahoma authors conducted by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, ODL; and an NEA-funded The Big Read promotion of THE GRAPES OF WRATH, conducted by the Pioneer Library System. Both projects were successful. Committing itself to the NEA goal of promoting the reading of literary works, PLS made the Big Read an annual event. Each year, the book celebrated by a PLS Big Read brought new audiences to the reading experience, and the impact and reputation of the Pioneer Library System as a promoter of literary reading began to grow. When NEA announced the addition of TRUE GRIT to its The Big Read bookshelf in 2013, the PLS Big Read planning committee thought it was a perfect choice for all Oklahoma readers. PLS staff approached ODL with the idea of resurrecting the Oklahoma Reads Oklahoma project and modifying it to be a one-state-one-book promotion, Oklahoma Reads TRUE GRIT. In a “perfect storm” confluence of ideas, resources, and opportunity, the state-wide campaign was launched. Libraries, schools, communities, and arts organizations throughout the state were encouraged to promote TRUE GRIT through programs and campaigns of their own design, and to share their Ideas and resources with each other through a network led by PLS and coordinated by ODL.

After successfully pitching the Oklahoma Reads TRUE GRIT idea to ODL, PLS representatives were invited to a meeting of the state’s library directors to lead a brainstorming session about the project and to encourage participation. Because of the success PLS had with securing NEA The Big Read funding (four times, the most for any single organization in the country), staff also conducted a grant-writing workshop to encourage NEA applications.

The Southeastern Public Library System of Oklahoma, SEPLSO, (which serves the area of the state featured in the novel) applied for and received a NEA The Big Read grant for TRUE GRIT. Three major libraries/systems planned projects to provide momentum for the year-long promotion: SEPLSO in the fall of 2013, PLS in the spring of 2014, and Stillwater Public Library in the fall of 2014.

The Oklahoma Humanities Council modified its book discussion series Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma! to include grants for local scholar-led community book discussions of TRUE GRIT. All TRUE GRIT activities state-wide were cross-promoted by the sponsoring organizations and featured on the ODL Oklahoma Reads TRUE GRIT website. Materials and ideas were also shared via the website and through social media outlets, most effectively via FACEBOOK and Pinterest.

The PLS contribution to the campaign resulted in the biggest and most inclusive project in the system’s 8-year involvement with Big Reads. Each of the ten PLS libraries received OHC grants for scholar-led community book discussions, and every branch participated in the major, system- wide events, including the grand finale held in Norman. The PLS Development Office secured funding for the most elaborate—most expensive—and most successful PLS Big Read to date.

The PLS Big Read: TRUE GRIT project positioned the Pioneer Library System as a leader in the promotion of reading and literature in Oklahoma, a status graciously acknowledged by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries on its Oklahoma Reads TRUE GRIT website. It also positioned the library system as a valued and trusted partner in each community it serves, as demonstrated by the willing and enthusiastic participation and sponsorship of local Big Read activities by more than 60 businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Key programs and promotions include:

• TRUE GRIT entries in local parades in eight PLS communities;
• The Norman 89er Day committee using TRUE GRIT as the theme for its annual parade and statehood celebration;
• The University of Oklahoma Video and Media Services producing a documentary “Discovering the True TRUE GRIT” for use in TRUE GRIT promotions state-wide and nationally;
• Sooner Teamsters and Trial Riders Association making TRUE GRIT the theme of its annual wagon train trek across Oklahoma and hosting a TRUE GRIT book discussion for participants on the trail;
• Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Moore Warren Theatres, Shawnee Cinema Center 8, and the Cleveland County Fairgrounds donating facilities for PLS Big Read events;
• Distribution of 2,000 copies of novel to local readers;
• Record attendance at 59 PLS Big Read events throughout the system, including more than 2,000 who attended the finale and Wild West Show at Cleveland County Fairgrounds;
• Consistently positive feedback on program evaluations submitted at events and online.