New 'Lucky Day' Program to Slash Wait Times for Popular eAudiobooks at Library

The Stillwater Public Library Board has accepted a $30,000 grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries to implement a "Lucky Day" pilot program for eBooks and eAudiobooks. The initiative, approved during the board's May meeting, aims to reduce wait times for popular digital titles and increase user satisfaction.

Library Director Stacy DeLano explains the concept behind the Lucky Day program: "The intent is to ensure that when users go to Oklahoma Virtual Library, they see something that they want to check out and can check out immediately."

Unlike regular digital materials, Lucky Day items cannot be placed on hold, creating a first-come, first-served opportunity for library patrons.

"If someone's checked it in and it shows up, it's your lucky day," DeLano said. "The intent really is to increase satisfaction because we have substantial hold time on our materials in the Oklahoma Virtual Library."

Library card holders can access almost 80,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks for free using the OverDrive apps websites including the mobile app, Libby.

The grant comes from the Library Services and Technology Act through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Andrea Kane, the library's digital collections specialist, will work through the summer to develop the collection and present it to consortium users.

DeLano notes that the program faces some limitations due to federal fiscal year requirements. Funds must be used by September 30, and purchased items cannot have licensing that extends beyond that date.

"Through these funds, we cannot purchase items whose use will extend past the end of the federal fiscal year," DeLano said. "It most likely is going to be highly [requested] audio books because those still seem to be available as a one-time purchase."

Library Operates from Former High School Building During Fire Suppression Replacement Project

DeLano also updated the board on the library's successful relocation to its temporary location in the north building. The main building is now in the final phase to replace the fire suppression system. A project that began in December 2024.

"We were able to get moved in here with just a small delay because there were a few things that had to be changed by the construction company on their next-to-last inspection," DeLano said.

The north building, formerly home to Stillwater South High School from 1919-1942 and the Junior High from 1945-1960, was renovated in 1994 along with construction of the main library building at the corner of Duck Street and 12th Avenue.

The library moved approximately 20,000 items to the temporary location, with staff working diligently to arrange materials and establish new procedures.

"My staff was phenomenal," DeLano said. "It was really hard that first week because we had to do all the shelves."

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The temporary floor arrangement places children's materials in a separate area from adult collections, creating a noticeably quieter atmosphere in the adult sections.

"They put the children all by themselves and it's wonderful," board member Sharon Edwards mentioned.

DeLano acknowledges the adjustment: "When I first came here 25-ish years ago, it was exceptionally difficult to adjust to that level of noise from children. And then you come to get used to it and you realize that yes, there is additional noise, but the amount of excitement and family use of the facility really makes up for noise as long as you can find a quiet space for people."

The library continues to offer services like notary and computer access in the temporary space, though staff are still identifying and addressing minor logistical challenges.

"It's just a lot of little odd things," DeLano said. "For example, Naomi just told me while we were in the hallway how not having an extra table up for her to go out and do notaries. Just little teeny things that you don't even think about."

Edwards observed significant public interest in the reopened library: "When I was coming in slightly late, you should have seen the people outside. The sidewalk was just a stream of people rushing. They couldn't wait to get in."

The construction company needs to have the main library project "materially complete" by mid-June, though additional inspections and adjustments will follow. DeLano estimates a return to the main building by the end of June.

Rather than closing again during the move back, DeLano plans a gradual transition: "We are going to get our staff materials moved back over, which really can be done fairly quickly, and then we will start slowly moving the books back into the main library."

Summer Reading Program Begins Saturday

Despite operating from the temporary location, the library is preparing for its annual Summer Reading Program, set to begin May 31 with a big kickoff event.

"Jordan has been going around the library in his unicorn suit," DeLano says, referring to promotional activities already underway.

Most summer reading activities will take place at the Stillwater Community Center while the library completes its transition back to the main building.

This summer participating readers will explore art and creativity related to the theme “Color Your World.” Children’s librarian Elizabeth Murray will the launch the reading program with “Bright Readers Bash Kickoff” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Stillwater Community Center.

“This year’s kickoff is inspired by all things color,” Murray said. “There will be color-themed rooms with related activities, including acting, sensory play, reading to therapy dogs, poetry, planting sunflower seeds and more. We are even expecting a visit from our summer reading mascot, Sparkles the Unicorn!”

In addition, teens (grades 6-12) will have their very own kickoff playing Quidditch with OSU’s Cowboy Quidditch Team, also on Saturday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at North Willis Fields, located at 940 N. Willis. The game, inspired by Harry Potter, is a unique combination of elements from basketball, dodgeball and tag.

In other business, the board elected officers for the 2025-2026 term. Matt Upson will serve a second term as chair, while Kathryn Ross continues as vice chair. Naomi Brown, Business Officer Manager at the Library was reappointed as secretary.

The board's nominating committee, led by Donna Sinnes, presented the slate of candidates. Sinnes joked about the recruitment process, saying to Upson, "I said, 'Hey, Matt,' and you were like, 'Yeah, give it to me.'"

Upson clarified that board bylaws limit the chair and vice-chair to two consecutive terms.