Hot off the press. Oklahoma’s Almanac.

 

The arrival of a new edition of the Oklahoma Almanac is always a cause for celebration here in Okie Land. Previously known as The Directory of Oklahoma, the official State Government Blue Book has been published since 1907. (Oklahoma’s first state government handbook was actually known as the Red Book, but don’t get us started!) It has been published by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries since 1987.

The volume contains information on such topics as agriculture, astronomy, climatology, commerce, demographics, education, elections, geology, museums, tourism, wildlife, and federal, state, county, and municipal government. The history section provides insight into the prehistoric and the nomadic groups who traversed the area. Moreover it explores the earliest Native American and European settlements to the creation of both Indian and Oklahoma territories and eventually statehood.

“This 2009-2010 edition’s theme is State of the Arts. A special section focuses on a variety of art forms and mediums located throughout the state,” said Oklahoma Almanac editor Connie Armstrong.” “Oklahoma has a rich artistic tradition, one which continues today. We wanted to showcase the arts and artists in our state and encourage citizens and visitors to attend a local theatre production, arts festival, gallery showing, poetry reading, or museum.”

The Almanac’s feature section includes essays on the visual, performing, and literary arts, as well as art in public places. Moreover, readers will find information on art museums, Oklahoma’s artistic heritage, historic and modern architecture, and individuals who have been named an Oklahoma Cultural Treasure.

Copies will be speeding to public and tribal libraries in the state. You can get your very own copy, though. Find out how to do this at:

http://www.odl.state.ok.us/almanac

The cost is $15, plus $3 if we ship it to you. Well worth it, if we do say so ourselves.

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