Norman, Okla.
Dedicated May 3, 2015
Partners: Pioneer Library System, Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma Athletic Department, Oklahoma Center for the Book, Friends of the Norman Library, Norman Arts Council, University of Oklahoma Press
Norman Public Library was dedicated as a Literary Landmark in honor of Harold Keith (1903-1998). Keith’s Newbery Medal which he won in 1958 for his novel Rifles for Watie is on permanent display in the library.
The dedication was made to commemorate and celebrate Keith’s dual careers as a novelist and as the first Sports Publicity Director for the University of Oklahoma.
Guests who attended the dedication ceremony enjoyed an interactive display that told the story of Keith’s life and dual careers, Rifles for Watie, the Newbery Awards, and the Literary Landmarks project. A special display included a video of one of Keith’s last interviews in which he discussed his career and read his Newbery acceptance speech.
Master of Ceremonies for the celebration and dedication was Michael Wallis, popular historian of the Western United States and author of seventeen books, including Route 66: The Mother Road. The popular Byron Berline Band underscored the event.
Special guests at the ceremony were members of Keith’s family including his grandchildren Duke Keith and Cindy Cassity, niece Lynn McIntosh; Jay Wilkinson, son of OU coach Bud Wilkinson; and Keith’s publisher and long-time friend, author Molly Griffis.
Resources: