Last week brought the First Book team to Oklahoma City for the conclusion of What Book Got You Hooked? — our summer-long campaign celebrating our 15th anniversary and the distribution of our 50 millionth book to kids in need. Visitors to the Web site were invited to share the books that made them readers, then vote for the state to receive 50,000 brand new children’s books through First Book.

That state was OKLAHOMA!

First Book was delighted to meet the wonderful supporters from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and the dozens of other local programs whose consistent voting made their win possible. On September 19, these local heroes came together to attend a celebratory event held at Omniplex, Science Musem Oklahoma. They were joined by several members of the media, as well as: Oklahoma’s First Lady Kim Henry; Janet Stevens of Idearc Media, a sponsor of the national competition; Makenna Smith, Miss Oklahoma 2007; Mike Wimmer, award-winning children’s book illustrator; Brooke Good, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2007; and Susan McVey, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.

“We are thankful to all those who voted for Oklahoma to win these 50,000 new books. It proves once again that Oklahomans care deeply about children and education,” First Lady Henry said at the event. “I know that these books will be a blessing to the families that receive them.”

Thanks to the work of fantastic volunteers, by the end of the day 50,000 brand new books generously donated by DK Publishing were distributed to nearly 80 local programs — the perfect ending to a great trip.

You can view more photos from the event on Flickr.