Donna Norvell

Donna Norvell came to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries from Oklahoma State University where she served as a teaching associate in the College of Education’s Department of Curriculum Instruction. She was also involved in educating new librarians by teaching at the University of Oklahoma.

Norvell received her MLS from the University of Oklahoma in 1982 and worked as a library media specialist in the Nicoma Park and Edmond school districts. Donna then worked over a decade for the Oklahoma Department of Libraries as Children’s Consultant, from 1992-2004, and was the driving force behind its award winning Summer Reading Programs. She worked tirelessly to create, offer and promote quality Summer Reading Programs throughout Oklahoma. Being a mentor for the state’s school and public librarians, her dedication to this program was instrumental in the reading development and education of thousands of Oklahoma children. She also served on the Sequoyah Children’s Book Award Committee from 1985 to 1998.

Donna passed away in 2004, and in 2005, The Donna Norvell Book Award was established by the Oklahoma Library Association. The Donna Norvell Book Award honors a book that has made a significant contribution to the field of literature for children through third grade.

Donna was known throughout the state and respected for her expertise and intelligence regarding children’s development, literature, services, and library collections. Her unfailing support of Oklahoma’s libraries and librarians and her vast knowledge of children’s services and issues ensured Oklahoma’s libraries were places of learning and well-being for the children of Oklahoma.