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Tulsa City-County Library's American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) is one of only two centers in public libraries across the nation that provides cultural, educational and informational resources, activities and services highlighting the American Indian culture. The AIRC, which began in 2003, provides access to more than 4,000 books, periodicals, and media for adults and children by and about American Indians, including historical and rare materials, new releases, films and music with a focus on native languages.
Please visit the Genealogy Resource Center to trace your American Indian ancestry.
Events
Overview
Nestled in the northern corner of the Muscogee Nation, the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) at the Zarrow Regional Library sits on land that once belonged to original Mvskoke land allottee, Sammie Naharkey. The AIRC is one of only two centers in public libraries across the nation that provides cultural, educational and informational resources, activities and services highlighting the American Indian culture. While the city of Tulsa is home to the 7th largest American Indian population in the nation, the target service area for the AIRC is Tulsa County and the outreach impact can be felt across the state and nation.
In 2000, the AIRC originally started as the Native American Collection. The Center’s Advisory Committee asked to change the name to the American Indian Collection and Programming. In 2003, the name changed to the American Indian Resource Center. The Center provides access to more than 4,000 books, periodicals, and media for adults and children by and about American Indians new releases, films and music with a focus on native languages.
The AIRC offers programming across the county in branch libraries. The AIRC is making a concerted effort to work with library locations that do not have a large American Indian population to bring diverse programming. Some branch libraries with higher American Indian populations have established smaller AI book collections. These collections and programs target known, but not limited to, tribes represented in the specific branch service area.
Contact Information
Visit the American Indian Resource Center
Address:
Zarrow Regional Library
2224 W. 51st St.
Tulsa, OK 74107
Driving Directions
Hours:
Monday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Contact:
Phone: (918) 549-7472
Email: teresa.runnels@tulsalibrary.org
AIRC E-Newsletter
In an effort to inform the public about services, programs and resources available through the AIRC, an e-newsletter is released each month. Please feel free to forward the newsletters to others who might be interested or benefit from the information.
Subscribe to E-Newsletter
"Place of the Turtles" Screen
James L. Henkle, associate professor of the school of art at the University of Oklahoma designed the screen on commission from the Tulsa Historical Society. In the center of the screen is a stylized turtle, made of oxidized copper. Surrounding it, in braised brass, polished brass and copper, are flame forms representing the sacred fire of the Creek Indians, Tulsa’s first citizens. The screen weighs more than 500 pounds...
The bronze plaque mounted on the oak leaves of the screen was originally placed on the Council Oak Tree (18 Street and South Cheyenne Avenue) by the Tulsa D.A.R. chapter in 1923. In 1965 the plaque was given to the Tulsa Historical Society for fear of it being vandalized. On July 1, 1965, the plaque and “Place of the Turtles” screen was dedicated on the 3rd floor of the Central Library to identify the then location of the Tulsa County Historical Society headquarters and archives.
Source: Tulsa World, May 1, 1965; p. 1; Tulsa County Historical Society Dedicatory Program, July 1, 1965.
In May 2013, the American Indian Resource Center moved from Central Library to Zarrow Regional Library (2224 W. 54th ST, Tulsa). Central Library closed in August 2013 for a two-year major renovation. In March 2014 the ‘Place of the Turtles’ screen was erected at Zarrow Regional Library. The American Indian Resource Center and its Turtle screen will remain at Zarrow Regional Library
American Indian Festival of Words
This free festival celebrates the history, culture, arts and achievements of American Indians through a series of enlightening family programs at your local libraries.
American Indian Circle of Honor
The Circle of Honor Award Presentation honors an American Indian for their lifetime achievements and contributions that have enriched the lives of others.
American Indian Writers Award
The American Indian Festival of Words Writers Award recognizes written contributions of outstanding American Indian authors, poets, journalists, film and stage scriptwriters.
Go to American Indian Writers Award
Summer Reading Program
The American Indian Resource Center participates in TCCL's Summer Reading Program in all age groups.
Go to Summer Reading Program