oklahoma center for the book announces winners

One of Oklahoma’s premiere writing resource and champion, the Oklahoma Center for the Book, has announced their top award winners for the 16th Annual Oklahoma Book Awards.

From the Tulsa World:

Science fiction author C.J. Cherryh is the pick to receive the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award for a body of work contributing to Oklahoma literary heritage.

The selection committee for the Ralph Ellison award, which from time to time will honor a deceased writer, selected Woody Guthrie, songwriter and folk singer, as the 2005 recipient. Sometimes known as a Dust Bowl balladeer, Guthrie was born in Okemah. His first book, "Bound for Glory," was published in 1943. Guthrie's songs, which number over a thousand, and his prose, are about some of the most significant historic movements and events of the 20th century: The Great Depression, the great Oklahoma dust storms and World War II.

The Oklahoma Center for the Book is a state affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, and is organized to focus attention on the vital role of books and reading in our lives. The Center promotes the past, current, and future works of Oklahoma authors; promotes the literary heritage of the state; and encourages reading for pleasure by Oklahomans of all ages.

The Book Awards Dinner is a wonderful evening of literary pursuits!  The ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City.