Library Lovers Read-a-thon

ALTON CARTER
Reading: TBA

Alton is a former foster child. He was the first person in his family to graduate from high school and college. Now the Training Manager for Air Hygiene International in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State University alum has dedicated his life to inspiring others to use their life experiences to make the world a better place.  

In April of 2015, his debut book, “The Boy Who Carried Bricks,” was published by The Road Runner Press.  On April 9, 2016, the nonfiction title won the 2016 Oklahoma Book Award.  Since then, Carter has written “Aging Out,” “The Boy Who Dreamed Big,” “The Boy Who Went to the Library,” “The Boy Who Survived,” and his newest children's book, “Different Altogether.” 

Carter makes his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, with his wife, Kristin, and their five children, Kelton, Colin, Alliyah, Angilina, and Curtis.

BETH FURNISH

Reading: Toward a Natural Forest by Jim Furnish

Beth is a research lab manager at the vet school and has previously worked as a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. 

She likes to quilt, bike, and go for walks in her free time. When she homeschooled her kids, they were constantly at the library for books or programs. Her kids are still "library kids," and she's been in a library book club for several years.

MIKE WOODS
Reading: Courage, Survival, and Women Who Shaped Early American History by David K. Hampton

Mike is a retired professor of agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University. He and his wife, Mary, raised their two sons in Stillwater—both are proud graduates of Stillwater Public Schools and OSU. 

As a family, they spent countless hours reading and learning at the Stillwater Public Library, which helped spark a lifelong love of books and community learning. 

Today, Mike and Mary enjoy traveling, celebrating time with family, and volunteering for organizations that strengthen their community. Mike, in gratitude, serves on the Stillwater Public Library Board.

PATRICIA DARLINGTON
Reading: All the Honey by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer 

Pat came to Stillwater with her husband, Rick, in 1976, intending to stay for about a year, but they soon decided that Stillwater was where they wanted to raise a family. 

Pat has had several careers, including dental hygienist, teaching dental hygiene, director of religious education, and licensed psychologist. However, her two favorite careers, mother and grandmother, are lifelong! 

Giving back to Stillwater has always been important to her; volunteering for the Public Library Board was her first foray into “official” civic participation, followed by service on the School Board and City Council. Pat is currently Chair of the GRAND Mental Health Board. 

Pat says, “Reading a good book or poem, essay, or even a letter makes a day feel perfect. Just stopping by the library between errands to be surrounded by so much potential is a gift.”

VALARIE ZAYAT-BLOODGOOD
Reading: TBA

Valerie has been an avid reader since realizing the authors telling their stories could take her on unexpected adventures and delay her doing chores with “just one more chapter.” 

Valerie finds friendship in book clubs and growing in knowledge through reading.