You're invited to become a Friend of Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County and to help promote excellence in your public libraries across Oklahoma County.

Since its inception in 1978, the Friends group has grown to an estimated 1,700 members across the country and has earned national recognition as one of the most active library-support organizations in the United States.

• Fostering the growth, development and use of public libraries.
• Promoting excellence throughout the system's twenty library sites across Oklahoma County.
• Focusing public attention on library services and needs.
• Encouraging gifts to the library and recruiting volunteers.
• Sponsoring special programs as a community service.
• Spurring educational excellence through promoting reading and a love of learning.

• Supplying time and talent to your libraries.
  Your libraries depend on hundreds of volunteers to assist with everything from children's reading programs to coaching the Internet to volunteering at one of the nation's largest booksales, held in Oklahoma County, last full weekend in February.

This extraordinary three-day event requires approximately 900 volunteers and draws thousands of book lovers to buy hardbacks, paperbacks, magazines, cassettes, and records, movies, reference sets, etc. You can donate materials or books and other media materials year-round for the booksale. Call (405) 606-3763.

• Funding library improvements.
  Since 1978, the Friends have contributed more than $2,191,800.00 to your libraries -- making it possible to acquire special research materials, furnish children's reading areas, recognize staff service, provide continuing education grants, sponsor children's reading programs, volunteer recognition, and fund capital improvements.

• Helping the most important public institution in your community--your libraries.
  Access to information has never been more critical. Your libraries are the information source for students of all ages, senior citizens on fixed incomes, businesses and families. Everyone in Oklahoma County benefits from a quality library system.

• Staying abreast of library and Friends activities.
  As a Friends member, you'll receive a newsletter three to four times a year, plus admittance to a Friends-only night at the annual booksale. And you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you're making a real contribution to your library system.