Library System Celebrates Anniversaries
In October, the Tulsa City-County Library system will celebrate two milestones: the one-year anniversary of the reopening of the renovated Central Library and 60 years of support from the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries.
In recognition of the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries, celebrations will be held during National Friends of Libraries Week from October 15-21.
Founded in 1957, Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding and promoting the activities and goals of the Tulsa City-County Library system. Founding members of the organization played a role in rallying public support for the formation of Tulsa’s metropolitan library system in 1961 and in the campaign to build the Central Library building that opened in 1965. The organization also provided tours of the renovated Central Library when it was unveiled last year.
National Friends of Libraries Week, an initiative of the American Library Association, held each October, recognizes the efforts of this group of committed volunteers and supporters that log over 2,000 hours annually in support of the library.
Activities undertaken by the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries offset public library costs by providing additional resources for programming, staff support and special events. Some of the group’s activities include funding scholarships for library personnel’s ongoing education, hosting the Adult Creative Writing Contest to encourage and support budding authors, supporting early literacy through the First Book program, providing food and hospitality to the Tulsa City-County Library system staff at their annual professional development day, and hosting an annual event to recognize the library system’s dedicated volunteers.
Planned National Friends of Libraries Week activities:
Monday, Oct. 16
11:30 a.m. – Proclamation by Mayor G.T. Bynum, Central Library.
12:10 p.m. – Books Sandwiched In, a review of Laurie R. King’s “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice” from Catherine Gatchell, Central Library.
(Started in 1967, Books Sandwiched In is Friends’ longest standing program. It runs Mondays from Oct. 2 – Nov. 27.)
Tuesday, Oct. 17
7 p.m. – Magic City Books will host an author event and book signing with Brit Bennett, author of “The Mothers,” Central Library. Visit magiccitybooks.com for event details.
Special giveaways will be on hand for those who join Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries during the week’s activities.
“As our membership numbers grow, so can our ability to develop even more ambitious ways of supporting our local library system,” says President Debora Riggs Grillot.
“Membership in Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries means championing this dynamic, invaluable community resource and ensuring that it will be here for generations to come.”
Visit tulsalibrary.org/friends to learn more about the Friends of the Tulsa City-County Libraries and ways to join.
Updated 10-04-2017
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