Lee Brawner

During his 27 years as Executive Director of the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma City, Lee oversaw expansion of the system from 6 libraries to 19, and growth of circulation from 1.9 to over 4 million items per year. He formed the Friends of the Library and the Library Endowment Trust.

Lee’s statewide recognition included the Downtown Now Pioneer Award, the Oklahoma Library Council Leadership Award, the OLA Distinguished Service Award, the SIRS/OLA Intellectual Freedom Award, and presidency of OLA. His uncompromising belief in intellectual freedom, First Amendment rights, and open libraries culminated in his receipt of the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award.

As principal of Brawner Associates, LLC, Lee was responsible for the development of libraries throughout the United States. He was particularly proud of being primary consultant for the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library in Oklahoma City, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2004.

Lee left us in February, 2006, but his legacy continues with the Metropolitan Library System and its staff, the Oklahoma Library Association, and with library supporters everywhere.