Friends of Libraries throughout Oklahoma

For at least half a century, groups known as Library Friends were formed across the state of Oklahoma. For many years, Mrs. Lillian Norberg and her Tulsa friends made trips to numerous cities and towns to spread the word about what such organizations could do for the benefit of the library and how to start such a group.

These various Friends groups have held used book sales to raise funds, sponsored scholarships for library staff to further their education, told stories to children, worked on behalf of local and statewide legislative issues that benefited libraries, held luncheons for teachers in the area, sponsored events to introduce legislators to their libraries, provided programs to attract local residents, and have been supportive in countless other creative and generous ways.

In more than one instance, there was a Friends group formed and active before a library existed. They lobbied local officials until a library was established. Each year FOLIO (Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma) gives awards to local Friends groups for their initiative and effective local support of libraries.