Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO)

FOLIO, Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma came from a Proclamation at the Governor’s Conference on Libraries in 1978 which preceded the White House Conference that same year. The Proclamation called for the formation of a statewide Friends of Libraries for Oklahoma. The original Board of FOLIO was organized and a membership drive began. Twenty years later in 1998, Friends of Libraries USA honored FOLIO with the Baker & Taylor award as the best state friends group.

FOLIO is the primary support group for local Library Friends and Advocates. From Friends of Libraries come new resources, new programs, new buildings, and the creation of brand new public libraries. FOLIO offers Support Staff Scholarships, advocacy for legislative efforts, and fundraising on the state level. FOLIO helps local Friends organize with Seed Grants and FOLIO members are available to work with local Friends. Each year FOLIO recognizes a large library and a small library Friends group with a Best Friends Award. In 2001 FOLIO began the Oklahoma Literary Landmarks Project. It was named an official Centennial Project that same year. By Oklahoma’s Centennial in 2007 eight Oklahoma sites will have been placed on the National Literary Landmark Register which is sponsored by Friends of Libraries USA, FOLUSA. A web page, www.okfriends.net includes information on programs, applications, and resources to download.

Five FOLIO Presidents are listed among Oklahoma’s Library Legends: Beverly Buchanan Dieterlen, Gail Miller, Lillian Born Norberg, Julia Brady Ratliff, and Robert Segal.