Sarah Thrower

Tulsa City-County Library

The Tulsa Library opened in 1913 with one location and just over 1,000 items in circulation. By 1955, the library system expanded to serve residents throughout Tulsa County, officially becoming the Tulsa City-County Library. Now with 24 branches and over 1 million items in circulation, TCCL has become a staple of professional, educational and entertainment-based sources for the Tulsa community. As the first TCCL librarian said, the library system contributes to "the fund of wholesome recreation that sweetens life and to the wider knowledge that broadens it." In 1913 McGlenn defined the library as "a central home where citizens of all creeds and conditions [can] find a common ground of useful endeavor," and TCCL continues to sustain and develop this objective over 100 years later. The Tulsa City County Library's mission is to change lives by 1. Promoting Lifelong Learning and Literacy in all Forms Through collections and programs, increase the access by Tulsa residents to the intellectual content of our culture, allowing them to pursue their own learning and interests, and fully engage in our society. 2. Contributing to Stronger Communities Through the further development and deployment of new, 21st century library service models, contribute to the civic and economic development of our communities. 3. Cultivating Engaged Employees Build an irresistible organization by attracting, recruiting, growing and retaining an engaged workforce. Our "Be All In" Culture Statement articulates the shared values that bind TCCL staff together. Every day we strive to be creative, authentic, transparent and intentional. Every day, we strive to BE ALL IN.