Metropolitan Library System
Metropolitan Library System is a public library system serving Oklahoma County residents through 19 branch locations plus a 24/7 kiosk, delivering free library cards, digital collections, career/genealogy/educational databases, and community programming under Oklahoma state statutes.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersOklahoma City, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Metropolitan Library System does
Metropolitan Library System (MLS) is a public, government-state library system operating under Oklahoma State Statutes and governed by a board of trustees, serving the residents of Oklahoma County with 19 branch locations plus a 24/7 self-service kiosk at Mitch Park. Founded in 1965 and headquartered at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library (300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City), MLS operates a horizontally-segmented service portfolio spanning Birth–PreK, Children, Teens and Young Adults, Adults and Seniors, Job Seekers, English Language Learners, and Genealogy Researchers, with primary programs covering literacy (1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Summer Reading), career and adult education (LearningExpress, LinkedIn Learning/Lynda.com, BlueCareer, JobNow, VetNow, Brainfuse HelpNow), genealogy (Ancestry, HeritageQuest, Fold3, MyHeritage, HeritageHub, American newspaper archives from 1690 onward), and civic/legal clinics (Lawyers in the Library, TRIAD/S.A.L.T., ACLU Know Your Rights, estate planning, immigration resources).
The underlying technology is a hybrid physical-and-digital platform. The digital backbone comprises an online catalog (catalog.metrolibrary.org), an ezproxy-based remote access authentication layer (ezproxy.metrolibrary.org) keyed to library card number and last-name PIN, and an extensive eResource database suite aggregated via third-party subscriptions (EBSCOhost, ProQuest, Ancestry, Hoopla, Cypress Resume, Value Line, WorldCat). The Special Collections department at Downtown provides Oklahoma-specific genealogy print holdings not replicated elsewhere. The system supports online learning, streaming media, downloadable eBooks/eAudiobooks (Hoopla), podcasts, and one-on-one technology assistance — with no public API, no proprietary ML models, and no first-party mobile app.
MLS is funded primarily through Oklahoma County government appropriations and mill levies under Oklahoma law, supplemented by donations via the Friends of the Library organization and the Library Endowment Trust, and supported by a volunteer program. Services and library cards are free to residents; late fees may apply for overdue materials. Privacy of patron records is protected under Oklahoma Statutes Title 65, Section 1-105. Distribution is regional (Oklahoma County), and the GTM motion is community-led and event-driven — leveraging 19 neighborhood branches as physical engagement hubs, plus social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), email newsletters (Tailored Titles), and an extensive calendar of in-person and virtual programming.
Metropolitan Library System firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Metropolitan Library System
- Legal name
- Metropolitan Library System
- Website
- https://metrolibrary.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Metropolitan Library System is a public library system serving Oklahoma County residents through 19 branch locations plus a 24/7 kiosk, delivering free library cards, digital collections, career/genealogy/educational databases, and community programming under Oklahoma state statutes.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Metropolitan Library System industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Library Services
- NAICS
- Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)
Keywords
Where Metropolitan Library System is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Oklahoma City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices20 records
Markets served
Metropolitan Library System business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Public Tax Funding: Primary revenue stream from public/government funding as a municipal library system serving Oklahoma County. Oklahoma State Statutes govern library operations and confidentiality requirements.
- Donations and Fundraising: Friends of the Library organization and Library Endowment Trust accept donations. Support page provides donate link at supportmls.org/donate.
- Volunteer Program: Volunteer opportunities available through the library system, supporting operations without direct revenue but reducing labor costs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free Library Membership |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels4 records
Metropolitan Library System product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Metropolitan Library System is a public library system serving Oklahoma County through 19 branch locations and a 24/7 kiosk. Its core offering is free library membership and access to physical and digital collections (books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming media, magazines, newspapers, podcasts), extensive subscription databases spanning genealogy, education, career development and language learning, plus community programming including storytimes, STEAM activities, GED/ESL/citizenship classes, author events, and outreach services such as Library by Mail and on-site libraries.
Product overview
Metropolitan Library System is a public library system serving Oklahoma County with 19 branch locations plus a 24/7 kiosk. The system operates as a unified platform offering physical and digital library services. The core product portfolio includes: a Digital Media Collection (eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video and audio), extensive databases (LearningExpress Library, Britannica, NoveList, EBSCO-hosted resources), genealogy and family history resources (Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest, Fold3), career and job resources (LinkedIn Learning, BlueCareer), technology and STEAM programs, GED and adult education services, literacy programs (including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten), outreach services (Library by Mail, on-site libraries), and reader services. The digital offerings integrate with numerous third-party platforms accessed through an ezproxy authentication system.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Free Library Card and Membership Free library membership that enables borrowing of physical materials and remote access to digital resources through library card number and last-name PIN authentication at all 19 branches plus the 24/7 kiosk.
- Branch Library Network and 24/7 Kiosk Access Physical access to 19 library branches across Oklahoma County plus a 24/7 self-service kiosk at Mitch Park, providing books, media, programs, meeting rooms, and community services.
- Digital Media Collection (eBooks, eAudiobooks, Streaming) Downloadable and streamable digital content including eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, TV shows, music, magazines, newspapers, and podcasts accessed through the library's digital platform (Hoopla Digital and related providers) with library card authentication.
- Genealogy and Family History Resources Genealogical research tools including Ancestry.com (in-library), HeritageQuest Online, Fold3, MyHeritage (in-library and remote), African American Heritage, HeritageHub, Access Newspaper Archive, HistoryGeo, Newspapers.com Library Edition, plus Special Collections print materials at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, supported by Genealogy 101 classes and one-on-one tutorials.
- LearningExpress Library and LearningExpress Para Hispanohablantes Test preparation platform offering study guides and practice tests for GED, ACT, SAT, ASVAB, CDL, NCLEX-RN and other exams, plus computer tutorials, plus a parallel Spanish-language version for Hispanic learners.
- Career and Job Resources (Brainfuse HelpNow/JobNow/VetNow, LinkedIn Learning, BlueCareer, Business Source Premier, Cypress Resume, Value Line) Career tools including LinkedIn Learning (16,000+ courses), BlueCareer skilled trades platform, Business Source Premier market research, Cypress Resume, Value Line investment research, and Brainfuse live tutoring/coaching (HelpNow, JobNow, VetNow).
- Literacy and Educational Databases (Britannica, NoveList, EBSCO, WorldCat, Booklist Online) Reference and reading-recommendation databases including Britannica Library Children/Young Adults, NoveList Plus and NoveList K-8 Plus, Literary Reference Source Plus, Poetry & Short Story Reference Source, Book Collection Nonfiction for elementary/middle/high school, WorldCat for interlibrary loan, and Booklist Online reviews.
- Technology Services (Computers, Devices, Wi-Fi, Printing, Copying, Scanning, Faxing, Tech Help) Public computers and devices, Wi-Fi, printing, copying, scanning, and faxing services at all library branches plus technology assistance programs and one-on-one tech help for patrons.
- STEAM Programs Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics programming including coding clubs (Homeschool Coding Club included), LEGO robotics, 3D printing, and hands-on maker activities for all ages across branches.
- GED and Adult Education Classes (including ESL and Citizenship) GED preparation resources, adult basic education, ESL classes, ESL Conversation Space, and citizenship preparation classes (free weekly U.S. Citizenship classes offered with Community Literary Centers at Southern Oaks).
- Outreach Services (Library by Mail, On-Site Libraries) Library by Mail delivery service for homebound patrons, on-site library collections placed at community partner locations, and broader community outreach including a community events program and outreach request submissions.
- Summer Reading Program Annual reading incentive program encouraging reading across all age groups with rewards and community engagement activities.
- 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Early literacy program encouraging families to read 1,000 books to children before they start kindergarten, supported by the library through events, tracking, and rewards.
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Free book gifting program affiliate for children from birth to age 5, providing age-appropriate books mailed directly to homes of enrolled children in the service area.
- Reader Advisory Services and Tailored Titles Personalized reading recommendations through Tailored Titles genre-based email newsletters and one-on-one reader advisory consultations with librarians, plus a Local Author Submission Form for community writers.
- Meeting and Study Room Reservations Reservable meeting rooms and study rooms at branch locations supporting community meetings, group work, and individual study use.
- Oklahoma Department of Libraries Statewide Database Access (JobNow, VetNow, EBSCOhost databases) Free-to-patron access to statewide subscription databases provided through the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, including JobNow, VetNow, Book Collection Nonfiction, Literary Reference Source Plus, and Library Information Science & Technology Abstracts.
Companies that use Metropolitan Library System
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Metropolitan Library System technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration42 records
Feature3 records
Metropolitan Library System partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Oklahoma Department of LibrariescoreOklahoma Department of Libraries provides JobNow, VetNow, and various EBSCOhost databases (Book Collection Nonfiction, Literary Reference Source Plus, Library Information Science & Technology Abstracts) to MLS patrons through state-funded resource sharing.
- Community Literary CenterscoreSouthern Oaks Public Library partners with Community Literary Centers to provide free weekly U.S. Citizenship classes exploring the naturalization process steps.
- Oklahoma City Bar AssociationcoreDowntown Library hosts Lawyers in the Library, a free legal advice clinic presented by volunteer attorneys from the Oklahoma City Bar Association offering first-come, first-served consultations.
- OSU ExtensionminorOSU Extension (Mason Huddleston, Urban Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator) provides educational programs including gardening, pollinators, and aquatic weeds management classes at various library branches.
- University of Oklahoma Admissions Office and OU Writing CentercoreEdmond Library partners with OU Admissions Office and OU Writing Center for Next Stop: College program providing college application guidance and essay review for teens and parents.
- Morefield LawminorBethany Library hosts free estate planning consultations with attorneys from Morefield Law as part of community legal education programming.
- ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)minorCapitol Hill Library hosts Know Your Rights: Immigration program sponsored by ACLU featuring a lawyer explaining immigration rights and citizenship questions.
- Oklahoma County TRIADcoreTRIAD is a collaborative effort between the Sheriff's office, local police departments and senior citizens working together to reduce and prevent crimes against seniors. Warr Acres Library hosts monthly S.A.L.T. Council meetings.
- Friends of the LibrarycoreNon-profit support organization (friends of the library) that supports MLS through fundraising and advocacy. Website at supportmls.org/friends.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Metropolitan Library System competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- New York Public Library: One of the largest public library systems in the U.S., offering comparable services across physical branches, digital databases, community programming, and special collections. Directly comparable as a public library system serving a major metropolitan county.
- Seattle Public Library: Public library system with branch network and digital resources, including extensive eBook and database offerings similar to MLS's LearningExpress and Ancestry integrations.
- Chicago Public Library: Municipal public library system with branch network, digital resources, and extensive community programming. Operates under similar public funding and governance model to MLS.
- Boston Public Library: Public library system with notable special collections, research focus, and branch network. Comparable in offering curated research and genealogy assets similar to MLS's Special Collections.
- Denver Public Library: Public library system with branch network, special collections, and digital resource subscriptions. Comparable operating model to MLS with similar mid-sized metro scope.
- Dallas Public Library: Municipal public library system with multi-branch network and digital services. Geographic neighbor to Oklahoma via Texas region with similar service offerings.
- Los Angeles Public Library: Large urban public library system with branch network, multilingual programming, and broad digital offerings. Closely comparable in mission and service portfolio to MLS.
- San Francisco Public Library: Urban public library system with multi-branch network, digital subscriptions, and community programming. Similar operating model and service mix to MLS.
- Multnomah County Library: Public library system serving a U.S. metro area (Portland) with comparable branch model, digital resources, and community programming focus.
- Houston Public Library: Public library system serving a major U.S. metro with branch network, digital resources, and community programs. Operates under comparable public funding model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Metropolitan Library System social profiles
Digital presenceMetropolitan Library System financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Metropolitan Library System leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Metropolitan Library System funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Metropolitan Library System M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Metropolitan Library System
What does Metropolitan Library System do?
Metropolitan Library System is a public library system serving Oklahoma County through 19 branch locations and a 24/7 kiosk. Its core offering is free library membership and access to physical and digital collections (books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming media, magazines, newspapers, podcasts), extensive subscription databases spanning genealogy, education, career development and language learning, plus community programming including storytimes, STEAM activities, GED/ESL/citizenship classes, author events, and outreach services such as Library by Mail and on-site libraries.
Is Metropolitan Library System a public or private company?
Metropolitan Library System is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Metropolitan Library System founded?
Metropolitan Library System was founded in 1965. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Metropolitan Library System based?
Metropolitan Library System is headquartered in Oklahoma City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Metropolitan Library System make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Public Tax Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Fundraising and volunteer Program.
Who are Metropolitan Library System's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are New York Public Library, Seattle Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Boston Public Library, Denver Public Library, Dallas Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library, San Francisco Public Library, Multnomah County Library and Houston Public Library.
Does Metropolitan Library System have an API?
No public API is recorded for Metropolitan Library System.
What industry is Metropolitan Library System in?
Metropolitan Library System's product category is Public Library Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAEAGAC, Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management, with a secondary code of BPAIACAO, Public Libraries & Information Services. Its NAICS code is 51921 and its SIC code is 8200.