Metropolitan Library System

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.

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

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

• Public library services
• Community education programs
• Digital lending platform
• Genealogy research databases
• Literacy and reading programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Oklahoma City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices20 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Friends of the Library organization and Library Endowment Trust accept donations. Support page provides donate link at supportmls.org/donate.
3. Volunteer Program: Volunteer opportunities available through the library system, supporting operations without direct revenue but reducing labor costs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core 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.

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration42 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Oklahoma Department of LibrariescoreTechnology or IntegrationOklahoma 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 CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouthern Oaks Public Library partners with Community Literary Centers to provide free weekly U.S. Citizenship classes exploring the naturalization process steps.
• Oklahoma City Bar AssociationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDowntown 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 ExtensionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOSU 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 CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdmond 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 LawminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBethany Library hosts free estate planning consultations with attorneys from Morefield Law as part of community legal education programming.
• ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapitol Hill Library hosts Know Your Rights: Immigration program sponsored by ACLU featuring a lawyer explaining immigration rights and citizenship questions.
• Oklahoma County TRIADcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTRIAD 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 LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/metrolibraryok
• Facebookfacebook.com/metrolibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/metrolibraryok
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/metro-library-system

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Metropolitan Library System