Much preparation has taken place to ensure staff are prepared for the changes in policies and procedures to take effect July 1. Risa Sargent (DN), Anne Fischer (IT), Cheryl Mann (DN), and Kim Terry (MaC) worked on a letter notifying our annual fee accountholders about the upcoming increase from $40 to $70 per year. The letter, shared here, is informative to our members and also provides some talking points for staff to use when discussing the increase with members. 

Metro Library Annual Fee Account

Account Number: xxxxxxx                                                                                                

According to our records, you are an active Annual Fee Account holder with the Metropolitan Library System. We hope you’ve enjoyed the benefits of having a Metro Library annual fee account! Metro Library services are funded through Oklahoma County ad valorem property taxes, and based on the average home price in Oklahoma County, the average Oklahoma County household will pay about $70 for library services in 2017.  Based on this analysis, the library is raising the price for annual fee accounts to the same level.

Although the price is increasing to $70, the Metro Library Annual Fee Account is still a great opportunity for those who aren’t eligible for a Metro Library account to enjoy the same services, books and programs as other eligible account holders. Your account also allows each member of your immediate family within your household to use library services. Borrowing books and using library services can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. If you were to purchase two hardback and two paperback books from a retail store, it could cost you at least $70.

And starting July 1, we began offering even more benefits with an annual fee account! Now you can check out up to 100 physical items every three weeks or 10 eBooks/eAudiobooks every two weeks. Do you often buy magazines or music? You can download unlimited magazines, like Fast Company, Better Homes & Gardens or Us Weekly, and five DRM-free songs each week. Are you a budding writer? Try our new “Pressbooks” service to write your book and share with editors or contributors – or submit that book to SELF-e which will automatically include your book in our Indie Oklahoma Collection. And new for our young ones, try Speakaboos - an early literacy product designed to introduce children to the joy of reading through interactive and engaging stories.

As your renewal date draws near, we will send you a renewal reminder for your $70 payment and instructions on how to renew. You can also contact us at 405-231-8650, option 2, for help with your account.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. We hope you continue to enjoy our library services this next year!