A Love Letter to the Library

“Libraries change lives.” That was the unofficial motto of the Tulsa City-County Library for many years, and while I agreed with it (still do), I always wanted to add: Libraries change lives… for the better.

Raúl the Third is our honored illustrator for the 2025 Books To Treasure program, and he can honestly say that the library really did change his life – for the better.

Raúl The Third

Not only did the library help his mother learn English and prepare for her citizenship test, but his librarians also set him on the path of best-selling authorship and artistry by asking him to draw scenes from his favorite books.

In his book, “Vamos! Let’s Go Read,” the library is full of adventure, wonder, and delight. This book is truly a love letter to the library. In his Author’s Note, Raúl the Third writes:

Ever since the fateful day that my mom decided to take us to the library because she was sick and tired of our shenanigans in our tiny one-bedroom apartment, I have been obsessed with books and illustration. The library became a second home for us when we were kids.

The creation of this book was thanks to the generosity and knowledge that a library shares with its patrons no matter where they are from or how much money they have. I will forever be grateful for my experiences there and for the amazing journey they inspired me to take.

As part of the Books To Treasure program, every second grader in Tulsa and Tulsa County will receive a free “Vamos! Let’s Go Read” illustrated library card thanks to the generosity of the Zarrow Family Foundation.

To honor Raúl the Third’s love for libraries, here are some of my favorite books where the library is an important character in its own right:

“Lola at the Library” by Anna McQuinn – Also streaming on Hoopla.

In this gentle picture book, beloved character Lola loves the library and all its magical ways. Watch the video, then read the book together.

“Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library” by Chris Grabenstein

The original 2014 chapter book, in which children stay overnight in a library and solve puzzles by a gamemaster (Mr. Lemoncello, of course) in order to escape the building, has been followed by additional books, including graphic novels.

“I Want to Read All the Books” by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

This is the rallying cry of most librarians. In this colorful picture book, a young girl discovers the place where all the books live: the library.

“The Not So Quiet Library” by Zachariah OHora

What happens when a monster visits a library and starts trying to eat the readers? Hint: it’s loud! And one child decides to fight back.

“Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library” by Julie Gassman

Dragons and libraries do not mix in this hilarious romp of a picture book.

BONUS: Raúl the Third is still adding to his Vamos! series.

Check out these award-winning titles: “Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge”; “Vamos! Let’s Go Eat”; “Vamos! Let’s Celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos”

2025 Books To Treasure: Raúl the Third Public Presentation

• Friday, November 7, 6 p.m.
• Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St.

Book signing to follow. Books for sale.

tulsalibrary.org/bookstotreasure