Metropolitan Library System Events this May
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2024
Celebrate Star Wars Day at the Library!
Star Wars Day – May 4 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Belle Isle Library (5501 N. Villa Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112): Celebrate Star Wars Day with cosplay, scavenger hunts, crafts and other galactic adventures for Jedi of all ages. Events include a documentary screening from 10-11 a.m., Younglings Jedi Academy from 10-11 a.m., trivia from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (signup required) and an escape room from 2-4 p.m. (signup required). May the 4th Be With You Celebration – May 4...Building Tomorrow's Libraries: Community Input Needed for New Locations in Oklahoma County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 25, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY - The Metropolitan Library System is thrilled to announce the launch of its Strategic Plan Survey, inviting community members to shape the future of libraries across Oklahoma County.
"By participating in this survey, individuals have the opportunity to directly influence the evolution of their local libraries, ensuring they remain vibrant and responsive to the diverse communities they serve," said Larry White, CEO of the Metropolitan Library System.
The Strategic Plan Survey aims to gather valu...
Metropolitan Library System Partners with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program to Bring the Love of Reading to Children in Oklahoma County
The Metropolitan Library System is launching an exciting new program to bring the joy and pride of book ownership to children across Oklahoma County. As affiliates of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the library is encouraging families in Oklahoma County to sign children ages 0 – 4.11 months up for this book gifting program.
Registering for the program is simple. Parents and caregivers can sign up at supportmls.org/imagination-library. Each month, recipients will receive one age-appropriate, high-quality book each month to start building their own bookshelves to cultivate early...
Goodbye Overdue Fines
Our mission is "connecting our diverse communities with resources and experiences to educate and enrich lives." These past two years have shown us just how important a role the library plays in the lives of our guests and our communities. You shouldn’t have to worry about life getting in the way and preventing you from using the library. To better live out our mission, we made a big decision:
We will be fine free forever on all Metro-owned materials except technology (hotspots, Chromebooks, laptops, iPads), Experience Passes, and titles borrowed via interlibrary loa...
Ralph Ellison Library Selected for NASA @ My Library STEAM Initiative
The Ralph Ellison Library, part of the Metropolitan Library System, has been selected through a competitive application process to be part of NASA@ My Library, an education initiative created to increase and enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) learning opportunities for library customers throughout the nation.
“The Ralph Ellison Library is one of just 60 libraries nationwide to be part of this initiative, and we’re thrilled to have been selected,” said Kristin Williamson, children’s services manager, who applied for the grant. “We look forward to introd...
TUMBLEBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Tumble into a new read at your local library! Want access to free literacy tools and family entertainment? Your library has a new children’s literacy eResource available with your library account, Tumblebooks! Download the Tumblebooks app through your phone or tablet or browse books online through your internet browser.
Tumblebooks features over 1100 titles for grades K-6 including animated, graphic novels, read-along books and National Geographic videos. The service also includes books ...
BELLE ISLE LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS
The library known to many as the “Millennium Falcon” or “Starship Enterprise” will close on July 17, 2020 to undergo an extensive remodel, launching the 1960s style library into the future. Before this remodel begins, the library will move into a temporary location at 3621 NW Expressway, next to Gold’s Gym and Buy for Less.
The temporary library location will open in mid-August, and construction will start around the same time on the renovations of the existing building.
The renovations will preserve the building’s iconic looks while still giving the library some much ne...
Belle Isle Closed for Renovations
The temporary location is at 3621 NW Expressway (between Gold’s Gym and Pruett's Foods). The temporary location provides public computers, curbside delivery of holds, and a browsing collection during regular operations. Due to limited space, this location cannot accept donated materials at this time.
About the Renovation
ADG is the local architecture firm for the renovation.
The renovations will preserve the building’s iconic looks while still giving the library some much needed upgrades. The renovation will include adding over 10,000...
Bethany Library Closure
To our customers and our community,
We learned on July 1 that a staff member at the Bethany Library tested positive for COVID-19. For the safety of our staff and customers we closed the library immediately for a professional deep cleaning and the library will reopen when we believe it is safe to do so and staffing level permits. All staff members who may have been exposed will quarantine for 14 days and are encouraged to be tested. The Library staff are diligent about our requirement for employees to wear masks and the employee who tested positive was wearing a mask while at work....
METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM LAUNCHES ONLINE LITFEST
Are you an aspiring author, storyteller or content creator? Then stop by the Metropolitan Library System’s website during the month of July to learn tips and tricks, and to view live or recorded sessions about the writing industry from local authors.
“This is the third year for the event, but this year it’s all virtual,” said Adult Librarian Sarah Brown, who is the brains in charge of the program. “People will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals about a variety of topics ranging from how to grow your online platform, how to self-publish for free and ti...
Libraries Open for Phase 2
The Metropolitan Library System announced that all libraries will be open for Phase 2 on Monday, June 1 2020.
Phase 2 allows a limited amount of customers in the building to use computers in one-hour sessions. The computers available will be spaced out for social distancing. Customers may also come to the building for copies or faxing.
Face masks are recommended for customers entering the building.
“We’re excited to see more of our customers,” Chris Kennedy, Metropolitan Library System Deputy Director of Library Services. “Curbside pick-up is going ...
GENEALOGY ONE-ON-ONE TUTORIALS
Looking for clues as to your ancestry? Or do you have specific questions on how to get started with your genealogy research? The Metropolitan Library System is hosting one-on-one sessions to provide the support and guidance needed for specific genealogy research needs.
“We started doing the one-on-one meetings with customers during the unexpected closure, and they were a big hit,” said Special Collections Librarian Lisa Bradley. “We use Zoom to hold the meetings, but other than a few minor minor technical glitches, we haven’t had any issues.
Looking into ancestry c...
CHOCTAW LIBRARY GUILD TO HOLD HERB & GARDEN FESTIVAL ONLINE
The Choctaw Library Guild will hold their first herb and garden festival to raise money to support the Metropolitan Library System’s Choctaw Library from May 16th to May 23rd.
“We had planned to have the festival outside, but because of the pandemic, we decided it’s best to hold it online,” said Heather Zeoli, director of development for the Metropolitan Library System.
They will be hosting demonstrations, presentations and DIY “How To” instructional sessions via Zoom [Meeting ID: 868-9500-3396 Password: Choctaw]. There will also be a silent auction in addition to curbsi...
COVID-19 Diary Project
As part of its commitment to document and share the history of Oklahoma County the Special Collections & Research department of the Metropolitan Library System has announced the Oklahoma County COVID-19 Diary Project. The project will gather journals, diaries and other creative material from around Oklahoma County to help document the community’s experiences during the current crisis caused by the novel coronavirus.
All residents of central Oklahoma are welcome to submit contributions to the project. “One of the library’s roles is to preserve our history and culture for future...
Metropolitan Library System Announces Friends Booksale
Love books? Like sale prices? The Friends of the Metropolitan Library System are hosting a booksale that is sure to delight booklovers everywhere.
One of the largest booksales in the nation will take place in Oklahoma City Saturday and Sunday Feb. 22 and 23, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. Admission is free. The Friends are offering thousands of affordable titles at their annual public booksale event.
A pre-sale will be held Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Friends members. Those wishing to join the Friends may purchase memberships ...