Learn and Explore!
For homework help or just for fun, Metro Library has something for every kid.
At each of our libraries, you will find children’s computers with fun, educational games and online resources curated with the youngest, inquisitive minds in mind.
We offer developmentally appropriate programs, resources, and tips to encourage literacy at each stage in your child’s life. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming storytimes.
Blog Entries
Students, Get the Most Out of Your Library Card!
You know that a library card lets you check out books. You might even know about all the other great materials the library has to offer — DVDs, music CDs, magazines, graphic novels and more. But did you know about the databases? The online test prep guides? Live tutors for homework help? The stre...
Free Downloadable and the Benefits of Pretend Play
by Victoria, Marketing and Communications
Downloadable Designed by Reagan, Engagement Specialist at Ralph Ellison Library
Children love to pretend! My daughters are constantly mimicking the things I do. When I'm in the middle of cooking a meal, I'll sneak around t...
Events
Fall SO's Pen Pals Fall 2024
Adults, Teens, Kids!
Hi There! My name is Jessica! I am your Pen Pal Librarian here at Southern Oaks Library.
Take Home Kit: Native American Heritage Month Knowledge Quizzes
Go on a quest for knowledge with Ralph Ellison's newest trivia quiz! The quizzes are take-home kits, so there's plenty of time to test your knowledge. You will get the questions and the answers along with a prize.
Financial Literacy for Kids Scavenger Hunt
Money, money, money! Kids will learn some financial literacy skills while completing this month's scavenger hunt! Find all of the pictures in the library and get a small prize at the Info Desk.
Want to be a more confident reader? Build "pawsitive" self-esteem and improve your reading skills while reading aloud to certified therapy dogs at the library.
Take Home Kit: Native American Heritage Month Knowledge Quizzes
Go on a quest for knowledge with Ralph Ellison's newest trivia quiz! The quizzes are take-home kits, so there's plenty of time to test your knowledge. You will get the questions and the answers along with a prize.
Collections
Lote4Kids
Lote4Kids is an early reader resource that provides digital titles in more than 65 languages. In any selected language, users can find an English edition of the title, and flipbooks which allow the the user to listen to an audio edition as the words are highlighted when spoken by the narrator. Lote4Kids also provides titles in various sign languages such as ASL, BSL, NZSL, and Auslan. Beyond reading materials, users can download free activities and play online games that improve reading and typing skills.
Kids Audiobooks & eBooks
Search a catalog of age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction titles just for kids. eBooks and audiobooks from OverDrive can be checked out for 7 or 14 days (you choose!) and when the checkout period expires, they check themselves in so there are never any late fees! Directions on how to enjoy these titles on your device may be found on this page.
Kids Comics & Graphic Novels
Just for comics and graphic novel fans! Browse our collection of digital comics and graphic books for Kids from OverDrive.
TumbleBook Library
The TumbleBook Library has over a thousand always available eBooks for elementary school students. It includes animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, and graphic novels as well as learning activities for literacy and reading comprehension such as puzzles, games, quizzes, and lesson plans.
Databases
Book Collection Nonfiction: Elementary School
Contains abstracts and searchable full text of nonfiction books about animals, weather, holidays, adventure, sports, Native Americans, United States, Canada, biographies, nature, civics and more. This resource is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Book Collection Nonfiction: Middle School
Contains abstracts and the full text of nonfiction books about careers, health, life skills, ethnicity, disabilities, adventure, sports, technology, biographies, history, science, women, civics and more. This resource is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
Britannica Escolar
Versiones en español de Britannica para las edades de 6-12.
Britannica Library Children
A kid-friendly version of Encyclopedia Britannica designed to help K-5 students with homework assignments, school projects, and research reports.
Britannica Library Young Adults
A version of Encyclopedia Britannica that is designed to help students in grades 6-8 with homework assignments, school projects, and research reports.
CultureGrams
Contains state and country profiles, graphs and tables, photos, biographical articles, and unique information like recipes from around the world. There is a version of this database just for kids and a version for everyone else.
Explora for Elementary School Student Research
Elementary students can easily search for information about animals, arts and music, biographies, math, science, and more using resources like Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, the American Heritage Children's Dictionary, popular full-text elementary school magazines, eBooks, thousands of images, and videos. For educators, it also includes lesson plans, professional development materials, and a Curriculum Standards Module.
Middle Search Plus
Designed specifically for middle school students, Middle Search Plus contains the full text of a variety of popular middle school magazines, biographies, primary source documents, and reference books. This resource is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
National Geographic Kids
Designed for 6-14 year olds, this database includes digital copies of National Geographic Kids magazine from 2009-present, and books and images about animals, environment, history, peoples and cultures, places, science, and technology.
NoveList K-8 Plus
Provides suggested reads across many genres (for ages 0-Teen) based on previous reads or based on a title, author or series. It also contains a breakdown of Dewey Decimal sections, Grab and Go Book Lists for K-8 students that suggests books to read about a particular topic (e.g. bullying, World War I) and book discussion guides to use with a book group.
Primary Search
Designed specifically for elementary school students, Primary Search contains the full text of a variety of popular elementary school magazines, biographies, primary source documents, and reference books. This resource is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
TOPICsearch
Designed for students in grades 5-12, this database explores social, political and economic issues, scientific discoveries, and other popular topics discussed in today's classrooms. It has full-text coverage of thousands of international newspapers, magazines, public opinion polls, pamphlets, biographies, book reviews, and more. This resource is provided by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries.
World Almanac for Kids
Expanding upon the print version of The World Almanac for Kids, this database covers a number of subject areas that students can search or browse in order to develop online research skills while using a trusted source. It also contains homework help tips, science diagrams and examples of science projects.