About Being Neighborly
This October, Metro Library is furthering its partnership with the Homeless Alliance to provide resources and a space for dialogue and education about homelessness.
In 2023, according to the Homeless Alliance's annual Point in Time count, over 20 thousand people were served by programs in the Homeless Management Information System. The city's unsheltered populate currently sits at 31%, and the poverty rate sits at 13.29% for adults and 26.8% for children.
According to a 2015 Pew Research study, 37% of those living in homes with annual incomes of $30,000 or less say the possibility of closing their public library would have a major impact. And 52% of those in that income bracket said they have visited a library within the past year.
About Fresh StART
Fresh StART is a unique open-studio art program for people experiencing homelessness. The program operates twice a week out of the Homeless Alliance Day Shelter.
Kim Haywood, the volunteer coordinator for the Homeless Alliance said the biweekly class serves as an opportunity to slow down and be fully immersed in a peaceful space, focusing only on their art, and taking space away from what may be a more uprooted daily life.
The Fresh StART program puts on three art shows a year: two at the Homeless Alliance and one at DNA Galleries in January.
Fresh StART Show
October 2 - October 24, 2023 • Downtown Library
This show is a preview of the upcoming show at the Homeless Alliance on October 27.
Fresh StART Opening Reception
October 5, 2023 • 4-6 p.m. • Downtown Library
Guests will be able to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.
Events
Conversation Group for English & Spanish Learners | Club de conversación para ellos que aprenden inglés o español
This is an open group for English learners and Spanish learners who would like to practice their speaking skills. Conversation topics will vary.
Kids of all ages can experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firemen, construction workers and many more. Families will have the opportunity for hands-on exploration of many vehicles.
Disclaimer(s)
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
This event is scheduled to take place outside weather permitting. Customers are encouraged to wear sunscreen and their masks. Customers may also bring a blanket or lawn chair. Please watch your email for updates to change of avenue or cancelation.
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Community Reads
"Evicted" by Matthew Desmond
Pick up a free copy of "Evicted" at the library or check out the eBook or eAudiobook from the Libby app. Then, join us for a discussion of the book on the dates below:
• October 7, 2pm at Northwest Library
• October 10, 11:30am at Southern Oaks Library
• October 15, 2pm at Bethany Library
• October 19, 3pm at The Village Library
• October 21, 2pm at Del City Library
"A Duet for Home" by Karina Yan Glaser
Copies of "A Duet for Home" are available at select libraries and the title is available as an eBook or audiobook on Hoopla. Join us for a discussion of the book on the dates below:
• October 16, 4pm at Choctaw Library
• October 16, 4:30am at Midwest City Library
• October 21, 2pm at Edmond Library
• October 23, 6:30pm at Ralph Ellison Library
• October 25, 4:15pm at Belle Isle Library
Additional Programs, Presentations & Speakers
Home-buyer's Workshop
• October 17, 6:30pm at Ralph Ellison Library
City Care/Diversion Hub
• October 17, 1pm at Downtown Library
• October 20, 3pm at Northwest Library
• October 23, 1pm at Southern Oaks Library
• October 25, 1pm at Capitol Hill Library
• October 26, 9am at The Village Library
• October 27, 1pm at Bethany Library
Decorate to Donate
• October 26, 5:30pm at Capitol Hill Library
Veteran's Resources
• October 19, 3pm at Downtown Library
• October 20, 11am at Del City Library
• October 20, 1pm at Midwest City Library
• October 26, 2:30pm at Capitol Hill Library
• October 28, 2pm at Northwest Library
Fresh Start Kit
• October 22 - 28 at Capitol Hill Library
"From Dope to Hope"
• October 28, 2pm at Bethany Library