Midwest City: Oklahoma's First Model Aviation Town
Take a trip back in time to the founding of Midwest City with our new mini exhibit! Now on display in the Oklahoma Room at the Downtown Library, guests can view a variety of materials showcasing the history of Midwest City when it became an official neighborhood in the southeast area of Oklahoma City.
In 1942, Oklahoma City's population grew with the creation of the Midwest Air Depot and Douglas Aircraft Company.
W.P. "Bill" Atkinson, former journalist turned city builder, created a plan for the first model town devoted to aviation in Oklahoma.
On J...
March is Women's History Month
Throughout the month of March, Special Collections and Research is celebrating the impact of women throughout history and today!
We are spotlighting women who have forged their own paths and dedicated their lives to the arts, education, aviation, civic engagement, and the war effort. A selection of books and items from our library and archival collections are now on display in the Oklahoma Room.
Notable Oklahoma women highlighted in the mini exhibit include Mary Gray Thompson, Dena Madole, Violet Bobby Burton, Nellie B. Volz, Sophie J. Douglas, and members of t...
Spring has sprung early at Special Collections and Research!
We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our archives, The Oklahoma City Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. Collection, which spans from the founding of the organization in 1921 to the present day. Previously housed at Will Rogers Gardens, the cache of thirty two scrapbooks and official council member's books will now have a new home with Special Collections and Research and be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The scrapbooks contain a variety of materials between each page, including original photographs, meeting minutes, event booklets and programs, correspondence, illustra...
Info Magazine - March 2025
Inside the February edition of Info Magazine, you'll find:
• An Evening with Jodi Picoult: Literary Voices 2025
• Featured Book Reviews
• STEAM Break
• Oklahoma's First Model Aviation Town
• Women's History Month
• Spring Has Sprung at the Library
• March Events
Frozen in Time: The Rise of Ice in Oklahoma City
If you plan to make a trip downtown, be sure to stop by the library to check out our new mini exhibit on the history of ice in Oklahoma City! A small collection of historic ice-related items from various collections within our archive will be shown in the window of the Oklahoma Room at the Downtown Library all month.
Materials on display include photographs, postcards, ice picks and promotional materials such as an ice cream container, restaurant tray, ashtray, and buttons. Some of the materials spotlighted in the exhibit can also be found in our online digital collections...
YMCA of OKC Archive
Exciting News: We’ve Acquired the YMCA of Greater OKC Archives
We’ve got some big news to share! Special Collections and Research has officially acquired the archival collection of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City—a treasure trove of history that tells the story of more than a century of community, service, and impact.
This collection is packed with photographs, documents, newsletters, and memorabilia that capture the YMCA’s role in shaping Oklahoma City. From youth programs and sports leagues to social initiatives and historic events, these archives are a window into the past,...
New E-books from the Oklahoma Room
Metro Library's Special Collections presents three new eBooks from the shelves of the Oklahoma Room now available in the local interest area of Overdrive and Libby.
Originally published in 1967, Oklahoma Boy is the autobiography of late Tulsa resident Ross T. Warner, including memories of the Cherokee Strip opening, service in World War I and of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
A former accountant, Warner's story provides details of life on the Great Plains, emigrating in covered wagons, and setting up a homestead. Warner also shares his persp...
Oklahoma City's First Black Child: Diving into Our History
Oklahoma City's First Black Child: Diving into Our History
Judie Matthews, Special Collections Librarian
Who was the first Black child born in Oklahoma City? In a city obsessed with the first, biggest, only, and best, this important legacy deserves our attention too.
On April 21, 1910 census enumerator Dorthy P. Klein set off to talk with residents of the Orchard Park addition in West Oklahoma City. Platted and opened to sale in 1901, the neighborhood had a mix of both Black and Wh...
Black Enclaves in Oklahoma City: Exhibit
Black Enclaves in Oklahoma City: Exhibit
Judie Matthews, Special Collections Librarian
All through the month of February 2025 Special Collections and Research presents the exhibit Black Enclaves in Oklahoma City in the Philomathea Hall at the Downtown Library. The exhibit is available all hours the library is open.
Oklahoma City was built around the North Canadian River from its earliest days. The river in 1900 looked very different from the channeled path it takes today. The river twisted around, taking the path of least resistance across the terrain. It was dense with v...
Welcome to Special Collections
Welcome to Special Collections and the debut of our blog Little Dice Rolled Out. The name originates from the first nationally published description of Oklahoma City in Harper's Weekly magazine in 1889, which observed that the white tents and small shacks of settlers in the newly formed Oklahoma City looked like someone had rolled dice out onto the prairie.
In this space we'll provide updates on the activities of the Special Collections and Research Department, including our collections, exhibits, original content, stories, and research finds. Bookmark us and check back often. We have...
Info Magazine - February 2024
Inside the February edition of Info Magazine, you'll find:
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Featured Book Reviews
• Love Your Library
• A Tradition of Treasures
• Winter Reading
• Frozen in Time
• February Events
Info Magazine - January 2024
Inside the January edition of Info Magazine, you'll find:
• Winter Reading: Hot Reads & Cool Prizes
• New Year's Goals
• Featured Book Reviews
• A Legacy of Learning
• Making a Lasting Impact
• Behind the Stacks
• January Events
Discover New Reads, Win Prizes with the Book Bingo Winter Reading Challenge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK – This winter, the Metropolitan Library System invites adults to embrace the joys of reading with the return of the beloved Book Bingo Winter Reading Challenge. Running from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, this annual program encourages participants to explore unique reading categories, connect with their community and win exciting prizes.
Winter Reading isn’t just about books—it’s a celebration of all types of reading. Whether you prefer audiobooks, e-books, magazines, bedtime stories, or physical books, all formats count tow...
Info Magazine - December 2024
Inside the December edition of Info Magazine, you'll find:
• Family Holiday Reads
• Voices and Votes
• Handmade Holidays
• Featured Book Reviews
• OKC's Dance Legacy: The Nutcracker and Beyond
• The Worst Hard Time Revisited
• Winter Reading Preview
• December Events
Festive Crafts, Educational Fun and Family-Friendly Events at Metro Libraries This December
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2024
Festive Crafts, Educational Fun and Family-Friendly Events at Metro Libraries This December
Looking for fun, free and educational activities this holiday season? The Metropolitan Library System offers a variety of events throughout December to bring joy and inspiration to families and guests of all ages.
Holly Jolly Holiday Events
Celebrate the season with these festive library events for little ones and for the whole family:
Letters to SantaDec. 1–21 all day | Capitol Hill Library
S...