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November at the Library: Native American Heritage Month, Library Out Loud, and OKC Ballet Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2024

November at the Library: Native American Heritage Month, Library Out Loud, and OKC Ballet Events

This November, the Metropolitan Library System invites you to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with special events, take-home kits, a library concert and holiday events in collaboration with the OKC Ballet. There’s something for everyone!

 

Native American Heritage Month Events & Kits
Families are invited to explore diverse Native cultures with a variety of engaging take-home kits availa...

October Events at Metropolitan Libraries: TeenTober, Hispanic Heritage, Paranormal Fest, Civic Engagement, and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2024

Celebrating “TeenTober” at the Library!

This October, TeenTober invites teens to connect with libraries through a range of reading options, including graphic novels and Sequoyah favorites. Resources like Oklahoma Driving Practice Tests, LearningExpress Library, and the College Blue Book are available. Teens can also enjoy digital comics, eBooks, and audiobooks on OverDrive.

Teen Events This October

Literacies Scavenger Hunt (Southern Oaks Library, Oct. 2-8)
Test your skills with a scavenger ...

Metropolitan Library System Celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month and Hispanic Heritage Month with Exciting Events and Activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2024

September is a month of celebration at the Metropolitan Library System as we mark both Library Card Sign-Up Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. We invite everyone to explore the many ways your library card can enhance your life with a range of engaging events and activities for all ages. 

Library Card Sign-Up Month Events 

Painting Party - Ralph Ellison Library, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. 

Design your own Metropolitan Library System library card inspired by artist Jacob Lawrence. ...

Senior Citizens' Events at the Metropolitan Library System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2024

Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month—a perfect time to discover everything your library card offers! Borrow books, access digital resources and more with ease. If you're a senior 65+ or homebound, take advantage of Library by Mail for free book delivery. The library also supports On-Site Libraries at select senior living facilities. Explore audiobooks on CD, Playaway devices, or digitally through hoopla and Libby, or join us for special events with your grandkids like National Grandparents’ Day on...

August Adventures: Back-to-School Excitement at Your Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2024

As the new school year approaches, the Metropolitan Library System invites guests of all ages to enjoy various events across its 19 locations. Explore the highlights below and visit metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming for more details. 

Online Learning Platforms: 

Creativebug: Offers thousands of arts and crafts video tutorials by expert artists. Learn painting, knitting, sewing, and more, suitable for all skill levels. 

Fiero Code: Provides interactive coding lessons for ages 8-...

August Fun for Kids and Teens at Your Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2024

Back to School with the Library! 
Explore the Metropolitan Library System's digital resources just in time for the school year for school-age kids of all ages and even college students! You can also join us for in-person events to keep those noggins sharp through the whole year! 

Online Learning Platforms: 

Creativebug: Thousands of arts and crafts video tutorials by expert artists. 

Fiero Code: Interactive coding lessons for ages 8-18. 

He...

Bigfoot Habitats, Dragon Eggs & Cattle Trails: Unmissable Summer Events at Metro Libraries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2024

Summer is here, and so is a jam-packed calendar of events at our 19 library locations! Whether you're looking for activities for little ones, teens or adults, the Metropolitan Library System has something for everyone. Check out the highlights below and visit metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming for full details.

Fun for Kids and Families

Camp Downtown at the Downtown Library: Bigfoot Habitats for Kids – weekly crafts with new fun each week!
Create and decorate miniature Bigfoot habitats. Let your imagination run w...

Join the Summer Reading Adventure with Planetarium Shows, Live Performances, Scavenger Hunts, Alpacas and More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2024

Join the Metropolitan Library System's Summer Reading program June 1 to July 31! Combat the "Summer Slide" with daily reading and win prizes. You’ll find more details and a full list of events at metrolibrary.org. 

June 1 Kickoff Events: 

Edmond Library at 10 a.m.: Kickoff event at Shannon Miller Park featuring patriotic tunes from the 395th Army Band and cold treats from Kona Ice  Northwest Library at Noon: "LEGO Summer Reading Kickoff Party" with LEGO block play, "Books Come to Life" displays by a loc...

Metropolitan Library System Launches Summer Reading Program on June 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2024

The Metropolitan Library System's Summer Reading program returns from June 1 to July 31. This annual event, with a tradition spanning over ninety years, celebrates the power of reading under the theme "Adventure Begins at your Library." 

Summer Reading serves as a tool to combat the "Summer Slide," a reference to a decline in academic skills some students experience during the break from school. Research has shown that students may be able to avoid the slump by reading 20 minutes a day. 

Beanstack, a website a...

Susan Smith appointed Interim CEO of Metropolitan Library System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2024

Experienced library leader Susan Smith has been named Interim CEO of the Metropolitan Library System (MLS). Smith will assume the role vacated by Larry Nash White whose resignation is effective on May 29. 

"I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO," said Smith. "I look forward to continuing the incredible work initiated by Larry Nash White, enhancing our community’s access to library resources, and fostering an environment of lifelong learning and engagement. Together with our dedicated staff and the support of the ...

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...