Explore with Flat Spoticus This Summer!
Take your favorite library mascot, Spoticus, with you on adventures during the summer!Here are the instructions for creating and participating in the Flat Spoticus fun:
Creating Flat Spoticus:1. Color and Decorate
Use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to add some personality to Spoticus. Consider dressing him in unique outfits or adding accessories!
2. Laminate (optional)
If you want to make Spoticus more durable for travel, you can laminate him using self-adhesive laminating sheets or clear packing tape.
3. Cut Out Spoticus
Care...
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...
My Library
Essay by Aunnesty
Inside a small, simple library in the center of town, I entered the children’s area and collapsed next to a fluffy therapy dog. The other children, who were cuddling close to their dogs on colorful rugs, quietly read in peaceful voices. At five years old, I enjoyed the world of books even though I could not yet read, so I listened earnestly to my mother’s soft voice as she read to me and my dog. My love of the library had begun. Since then, the library has remained one of my favorite places to visit, and it holds a significant place in my...
The Summer Slide
Emily Williams, Teen Services Manager and Kristin Williamson, Children’s Services Manager, Outreach and Engagement Services
The Summer Slide isn’t a new feature at the local park or splash pad. No, the Summer Slide is what happens between school years when young people do not read or otherwise work to retain what they learned in school.
On average, children who do not read during the summer lose approximately two months of their reading achievement. They typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of the summer than they did on the...
Why should you read aloud to your children?
Sarah Brown, Librarian, Downtown Library
Every year, research continues to highlight how reading is a fundamental building block to learning. Literacy can impact graduation rates, earning potential, justice-involvement, and even health outcomes. The simple act of reading to your children is one of the easiest ways you can set them up for success. There are many documented benefits, but they can all fall within three categories: language, connection, and socio-emotional.
1. Language
Children acquire the bu...
Benefits of Reading
by Emily Williams, Teen Services Manager, Outreach and Engagement Services
Reading is good for you. But why? Let’s dive into all the reasons why reading is important and contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Most of us recognize that reading helps us learn and grow, but have you thought about other potential benefits like improved physical health and stress relief?
As a library employee, one of my favorite “reading is good for you” facts to share is that reading fiction improves empathy. If you’re want to broaden your horizons, understand your ...
Mental Health Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month
Resources provided by Kassy, Librarian at Northwest Library and Sheldon, Librarian in Special Collections
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we are sharing mental health resources in our monthly podcast:
Children's Picture Books Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard Niko Draws a Feeling by Bob Raczka Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellins When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Eland
Teens Nonfiction The Str...
12 Ways to Get Caught Reading
by Buddy Johnson, Manager of Special Collections and Research
It is Get Caught Reading Month promoting the fun of reading for readers of all ages. We compiled our top 12 ways to get caught reading. We hope that this May you get caught too.
# 1
Reading while exercising is a no-brainer! Health professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise a day so you're killing two birds with one stone (or choose your own less-violent proverb). Mind and body. Perfect harmony. It's simple with downloadables from yo...
Top Checkouts of 2021
If you borrowed from the Metropolitan Library System’s collection in 2021, you may have joined the ranks of those who’ve contributed to our top checkouts of the year.
We compiled the top five checkouts in categories ranging from graphic novels to DVDs and adult nonfiction to see what our customers couldn’t get enough of in 2021.
Peruse the infographic below to see what made the cut. Did did any of your favorites make the list?
...
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 streaming movies and music? All free with your library card? Read on!
Databases
It’s a boring word that hides some of our most exciting resources. Yes, databases are excellent for writing research papers and finding peer-reviewed articles. But we also have databases that ca...
Top 10 Things to Do with Your Metro Library Card
by Marlene and Ellory, Central Information Services
1. Check out a book, of course
There are countless books available for checkout in our library collection. With your library card, you can check out books for all ages, reading levels and interests! Visit one of our libraries to browse our shelves or check out our online catalog.
Don’t find what you need on the shelf? We can send material from any of our 19 locations to your local library! Ask a staff member or use the "hold" button on our catalog to reserve an item, and we'll notify you when it's ...
5 Tips for the Beginning Indie Writer
by Victoria, Marketing and Communications
What’s the deal with indie publishing? What is it and why are so many writers skipping the traditional publishing route? Writers who’ve published traditionally for years have made the switch to “indie” (aka independent or self-publishing) because it gives them more control over the finished product and it also allows much more schedule flexibility.
I talked with former OverDrive Big Library Read featured author and Edmond Library customer, Lacy Williams, to get the lowdown on what makes indie publishing right for...
Say Goodbye to Overdue Fines
At Metro Library, our mission is "connecting our diverse communities with resources and experiences to educate and enrich lives." This past year has shown us just how important a role the library plays in the lives of our customers 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 two big decisions:
On June 30, 2021, we will forgive the overdue fine balances for all customers. Fees for damaged or lost items are not included in this action.On July 1, 20...
Q&A: Artist Beatriz Mayorca Shares Her Inspiration for Capitol Hill Library Sculpture
by Morgan, Marketing and Communications
Books. Lots and lots of library books.
That was the first step for local artist Beatriz Mayorca in researching her new art installation at the Capitol Hill Library. Her brightly colored — and seriously heavy duty — origami airplanes soar overhead as customers pass in and out of the library.
I got a chance to talk with Mayorca shortly after she installed her piece in 2020, and she said the library is the first place she tur...
Top 10 Ways to Participate in the Summer Reading Program
by Victoria, Marketing and Communications
What does the Summer Reading program mean to you? While reading is an important part of participation, reading is not the only way to participate and earn points. If you are the parent or guardian of a reluctant reader or an adult participant who doesn’t have a lot of time to read, there are other ways to participate and earn points.
1. Check out a new genre
Are you a die-hard mystery reader? Or maybe you only read romance. Whatever your favorite genre may be, perhaps it’s time for a ch...