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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...