OKLAHOMA CITY– The new state-of-the-art Bethany Library is set to open in November. The 23,000-square-foot library is much more than simply a new building – it offers a new library experience.

The new Bethany Library, on 6700 NW 35, will open on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at 10 a.m., and it is sure to wow library goers. The library features a makerspace with cutting -edge technology, tech-friendly community meeting spaces, a separate children’s programming/event space, outdoor reading porches and one-of-a-kind public art.

Grand opening festivities include music and theatrical performances, face painting, an extreme animals presentation, artist talks and more. There will also be demonstrations in the makerspace.

“We are ecstatic!” Bethany Library Manager Rondia Banks said. “This new library will bring so much to our community. From the building design, to the carefully curated books and other items for checkout, to the wall art and the technology galore – a lot of time and thought went into making this a space with something for everyone.”

The Bethany Library will be the first library in Oklahoma County to have a makerspace. MLS Studios is Bethany Library’s new makerspace, a premiere space for the technology enthusiast, the creative or just the curious looking to try something inventive. The space features a green screen and production software, 3D printers and 3D modeling software.

Local artist Nick Bayer and sculptor Scott Stearman will speak at the opening to present their works. Bayer painted a mural for the library reimagining Route 66 inspired by beloved children’s books. Stearman sculpted a whimsical scene depicting a storyteller and a young girl listening closely as the storyteller shares knowledge from some of the great books of our time.

The Bethany Library temporary location on NW 23 will close on Nov. 4 and will remain closed until the grand opening at the new 6700 NW 35 location on Nov. 16.

The original Bethany Library opened in 1965. In fiscal year 2018, the Bethany Library had more than 240,000 visits. The library has had a 3 percent uptake in library visits and items borrowed since 2018. Overall, the library serves about 22,000 active customers.

Schedule:

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Bethany 5th Grade Honor Choir

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Silver Strings of Putnam City Schools

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Face Painting and Balloon Twisters

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Mad Science

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Meet the Artist

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Bethany Stage

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Author Storytime

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Lucas Ross

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Extreme Animals

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Highland Mist

About the Metropolitan Library System

The Metropolitan Library System is a public library system serving Oklahoma County residents. MLS includes 19 library branch locations. The Metropolitan Library System is the largest library system in Oklahoma, serving anyone who lives, attends school, or owns property in Oklahoma County. MLS circulates over 6 million materials each year.