Do you have a child in your life?
The Metropolitan Library System offers a wide variety of developmentally appropriate programming, specially designed spaces, and materials for young children (from birth to 5 years old), along with their parents and caregivers.
Explore the links below or visit your nearest Metro Library location to learn more!
For children-specific resources, please click here and for teen-specific resources, please click here.
The Metropolitan Library System is committed to providing access to information and services to all library guests in our community. For resources related to the library's accessibility and available accommodations, please click here.
Events
Disclaimer(s)
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Disclaimer(s)
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Disclaimer(s)
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to be in attendance and be engaged with your child for this program.
Disclaimer(s)
Warning: Kit contains small parts that could represent a choking hazard. It is not intended for children under 3. It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Bag.
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
Babies & Toddlers
| Born Learning • bornlearning.org Help grow your child’s brain by turning everyday moments into fun learning opportunities for your child. |
| Center for Early Literacy Learning • www.earlyliteracylearning.org Early literacy activities for parents and caregivers to do with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. |
| Coalition of Breastfeeding Advocates (COBA) • okbreastfeeding.org The hub for all things breastfeeding in Oklahoma including breastfeeding support, Q&A, lactation consultants, laws, going back to work, and more. |
| Early Birds Oklahoma • sunbeamfamilyservices.org/earlybirds program created by Smart Start of Central Oklahoma to help parents of children from birth to 5 years with for school readiness. |
| Infant Crisis Services • www.infantcrisis.org Infant Crisis Services supplies life-sustaining formula and food as well as diapers and clothing for babies and toddlers in times of crisis. |
| Sooner Start • oklahoma.gov/health/services/children-family-health/sooner-start.html Oklahoma’s early intervention program designed to meet the needs of families with infants or toddlers (ages birth to 3 years old) with developmental delays and/or disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The program builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members to enhance infants or toddler’s learning and development through every day learning opportunities. |
| Songs for Littles • spotify.com Curated Spotify playlist by librarians to enjoy with your little! |
| Sunbeam Family Services • sunbeamfamilyservices.org/early-education Sunbeam is a leader in early childhood care and education with a variety of early childhood programs. |
| Zero to Three • www.zerotothree.org/resources/for-families/ Straightforward science-based information and tools designed to help parents and caregivers nurture their young children’s development. |
General Parenting
| Child Development Institute • childdevelopmentinfo.com Provides information on child development, psychology, health issues, parenting and family life. |
| Children Now • www.childrennow.org Children Now is a nonpartisan organization recognized nationally for its policy expertise and up-to-date information regarding children. The targeted audience is broad, reaching out to parents, lawmakers, citizens, business, media and community leaders. |
| Oklahoma Autism Center • autismcenterok.org Improving the quality of life for children on the autism spectrum through screenings, awareness, outreach, early intervention & professional development programs. |
| Parent Promise • parentpromise.org A local organization that provides parents with one-on-one support, guidance and resources to develop a nurturing home and strengthen their family, whether it be in the form of parenting advice, child development exercises or emotional support. |
Health & Safety
| Healthfinder • health.gov/myhealthfinder Gateway to selected health and human services information resources with online links to governmental and public organizations by subject, including parenting, infants, children, teens, and families. |
| HealthyChildren.org • www.healthychildren.org An online resource powered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its member pediatricians who dedicate their efforts and resources to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. |
| KidsHealth • kidshealth.org Created by the pediatric medical experts at The Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children, The Nemours Childrens Clinic, and other children's health facilities nationwide. Articles on many aspects of child health, for parents, kids, and teens. |
| National Immunization Program • www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ Centers for Disease Control compiled information on childhood diseases and immunization. |
Helpful Apps
The Metropolitan Library System cannot guarantee that all apps listed in this section are free to use. Please note that apps may have free trial periods or other associated costs. We encourage you to download and use them at your discretion.
| BabyCenter • apps.babycenter.com The BabyCenter app guides you through the countdown to your baby’s due date, offers weekly baby growth tracking and provides fetal development videos for each stage of pregnancy. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
| Baby Tracker: Newborn Log This is a free app for parents looking for a simple way to track their baby’s schedule (breastfeeding, bottlefeeding, sleeping, diapers, medicines) and other information and milestones. This app is free to download, but offers in-app purchases and may have additional costs. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
| CDC Milestone Tracker • www.cdc.gov Track your child’s milestones from age two months to five years with the CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists. Plus get tips from the CDC for encouraging your child’s development and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
| Canopie for Parents An app for postpartum and mental health support, Canopie uses screenings, virtual care, classes, and daily mood logs. This app is free to download, but offers in-app purchases and may have additional costs. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
| Dadnatal Parenting app for new and expecting dads that helps build a community among fathers. This app is free to download, but offers in-app purchases and may have additional costs. Download on Google Play |
| The Happy Child Parenting App The Happy Child - Parenting App grants you access to cutting-edge research and tips that will help you raise a happy, well-adjusted child. Years of ground-breaking research and findings in Psychology, Neuroscience and Pediatrics have been curated into one easy-to-use app at no cost. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
| Solid Starts • solidstarts.com It will show you how to feed your baby as they start solid foods, what foods to avoid, to introduce, how to prepare them, and it will allow you track the foods they have tried by date.This app is free to download, but offers in-app purchases and may have additional costs. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
| The Wonder Weeks Find out all about your baby’s 10 mental leaps. Learn and understand why your baby cries more during the fussy phase, and how you can support them. This is a tracker app to document your baby’s leaps in their mental development, milestones and growth. (Best for ages 0-20 months.) This is a paid app. Download on App Store • Download on Google Play |
Reading & Books
| 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten • metrolibrary.org/1000books A program designed to help parents prepare their children for one of life’s big milestones: kindergarten. Research has shown that children get ready to read long before they enter school. An excellent way to get your child ready to learn is to read to them. |
| Dolly Parton's Imagination Library • supportmls.org/imagination-library/ A book gifting program that will provide a FREE book each month for a child from the time they are born until their 5th birthday. (Must live in Oklahoma County.) |
| International Children's Digital Library • en.childrenslibrary.org/ Free access to over 4000 digital children's books online in over 50 languages. |
| PBS Reading and Learning • www.pbs.org/parents/learn-grow/all-ages/literacy Articles, activities and booklists for parents and children. |
| Storyblocks • www.storyblocks.org/ An online video collection featuring one-minute songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and preschool children in both English and Spanish. |
Databases
Collections
TumbleBook Library
The TumbleBook Library has over a thousand always available eBooks for elementary school students. It includes animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, and graphic novels as well as learning activities for literacy and reading comprehension such as puzzles, games, quizzes, and lesson plans.
Kids & Screen Time
Do you often wonder if your child is getting too much screen time, whether from a phone, TV, or other device? These titles advise how to balance your family’s screen time.
Let’s Talk About Sex
Many parents dread having the sex talk with their kids. It can be awkward. But we have you covered with books to help explain sex, whether you’re giving a little information to a younger child or going more in depth with an older child. There are both secular and religious-based titles, so you can choose what is right for your family.
Potty Training
Potty training can be frustrating. Check out some of these adult books to learn how to make it easier. Don’t forget to check out books and DVDs to encourage your little ones to use the potty!