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...
TUMBLEBOOKS NOW AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Tumble into a new read at your local library! Want access to free literacy tools and family entertainment? Your library has a new children’s literacy eResource available with your library account, Tumblebooks! Download the Tumblebooks app through your phone or tablet or browse books online through your internet browser.
Tumblebooks features over 1100 titles for grades K-6 including animated, graphic novels, read-along books and National Geographic videos. The service also includes books ...
BELLE ISLE LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR RENOVATIONS
The library known to many as the “Millennium Falcon” or “Starship Enterprise” will close on July 17, 2020 to undergo an extensive remodel, launching the 1960s style library into the future. Before this remodel begins, the library will move into a temporary location at 3621 NW Expressway, next to Gold’s Gym and Buy for Less.
The temporary library location will open in mid-August, and construction will start around the same time on the renovations of the existing building.
The renovations will preserve the building’s iconic looks while still giving the library some much ne...
Belle Isle Closed for Renovations
The temporary location is at 3621 NW Expressway (between Gold’s Gym and Pruett's Foods). The temporary location provides public computers, curbside delivery of holds, and a browsing collection during regular operations. Due to limited space, this location cannot accept donated materials at this time.
About the Renovation
ADG is the local architecture firm for the renovation.
The renovations will preserve the building’s iconic looks while still giving the library some much needed upgrades. The renovation will include adding over 10,000...
Bethany Library Closure
To our customers and our community,
We learned on July 1 that a staff member at the Bethany Library tested positive for COVID-19. For the safety of our staff and customers we closed the library immediately for a professional deep cleaning and the library will reopen when we believe it is safe to do so and staffing level permits. All staff members who may have been exposed will quarantine for 14 days and are encouraged to be tested. The Library staff are diligent about our requirement for employees to wear masks and the employee who tested positive was wearing a mask while at work....
METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM LAUNCHES ONLINE LITFEST
Are you an aspiring author, storyteller or content creator? Then stop by the Metropolitan Library System’s website during the month of July to learn tips and tricks, and to view live or recorded sessions about the writing industry from local authors.
“This is the third year for the event, but this year it’s all virtual,” said Adult Librarian Sarah Brown, who is the brains in charge of the program. “People will have the unique opportunity to learn from industry professionals about a variety of topics ranging from how to grow your online platform, how to self-publish for free and ti...
Libraries Open for Phase 2
The Metropolitan Library System announced that all libraries will be open for Phase 2 on Monday, June 1 2020.
Phase 2 allows a limited amount of customers in the building to use computers in one-hour sessions. The computers available will be spaced out for social distancing. Customers may also come to the building for copies or faxing.
Face masks are recommended for customers entering the building.
“We’re excited to see more of our customers,” Chris Kennedy, Metropolitan Library System Deputy Director of Library Services. “Curbside pick-up is going ...
GENEALOGY ONE-ON-ONE TUTORIALS
Looking for clues as to your ancestry? Or do you have specific questions on how to get started with your genealogy research? The Metropolitan Library System is hosting one-on-one sessions to provide the support and guidance needed for specific genealogy research needs.
“We started doing the one-on-one meetings with customers during the unexpected closure, and they were a big hit,” said Special Collections Librarian Lisa Bradley. “We use Zoom to hold the meetings, but other than a few minor minor technical glitches, we haven’t had any issues.
Looking into ancestry c...