Blog Entries

Blog Type

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?  

 

...

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...

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...

Prost! We Found Our Sister Library in Düsseldorf, Germany

by Morgan, Marketing and Communications

I’d say a toast is in order.  

Metro Library has secured a sister library partnership with the International English Library in Düsseldorf, Germany, and I for one feel like raising a glass to that. As someone who’s wanted for years to learn more about Deutschland, its people, its history and its culture, it couldn’t get much better than this.  

Exhibit A: My home is filled with German language flashcards and textbooks from my German for traveling class at Francis Tuttle Technology Center...

Free Downloadable and the Benefits of Pretend Play

by Victoria, Marketing and Communications

Downloadable Designed by Reagan, Engagement Specialist at Ralph Ellison Library

Children love to pretend! My daughters are constantly mimicking the things I do. When I'm in the middle of cooking a meal, I'll sneak around the corner to get a glimpse of them in the playroom. And what are they doing? They are pretending to cook at their play kitchen of course! When they see me put on deodorant in the morning, they lift each arm and pretend to put on their own invisible deodorant. 

While it’...

5 Ways to Become a Joy Harjo Superfan

by Victoria, Marketing and Communications

There is absolutely no question that Joy Harjo has captured our attention. Everything from the gracefully raw way that she leads our literary senses as the U.S. Poet Laureate to how she teaches us about real history and the historical experiences of Indigenous peoples that many of us did not learn in history class. Joy Harjo has a way of exposing our every emotion.

Maybe you’ve never read poetry and you’ve clicked on this article thinking, I can learn more about the US Poet Laureate and perhaps even start reading a little poetry....

Holy Bagumba! Flora and Ulysses Read Alikes

by Allie, Children's Librarian at Belle Isle Library

 

In the words of Flora, "HOLY BAGUMBA!" Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo will debut as a movie on Disney+ on February 19th. This laugh-out-loud story is filled with eccentric, endearing characters. The tale centers on Flora Belle Buckman, a self-described cynic, who saves a squirrel from a vacuum cleaner. In an unexpected occurrence, this squirrel (Ulysses) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry. These two go on an adventure to discover hope and what it ...

The Art of Quilting

by Jennifer, Adult Librarian at the Northwest Library

 

Most likely, ever since people realized they could make a “fabric sandwich” to keep warm, they also added personal, artistic touches to their quilted works. The earliest known written records describing quilts are nearly 1,000 years old, but scholars believe quilting in some form existed long before that. Quilting techniques have been used in garments as varied as soldiers’ armor and ladies’ petticoats, as well as in making window and bed coverings.

During Black History Month, as we take time to appre...

5 Reasons We Can’t Get Enough of Tochi Onyebuchi’s Books

When we booked our author for February 2021’s Author Visit, you’d have thought Metro Library System was about to welcome the Dalai Lama, the full cast of “Schitt’s Creek” or the teacher who created Bernie Sanders’ recycled wool mittens.  

I detected reverence in our children’s services manager’s voice as she revealed who was slated to share their authoring insights in our big, monthly discussion, this time celebrating Black History Month.&nbs...

Finding a Toddler-Led Reading Rhythm

by Victoria, Marketing and Communications

If you grew up reading, you probably have fond memories of a parent, caregiver, teacher or librarian who shared engaging storytime experiences with you. Or you may have developed a love of reading later in life that has become a meaningful part of your routine. Either way, avid readers who become parents are excited to begin reading to their baby or toddler. 

I have vivid memories of my mom reading ...