By Zoe Elrod, Internal Communications Coordinator 

Your library card is more than a way to borrow books; it is a key to learning, entertainment, personal growth and community connection. A library card is free for residents of Oklahoma County and gives you access to a full range of services. Plus, students in area schools can use their ONEcard, which automatically enrolls them in a partnership between Metro Library and local schools, giving them access to the same great resources. With physical and digital materials, educational tools, literacy programs, events and essential community services, that little card opens the door to big possibilities.

Borrow, Browse, and Stream Your Way to Lifelong Learning

With your library card, you can explore more than 1.5 million physical items including books, DVDs, CDs and graphic novels. You can also access a digital library filled with eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines, with titles ranging from fiction and memoir to cooking, home improvement and self-help. If you want movies, music or comics, services such as hoopla let you stream or download films, television, albums, comics, and audiobooks anytime on your personal device. Online research tools, databases, and skill-building learning platforms are ready and waiting too. Whether you are earning a certificate, searching for your family history, preparing for a test, or learning something new just for fun, your local library helps learning stay accessible.

Services and Support for Everyone

Each Metropolitan Library System (MLS) branch offers public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, and scanning. Meeting rooms and study spaces are available for reservation, perfect for group work, community meetings, or quiet focus time. For Oklahoma County residents who are age 65 or older or who are homebound, Library by Mail sends books, DVDs, and other materials directly to your home, ensuring the library is always within reach. MLS also provides support including citizenship resources, voter information, financial literacy tools and help during tax season. These services are designed to empower every member of our community.

Building Early Readers

Families can put their library card to work by joining 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a program that helps young children develop early literacy skills and a love of reading long before they start school. Children from birth until kindergarten can participate, and families log every book they share together, whether it is a board book, picture book or audiobook. Children earn fun rewards along the way including stickers, a plush reading buddy at 500 books, and a special tote bag and certificate when they reach 1,000. The most meaningful reward is the one that lasts a lifetime: strong language development, storytelling skills, curiosity and a love of reading.

The library also partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to mail a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book each month to children from birth through age five in Oklahoma County. Together with storytimes, take-home kits, and other literacy programs, families can build a strong foundation for learning one book at a time.

A Community for All Ages

The Metropolitan Library System is a lively community hub filled with programs and events for every age and interest. Families can enjoy storytimes and hands-on activities, while teens and adults can participate in author events, educational workshops, creative classes and cultural programs. And if you have an idea for a new club or event, your library staff would love to help make it happen. Libraries grow stronger with community input.

Whether you’re reading with your little one, attending a craft program, watching a favorite movie, researching for work or school, discovering a new hobby or gathering with neighbors, your library card makes it possible.