By Zoe Elrod, Internal Communications Coordinator

Libraries are full of stories, but some of the most meaningful ones belong to the people who bring them to life, including staff, guests and advocates who believe in the library’s impact. 

Libraries nationwide celebrate National Library Week April 19–25, recognizing the essential role libraries play in strengthening communities. The 2026 theme, “Find Your Joy,” invites everyone to discover what sparks joy at the library. 

This year’s honorary chair is Mychal Threets, an award-winning librarian, author and new host of Reading Rainbow, known for his welcoming message, “I’m so happy you’re here,” a spirit that reflects what libraries offer every day, including at Metropolitan Library System. 

A Place for Learning and Connection 

For Metro Library guest Loretta Gallo, the library is more than a place to borrow books. It’s a place to learn, stay active and connect with others. 

“The bottom line is that the library is a very rich resource,” Gallo said. 

She values the library’s wide range of free resources, from books and movies to magazines and newspapers and appreciates how staff can help track down new materials. Plus, programs like the Experience Pass offer free access to local museums, while online databases open up new ways to learn. She also enjoys events across the system, especially LitFest each August at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, which brings together authors, publishers and readers. 

One of the most meaningful parts of her library experience has been the friendships she’s made. At one class, Gallo met another participant and discovered their husbands had both served in the Navy and that they had lived in some of the same places. 

“Since meeting, we have taken several classes together...sourdough starter class, Viking jewelry class and Japanese bookbinding class,” Gallo said. 

She has also formed friendships with library staff and says she has always felt welcomed at the library, which she calls “the heart of the community.” 

“I am thrilled to meet my local librarians because they are intelligent individuals and a unique resource for me,” she said. “I know that my librarian can help direct me to the information that will answer my questions.” 

For Gallo, the library plays an important role in lifelong learning. 

“As human beings, we all want to be good examples for our children, for our students and for ourselves,” she said. “Learning is a lifelong goal. The Metropolitan Library System helps us keep our minds sharp. There is no end to the things we can learn in a library.” 

Reaching Milestones with Metro Library 

For Jacob, the library helped him reach a goal he once thought was out of reach. 

Through the library’s Excel High School program, he completed coursework online and earned his high school diploma with support from library staff. 

“The Excel program has been great,” Jacob said. “The website and courses were straightforward and thoughtfully put together. The staff was available whenever I had questions.” 

He credits the library for helping him reach a milestone that once felt impossible. 

“I actually owe it all to Metro Library and the people there who were helpful and supportive,” he said. “Without this program, it would have taken much longer and been a lot more difficult to finally get my diploma.” 

Now, at 48, Jacob is looking ahead. 

“I never thought I would be able to get my diploma and then go on to college at my age and with my circumstances,” he said. “Metro Library made this happen for me.” 

The library has also helped others reach life-changing milestones. Library user Patria Ray attended the library’s citizenship classes as she prepared for her exam. 

“I came feeling insecure,” she said. “But the teachers at the library supported me with patience and kindness. They encouraged me when I doubted myself and believed in my potential.” 

With their help, she passed her citizenship exam. 

“Thanks to their support, I not only passed, but I also discovered that I could overcome any challenge,” she said. 

The People Behind the Library 

National Library Week also highlights the people who make library services possible. 

Each day recognizes a different aspect of library work, including Right to Read Day, National Library Outreach Day and Take Action for Libraries Day. 

Observed each Tuesday, National Library Workers Day honors the many staff working behind the scenes. From librarians to fleet drivers, they keep the library running, connecting people with resources and creating welcoming spaces. 

Meet some of our library staff!

Mary West serves the Choctaw, Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park libraries, and is especially known for her work with teens at Choctaw. She creates a space where young people feel they belong, leads weekly programs, guides teen volunteers, and sparks new ideas for engagement. She also connects with students through the Lunch Bunch Book Club at Choctaw Middle School. 

“The weekly chaos of teen programs is my favorite part of the job. Getting to know the teens' personalities and seeing them grow and bloom over time has been so rewarding.” - Mary West

Darryl Prather is a delivery driver in Metro Library’s Maintenance Department, making sure branches have the supplies and materials they need. With a truck driver father and a librarian mother, the role feels like a natural fit. Outside of work, some may recognize him as a longtime DJ on KATT-FM. What he enjoys most, though, is the people of the library system, and the warm welcome he gets on every delivery round. 

“What I love most about my job is seeing the staff at the libraries and how glad they are to see me. Everyone is just so nice and upbeat.” - Darryl Prather  

Janeal Walker is the Director of Collection Services and Development at the Metropolitan Library System. Since joining MLS as a Circulation Clerk in 2011, she has served in a variety of roles that have deepened her understanding of public library operations and strengthened her commitment to community-centered service. She oversees the teams that complete the behind-the-scenes magic necessary to provide all library materials in digital and physical formats.   

"The most enjoyable part of my job is solving problems and reducing barriers for success for my team. Our goal is to provide exceptional collection that reflects community demand and the diversity of our world. I love knowing that we provide materials to empower our community to learn, grow, and connect. - Janeal Walker 

Heidi Port is the Volunteer Coordinator in Development and Volunteer Services, working closely with donors and volunteers. She aims to make everyone, especially volunteers, feel valued and empowered to make a difference. She coordinates programs like Children Reading to Dogs, helped grow the Friends of the Library Book Sale, and played a key role in the 2004 opening of the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library, organizing 3,000 volunteers to pass books hand to hand across four blocks. 

“I love libraries because they are the great equalizer where everyone is welcome and can get what they need with minimal barriers.” - Heidi Port  

With more than 25 years at Southern Oaks, Engagement Specialist Darrie Breathwit leads a book club celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. She partners with local agencies to bring health, wellness and educational programs to library guests. She said she enjoys connecting guests with the information they need and feels honored to serve library guests and work with colleagues who inspire her. 
 

"The library is a welcoming place for all; it is truly the people's university. There is always something new to discover and learn, with welcoming people to help you achieve your dreams." - Darrie Breathwit

Scott Garrison is the Adult Services Manager in Outreach & Engagement, overseeing programs like Winter Reading, the Excel Adult High School Program and Tailored Titles while building community partnerships and supporting staff. Known for his calm, welcoming presence and with more than a decade in libraries, he especially values outreach, connecting people with all there is to discover and love about the library. 

"I love getting to collaborate with staff across the system on so many different projects, but my favorite part of the job is getting to connect guests with resources and programs they didn't know existed.” - Scott Garrison