Important Updates and Reminders
The library will be reopening in steps and phases for the safety of our customers and staff.Phase 2 - Beginning on June 1st, 2020
While library buildings are not open for general library use, phase 2 does include:
Curbside Pickup
- Hours will be extended to M-Th: 9am- 8pm; Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-6pm.
- Curbside delivery for Harrah, Jones, Luther, Nicoma Park, and Wright will operate within their regular hours of operation.
- To pick up a hold, call the library once you have arrived and staff will bring the materials to your car.
Public Computer and Printer Use
- Public computers will be available for 1-hour use and require in-person reservation.
- Computers will be spaced to support social distancing and will be disinfected after every use.
- There will be a limited number of computers available at each location.
- You will receive up to $1 in free printing (black and white: $.10/page, color: $.50/page). If your print requests will total more than $1, you must have a library card or be able to pay by credit card. We are not accepting cash at this time.
- Children's computers will not be available during Phase 2.
Staff Assisted Services
- Walk up service for faxing, scanning, and copying will be available. Staff will take your document(s) into the building and fax/scan/copy it for you.
- You will receive up to $1 in free copying (black and white: $.10/page, color: $.50/page). If your copy requests will total more than $1, you must have a library card or be able to pay by credit card. We are not accepting cash at this time.
- You can make free copies of the following forms of ID needed to vote by absentee ballot:
- A valid photo identification issued to you by the United States, by the State of Oklahoma, or by a federally recognized Native American nation or tribe, or
- A valid photo identification issued to you by a branch of the United States armed forces because you are a member or a retired member of that service branch, or
- The free Voter Identification Card mailed to you by your County Election Board when you registered to vote. (Please contact your County Election Board to have a new copy of your Voter Identification Card mailed to you.)
Safety Measures
- Face masks are recommended for customers entering the building.
- Staff will wear PPE like face masks and gloves while interacting with customers and handling materials.
Online Programming
- Summer Reading begins on June 1st. The program can be completed entirely online. Log minutes and activities to earn points. Prize pickup has been tenatively delayed to August 2020.
- Neighborhood Arts performances are scheduled Monday-Friday until July 24th. A variety of musical styles and performance arts round out the cultural offerings. The performances are sponsored by the Arts Council of OKC, National Endowment of the Arts and the Oklahoma Arts Council, and aim to provide access to music, dance and visual arts education” to the community.
- Online Storytimes are scheduled weekly on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
- Don't know what to read next? Let our reading experts help you select titles made just for you. to be emailed to you.
- Watch our events calendar for additional exciting programs throughout the Summer.
Additional Updates
- Browsing the shelves, reading in a library, and self-checkout will not be available during Phase 2.
- Materials can only be returned using the outside book drops during Phase 2.
- Access free Wi-Fi from our library parking lots at any time.
- In-person library programs are suspended through July 31, but many programs are available online.
- Library outreach has been suspended through July 31.
- Public meeting room usage has been suspended through July 31.
- In-person volunteer opportunities at our libraries have been suspended through July 31, including Friends of the Library volunteers.
- Book donations at our libraries and sort site have been suspended through July 31.
Previous Updates
Curbside Service
- Curbside pick up of holds began Monday, May 4 and will continue throughout Phase 2.
- Hours for curbside pick up are Mon-Th 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-6pm.
- To pick up a hold, call the library once you have arrived and staff will bring the materials to your car.
Other Updates
- Materials can only be returned at our outdoor book drops. Staff cannot accept returned materials in person.
- All returned material will be quarantined for 72 hours before being checked in. The returned items will remain checked out on your account during this time and when they are checked in, you will be credited for the actual date of return.
- Due dates for titles due during the closure have been changed to Monday, May 18.
- No late fees will accrue until May 25, including for ILL loans.
- No new ILL requests can be placed at this time.
- Access free Wi-Fi from our library parking lots at any time.
- In-person library programs are suspended through July 31, but many programs are available online.
- Library outreach has been suspended through July 31.
- Public meeting room usage has been suspended through July 31.
- In-person volunteer opportunities at our libraries have been suspended through July 31, including Friends of the Library volunteers.
- Book donations at our libraries and sort site have been suspended through July 31.
The Metropolitan Library System (MLS) is actively monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all library locations are closed through Sunday, May 3rd.
Decisions like these do not come easy, as it means a temporary loss of access to the in-person learning services and gathering spaces the Library is known for providing to so many in our community. However, while our physical libraries may be closed, we will continue to provide the many digital services you can access from home, such as e-books and e-audiobooks, streaming movies and TV shows, homework help and job search resources, digital magazines and newspapers, and more.
We will be in continued contact with the Library Commission to evaluate our response beyond this timeline. All holds on Library materials will remain active and Library materials already checked out can be renewed on our website for your convenience. Titles currently checked out will not accrue late fees while we are closed. All materials currently checked out will been renewed with a new due of Monday, May 18th, 2020. Thank you for your understanding.
Information about COVID-19 is rapidly changing. We are at an unprecedented moment in our city, state, and country. At this time of uncertainty, MLS is continuing to keep all those impacted by the virus in our thoughts. For those of you who interact with our wonderful staff, please note that we are looking at ways of utilizing their talents during this time and being considerate of their health and well-being.
We are doing everything we can to prevent the spread of illness throughout our libraries and that includes ensuring that we are following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control regarding social distancing. We look forward to welcoming you back into our buildings when it is safe to do so, so our communities can begin to reconvene and rebuild a sense of normalcy.
We will regularly update this page.
Information about COVID-19 is rapidly changing. We have reached out to the Oklahoma City-County Health Department and we will follow guidance from our local, county, and state health experts. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For up-to-date information about Oklahoma, visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health's Coronavirus Response page.
Access the Library from Home
eBooks, Audiobooks, TV Shows, Movies, and Music Available 24/7
Your library has plenty of online tools for all ages - including e-books, e-audiobooks, databases, streaming music, movies, TV series and more. Access all this and more with your library card no matter where you are.
Participate in a Reading Program
Now is the perfect time to join one of the library's active reading programs. The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program encourages parents and caregivers to read 1,000 books by the time the child reaches kindergarten. In Spring into Reading reading challenge read 20 minutes a day until April 30th. Log 6 hours for a chance to win an iPad or tote bag full of books.
Research, Services, & Online Learning
Get access to library services, collections, research and online learning sources wherever you are! Get help from Ask a Librarian, explore online training through Lynda.com, learn a new language, research your family history, and more.
Coronavirus FAQ
According to the CDC, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Coronavirus symptoms often appear similar to the common cold or influenza. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
According to the CDC, symptoms may appear between 2-14 days after being exposed.
Coronavirus is thought to spread through close contact (within about 6 feet). Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled into the lungs through the nose or mouth.
It is possible to spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it. However, this is not thought to be the main way of spreading the virus.
Infected people are believed to be the most contagious when they display the most symptoms. Spread is possible before showing symptoms, but this is less likely.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. Preventative measures to prevent the spread of disease include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
U.S. Department of State Travel Bans and More
See recently updated travel bans, recommendations for international travelers and assistance for U.S. citizens abroad.
Preventative Measures and Information
Interim guidance, as provided by the CDC, is based on what is currently known about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and transmission of other viral respiratory infections. CDC will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available.